As women in academia, it’s not uncommon for us to place our health on the back burner. In the rush of research, thesis work, and the inevitable publications, we become so immersed in our scholarly pursuits that self-care often fades into the background. I, too, was guilty of this. During my master’s program, I was so consumed by the pressure of completing my thesis, followed by writing popular articles and conducting webinars, that I neglected my own well-being. It wasn’t until my health began to decline that I realized just how far I had drifted from prioritizing myself.

At 24 years old, I stood 170 cm tall but weighed only 43 kg. My BMI dropped to 14.9, which classified me as severely underweight. I had developed severe vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin D,  struggling with fainting spells and hypoglycemia. It wasn’t just about my body; mentally, I felt depleted, drained by the very work I was passionate about.

The Wake-Up Call

My turning point came when my cousins persuaded me to join a gym. Like many women in research, the idea of spending time on myself felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. Reluctant and hesitant, I had never stepped into a gym before, and the thought of having a coach felt foreign. However, seeing my brothers engage in fitness motivated me to give it a try. The initial days were brutal. I struggled to perform even the simplest exercises, and my body cramped painfully due to my severe vitamin D deficiency. The situation escalated when, on the third day, I fainted during a workout. My motivation waned, and I felt lost, unsure of how to navigate this journey. Desperation drove me to seek help, and on the fourth day, I made a pivotal decision to sign up for personal training. That moment became a game-changer. My coach emerged as my greatest ally, offering more than just a workout regimen. Initially, I was burdened by misconceptions about dieting. I believed that eating had to be extreme and complicated to be effective. My coach shattered those myths, emphasizing the importance of balance. He taught me that a nutritious diet should meet my body’s needs and that success often lies in adjusting proportions rather than completely overhauling my meals. The goal was not merely to pack on calories but to nourish my body properly.

Overcoming challenges

Within a month, I witnessed a remarkable transformation, like my weight increased from 43 kg to 46.2 kg and I felt stronger, not just heavier. Our goal was to increase my weight by 4 kg per month, focusing on healthy muscle gain rather than just adding pounds. With each workout, I learned to understand my body better. My coach provided diagrams and explanations of muscle groups, which kept me engaged and motivated. As scholars, we are conditioned to prioritize our work, often at the expense of our health. My coach’s words stuck with me: “Your health is your most valuable asset. If you can dedicate even 45 minutes a day to yourself, you’re investing in a lifetime of well-being.” Those words became my mantra, reminding me that no matter how busy I became, fitness wasn’t an option—it was a necessity”.

A new perspective

This journey wasn’t just about physical transformation; it was about reclaiming my sense of self. Like many female academics, I had fallen into the trap of believing that in order to be successful, I had to sacrifice everything, including my health.  But this experience has taught me the importance of self-care. A coach serves as a crucial ally in this process, providing the expertise and motivation needed to navigate obstacles. Perhaps the one who teaches you that fitness is not about drastic measures or chasing immediate results. As scholars, we must champion the balance between career and personal well-being. In academia, we often talk about the importance of resilience, perseverance, and dedication. Yet, we rarely talk about the resilience needed to maintain our health while pursuing our dreams. My journey with fitness and the guidance of a trainer helped me see that it’s possible to do both—to be an accomplished scholar and to care for my body. It’s a lesson I hope more women in research embrace, for our health and well-being are just as critical as our academic achievements. It’s about showing up for oneself every day, regardless of how small the steps may seem. I soon realized that I am worthy of the time, effort, and care it takes to become the best version of myself. All it takes is a little time, dedication, and the right support.