It all starts with food. We have all experienced that feeling of being, "hangry." You go so long without food that if someone even looks at you funny, you will rip their head off. I have a theory that many of the self-loathing, pessimistic healthcare workers I spend time around are really just hungry... So many people underestimate the impact that food can have on our emotional wellness. Food is energy. And you have to have it. Here are 3 steps to avoid becoming a miserable healthcare worker: 1️⃣ I figure out how much I need to be eating: Whether my goal is fat loss or just not feeling like complete trash at work, I identify how much food (in calories) I will need to stay on track physically and emotionally. I like to use a total daily energy expenditure calculator (TDEE) to establish my approximate caloric goal. Comment below and I will help you establish your daily calorie goal! 2️⃣ I determine where those calories will be coming from: 500 calories of ground beef and green beans makes me feel very different than 500 calories of leftover spaghetti. We have to be selective with the foods we consume and when we consume them. Having an understanding of how different types of food impact us physically and mentally is key for establishing long-term consistency. 3️⃣ I know ~approximately~ when I will be able to eat: Sometimes I will go all day without food. But there will eventually come a time—maybe just a few minutes—where I can open the container and nourish myself. I find peace in knowing that an industry or job does not have the ability to starve me. The case will close. The shift will end. You will get to eat. Remain calm and believe.

I was completely unprepared for work today. I woke up. I had a glass of water. I went to work. No food. No caffeine. Nothing. 1:30 PM rolls around and my stomach and brain are screaming for calories and caffeine. In between surgeries, I sprinted to the cafeteria. I went for a cold cut wrap and a Blue Raspberry Celsius… The BIG can. It had 220mg of caffeine. I basically swallowed the sandwich without chewing and shotgunned the energy drink. To be honest, it made me feel incredible😂 How do you take your caffeine? When do you take it? Comment below⬇️👇

I am finishing my Monday strong. I was fortunate enough to have had a one-on-one conversation with @Jessica Tison via Zoom. Jessica is a member of this community and like many members, is a healthcare worker. We talked realities of the work place, workout programs, personal trainers, and just got to know one another. My takeaway from the call with Jessica: Sharing dialogue with one another is what creates community. EVERYONE has had experience that can be related to or learned from. If I held an online workshop or hangout, who would be interested? Like this message and leave a comment if you are. I want to meet you, talk with you, and build this community with you!💪☝️

How long does it take you to go from just waking up to walking into work for a full shift of work? When thinking about your answer, imagine waking up to the sight of someone with a stopwatch and clipboard saying, “GO!” How long does it take you to get ready? Where are you fast? Where are you slow? What time is for you? What time isn’t? Comment below⬇️ I’m super interested.