Prioritizing Self-Care and Working Toward a Half Marathon in Residency as a First-Time Mom: Coaching Session #7 with Dr. Mary

Shownotes For Podcast Episode 22: Prioritizing Self-Care and Working Toward a Half Marathon in Residency as a First-Time Mom: Coaching Session #7 with Dr. Mary

In this episode of The Holistic Physician Coaching Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh continues her coaching engagement with Dr. Mary, a family medicine resident and first-time mother.

Dr. Mary begins by reflecting on the progress she has made and the gratitude she feels for her mental, emotional, and spiritual health as both a doctor and a mom. Although she cannot control her schedule, she notices less agitation and frustration around it.

As the conversation unfolds, self-care and exercise become the focus. Dr. Mary shares that running and yoga have been important parts of her life, but both have been difficult to maintain while working long hours, navigating changing schedules, and caring for her baby.

She describes a personal goal of running another half marathon and reflects on what running gives her: time outside, a way to get out of her mind and into her body, connection with nature, and something meaningful she can work toward with her husband and friends.

The coaching conversation explores what would need to happen for that goal to feel realistic within the demands of residency and motherhood. Dr. Mary considers how to work around her baby’s morning schedule, remain flexible when circumstances are outside of her control, and use accountability from her husband and a co-resident for support.

She also talks about wanting to bring yoga back into her routine, both for her joints and as a way to reconnect with herself. As she anticipates future night shifts and fatigue, she recognizes the importance of giving herself grace while transitioning back to a normal schedule and reflects on how much she has grown in practicing self-compassion.

As the session closes, Dr. Mary reflects on how much lighter things feel overall and on the gratitude she has for where she has been and where she is going.

For physicians and coaches, this episode offers an opportunity to reflect on what self-care can look like during demanding seasons of training, motherhood, and changing schedules. Dr. Mary’s experience highlights how returning to practices that have supported us in the past requires flexibility, self-compassion, and a willingness to adapt them to our current circumstances.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Grounding and Reflecting on Progress

05:00 — Making Space for Self-Care

09:45 — Working Toward a Half Marathon as a Resident & First-Time Mom

18:45 — Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine in Residency With Accountability & Self-Compassion

27:10 — Takeaways

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