Moving into the new year, I’m carrying forward the lessons that help me stay aligned with my goals and take meaningful action. But this time, I’m doing it differently. I’m moving with ease and flow. The years of stress and striving? That phase of my life is over, and I am fully embracing a new way of being.

How do I know?

Because stress does not serve me. I am choosing to focus on what truly brings me joy—taking care of patients and taking care of myself.

Yes, patient care and self-care are my top priorities. Everything else takes a back seat. If something does not contribute to my well-being, I am letting it go and refusing to let distractions consume my energy.

And let’s be honest, the level of self-care I am committed to requires dedication and intention every single day.

Move more

A sedentary lifestyle limits both energy and well-being. Incorporating movement—whether through walking, dancing, exercising, or simply taking the stairs—creates a shift in energy. It releases endorphins, uplifts my mood, and enhances my overall state of being. This year, I am prioritizing movement as a daily practice, embracing it as a source of strength and vitality rather than as a chore.

Now, 30 days into the new year, I am proud to say that movement is the first thing I do most mornings. Initially, it felt like an obligation, something I had to convince myself to do. But now, I no longer hesitate or hit the snooze button. Movement has become a natural part of my morning routine, especially on the early mornings when I head to the hospital. I now look forward to it, and it is incredible to witness how just 15 minutes of movement can set the tone for my entire day.

Honor myself

Those 15 minutes of movement are more than just physical activity—they are a daily act of self-respect. As I follow the instructions on my exercise app, I remain mindful of where my thoughts go, choosing to cultivate a mindset that is uplifting, empowering, and life-affirming.

Moving my body is not just about fitness; it is a way of honoring my well-being. Starting the day with mindfulness and movement establishes a foundation of inner peace, ensuring that external factors do not dictate my mental state. My well-being is not determined by how many patients I see or how efficiently my team functions that day.

Honoring myself also means deepening my relationship with myself. I have learned to recognize situations that trigger stress or overwhelm and, instead of allowing them to take over, I now pause, acknowledge them, and shift my focus. Stress no longer has a permanent place in my life because I actively choose not to let it stay.

Release distractions

Each new day presents an opportunity for growth and transformation. However, we often fail to recognize these opportunities because we are too busy replaying the past. Holding onto the past does not serve me, as it cannot be changed or relived. Instead, I choose to extract the lessons from my experiences and use them to move forward with clarity and purpose.

I am releasing everything that no longer serves me. The past is behind me, and dwelling on it only creates unnecessary distractions. Understanding this has been a game-changer in my personal growth. I am taking the wisdom gained from past experiences and using it to shape the future I desire.

As I embrace this mindset, I am noticing a powerful transformation within myself. Situations that once caused frustration or emotional distress no longer hold the same weight. I feel more in control, grounded, and free from the emotional burdens that once affected me.

I have put this approach to the test, and I am seeing the results. My ability to navigate life’s challenges with ease and resilience has strengthened, and I am moving through the year with a renewed sense of purpose.

This year is about living in alignment with what truly matters. While obstacles and challenges will always arise, I now have effective tools and strategies to bring myself back to a state of balance, ensuring that I remain focused on creating a life filled with ease, flow, and intention.

I look forward to sharing more insights along the way.

Blessings on your journey.

Stephanie Wellington is a physician, certified professional coach, and founder of Nurturing MDs, dedicated to guiding physicians from stress and overwhelm to ease and flow in the demanding medical field. She empowers clinicians to infuse new energy into their careers and reconnect with their identities beyond the stethoscope. She can also be reached on Facebook and LinkedIn.