In support of #WorldMentalHealthDay we spoke to our amazing Zinc Academy Pioneer and Psychiatry Specialty Registrar Doctor, @DrShahTarfarosh to get an eye-opening, first hand insight into what a Day in the Life is like on the mental health front-line..

[a thread]

"I wake up at 5am and I'm usually greeted by the stars in the sky. I normally journal for a few minutes focusing on all I am grateful for and follow up with my morning prayers."

"I like to exercise in the mornings before work so I take my bike out and cycle to the lake nearby to watch the sunrise. It's a nice, calming way to start the day."

"After I cycle back home, I visualise 3 challenges I might encounter during the day whilst having my shower. I regularly perform this ritual and it really helps me to be mentally prepared for the highs and lows of the day. That, plus a hearty breakfast help to keep me going."

"A blink from @blinklist everyday, keeps me mentally efficient - new way of reading bestsellers through a cool and concise summary."

"I then sit down for a morning lecture, this time on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - our usual format for lectures has now moved to be on Teams due to the pandemic."

"I love walking to work and discovering interesting street names around Oxford. After passing this fun street name, I quickly pop to the nearest supermarket to pick up a cake to celebrate passing a recent exam with my team."

"After I make it to work, I start the day by writing a few prescriptions for some of my patients."

"Did a QB test for a patient to test for ADHD, it tests hyperactivity, lack of attention and impulsivity. It's very long but useful test."

"After lunch it's some more admin, this time writing letters to local GPs to keep them updated on our plans."

"I make sure I take 2 minute breaks regularly during work and use the mantra 'release tension, set intention' during those breaks to stay productive and energetic. Staying hydrated is also key, my job involves a lot of talking and a dry mouth is not ideal."

"My final meeting of the day is an exciting one as I'm taking on a new leadership role - Doctors Mess Rep. A mess room is a room for on call doctors to rest and recuperate during their breaks. It's a key part of medical culture so I'm looking forward to this new challenge."

"Off to a night shift at another hospital, I call loved ones on the way. Had it not been for my night shift I would usually spend some time in the evening at the gym or playing basketball with some friends."

"A happy but tired face after a long day helping patients."

"After eating dinner and some well deserved ice-cream for dessert, I go over my to-do list for the day and it seems today has been a productive day. I set my tasks for the next day and head off to bed for some rest."

We hope you enjoyed our Day in the Life thread! Thank you to @DrShahTarfarosh for all his help providing us with this insight on #WorldMentalHealthDay