My words of wellbeing wisdom by Vicki Lim

Vicki Lim, final-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science student at Massey University and the

founder of The Riptide Project, shares her methods and tips for practising self-care.

What does self-care mean to you?

It means taking time off for myself – to do things that are important to me outside of work.

Spending time with loved ones, travelling, photography, and chilling out.

Self-care makes me a balanced, happier person, which allows me to do my job better and

ensure the best care for my clients and patients.

How do you practice self-care?

I’m protective of my own time. I believe in doing a good job, and leaving work on time wherever

possible so I can have the work-life balance I want.

I also try to be kind to myself. If I’m feeling depressed or stressed out, I let myself go through

that feeling, fully experiencing it in all its shittiness, with the knowledge that it will pass.

To practice self-care even when I don’t feel like it, I set reminders in my phone to go to the

beach, have a nice meal etc.

What are your tell-tale signs that you need to take care of yourself?

I get extremely tired, and start becoming very forgetful and inattentive of details.

When I’m stressed I often have trouble sleeping, which makes me more irritable in the day.

What do you do when you need a pick me up?

I give myself time to rest.

When I feel a bit better, I catch up with friends who care for me in different ways – fish and

chips by the beach, good food by the fire, and even just relaxing together in silence.

What are your wellbeing words of wisdom?

Ride the waves.

Don’t try to swim against the rip.

Swim parallel to the shore.

Go with the flow.

Be kind to yourselves and each other.

What’s your favourite inspirational quote?

"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy."

- Max Ehrmann – Desiderata

Vicki Lim is a final-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science student at Massey University, and the

founder of The Riptide Project. For more information about The Riptide Project visit: https://www.facebook.com/theriptideproj/