Between studying for the NAPLEX exam and looking for a job, the time after graduation can be a confusing and stressful time for any recently graduated pharmacist. They might be knee deep in job applications or gearing up to start their residency program while trying to study for the biggest exam of their career. If you have a friend who just graduated from pharmacy school, then here are some ways that you can support them during this stressful time.
Send them encouraging messages
Sometimes just a simple, “You got this!” can make a world of a difference in someone’s day. When being stressed out and studying for hours in a day, a text is a nice reminder that there are people out there that care about you and are thinking about you. Unless you are studying for the same exam, I wouldn’t ask how the study is going as that can be anxiety producing for some people. Feel free to ask how they are feeling overall or send a funny TikTok for them to laugh the stress away.
Cook them food or send them a meal via delivery
You know what they say – the fastest way to someone heart is through their stomach. And it can’t be truer especially during times of stress and long study sessions. When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, it’s can be easy to fall into a habit of not eating regular meals. To show your support to your friend taking the NAPLEX exam, drop off a homemade cooked meal at their house. Or if you can’t cook, send their favorite meal via a food delivery app like DoorDash (sign up using my link to get $30 off your first three orders).
Give them a call to let them know you’re thinking of them
While phone calls are definitely not as popular as they used to be, it can still be a nice change of pace from the constant notifications of social media and text messages. It’s also a great alternative if you don’t live close to your pharmacist friend and still want to chat. Sometimes just hearing a familiar voice can lift your spirits and get you in a better mood. Don’t worry if they don’t answer. Leave them a sweet voicemail letting them know you were thinking of them and wishing them the best of luck.
Provide resources for them
If you’re also studying for the NAPLEX exam, don’t be shy with sharing any and all resources that you think your friend could use as well. The NAPLEX textbooks are pretty dense, and anything that can help your friend understand the material will not go to waste. Only send over resources if they ask for them or if you see they are struggle with a particular topic. Does your friend need more help than you can give? Send them this post about my experience with a NAPLEX tutor because it may be something that they need to pass.
Ask if they need anything
When studying for a big exam, it’s easy to forget to do the simple things in life like eating, exercising, and interacting with the people that you love. An easy way to check in on your pharmacy friends is to see if you can help them with anything. It can be as simple as doing a joint study session or grabbing some groceries for them while you’re at the store. I promise that it’ll mean so much and ease their mind just little bit with one less task to do.
Surprise them with a massage or something self care related
Before a big exam, it’s so important to be in a positive mindset that is relaxing and calm. For some people, including myself, they need an outside force to help them reach a calm and relaxed state. Gift your pharmacist friend a massage or another self care activity, such as a pedicure or facial, to help them relax. I wouldn’t recommend doing anything new right before a big exam so make sure they schedule the activity two days or more before the actual test date.
Give them some slack in domestic duties
Studying for a major exam like the NAPLEX is tough enough, and it can be challenging to balance daily life with hours of studying. If it makes sense in your relationship, allow your friend to slack some in the domestic duties. Taking a chore off their to do list is something that is easy to do and so helpful for the person who’s studying.
Let them vent or explain something to you
Let’s be clear: the NAPLEX exam is not an easy exam to pass. Screw anyone that says otherwise. It takes a lot to memorize and understand the material enough to pass it. So when things get tough, the best way to be a supportive friend is to allow your pharmacist friend to vent to you or even let them explain a study point to you. Sometimes you just need a listening ear to vent to or to let out some frustration. Be a listening ear and let them know that you are there for them regardless of what they need.
Make sure they get exercise and fresh air
For most people, big exams = little to no exercise, rest, or fun activities. While it’s definitely not the healthiest way to go, it’s a pretty common occurrence among students studying for a career changing exam like the NAPLEX. Create a set routine with your partner or friend that gets them outside in the fresh air doing an easy, chill activity such as walking around the lake or take a yoga class. Ask their opinion and figure out a way to make it a pleasant part of their day that they look forward to.
Send them a care package
For friends that are a little farther away, think about sending them a care package with their favorite snacks, movies, and some other nit knacks that will make them feel loved and cared for. There’s really no limit on what you include in a care package or how you decorate the box. Have fun with it and make it extra special for your friend. Make sure to not forget the good luck card to add a little encouragement to their day as well.
Before you leave, leave a comment down below your favorite way to show your friends that you support them, and don’t forget to share this post among your inner circle to give them some directions in how you want to be supported during this tiring season.
You may also like: How to Study for the MPJE, 11 Study Tips to Help You Pass the NAPLEX exam, and How to Kickstart Your Self Care Routine for Burnt Out Pharmacists
