The Cost of Always Fixing: How Women Physicians Can Reclaim Their Well-Being

Women physicians are primed to be rescuers, helpers saviors, and fixers.

Roles that have significant costs. Especially in times like this.

Catastrophizers struggle in times like this. Optimists may too.

The optimist is worried because it is worse than they thought. The catastrophizer is worried it is going to get even worse.

Many try to force positive thoughts or be frustrated and mean to themselves when they cannot stop worrying, doom scrolling, binge eating, or buffering with other things.

They try to willpower their way forward. Without much success.

A revved-up nervous system is not an ally.

It is a great time to go back to basics.

Pause, catch your breath, and attend to your own heart and nervous system first.

Start by optimizing your physiology.

Once you are no longer on empty and no longer bathing in cortisol, you can work on a strategic mindful mindset.