“Look after your body. It’s the only home you have.” ~Jim Rohn
I once believed that being tired was just a part of my character.
I was the individual who could put in fourteen-hour shifts, rest for five, and do it all over again. I donned my fatigue like a badge of honor, showcasing my seriousness, commitment, and value.
In truth, I was pushing my body to its limits.
The Surgeon Unable to Heal Herself
I trained in surgery in London, with days commencing before dawn and stretching late into the night. I made critical decisions while operating on caffeine and sheer will.
I excelled in my profession but overlooked my own well-being.
The irony was undeniable; I could diagnose and treat others but failed to recognize my personal health challenges.
The Moment Everything Shifted
It was an ordinary Tuesday, not a grand breakdown. At 2 a.m., while attending to a patient, I experienced heavy legs and a brief episode of blurred vision. I leaned against the wall, hoping it would subside.
It wasn’t a crisis. It was a long-ignored warning.
At thirty-three, my lab results appeared normal, and my peers insisted I looked well. However, deep down, I sensed something was amiss, even if I couldn’t pinpoint it.
Discoveries When I Stopped Running
A colleague suggested I try meditation. Initially skeptical, I eventually gave it a go out of desperation, sitting on the bed for five minutes without distractions before my shift.
It felt fruitless, yet I persisted each day.
After a fortnight, my awareness expanded. I recognized jaw tightness, shallow breaths, flavorless meals, and sleep that stemmed from exhaustion rather than restoration.
Slowing down didn’t provide instant solutions, but it helped me inquire what my body genuinely required.
Exploring Beneath the Surface
Trained to detect physical injuries post-factum, I understood that harm accumulates quietly over years when rest is disregarded.
I learned about cells that require specific molecules that diminish with age and came to realize that my weariness wasn’t due to laziness—it stemmed from depleted cellular resources.
Viewing my health with curiosity, rather than criticism, transformed everything.
The Minor Adjustments That Created Major Impacts
Instead of a total transformation, I introduced changes gradually.
Initially, sleep became my priority. I dedicated myself to eight hours, even if it meant turning down invitations. The guilt felt heavy, yet the outcomes were indisputable.
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