Few fields demand such a high degree of energy, concentration and emotional stability in order to do a great job, as medicine.

Listening attentively, suturing a vessel, implanting a catheter- those are all tasks that require energy, focus and concentration.

Whether you do a good job in your internship will greatly depend on what you do off the job. Coming to work physically fit and mentally strong will definitely boost your career.

In this job you need to keep your batteries charged. Here are three steps to high energy levels.

Mainly there are three ways:

1. Eat right.

   We work hard, so we deserve the cheeseburger and pizza in our lunch break, don’t we? Yeah we do, but it will spoil your day and your career.

   If you constantly eat high carb – high sugar foods (like noodles, rice, cereal, bananas, candy), that’ll deprive you of energy.

   Insulin will spike soon, and you’ll want to take a nap.Instead you should eat high protein-containing foods (eggs, ham etc) combined with slow-carbs like white, red or black beans and lentils.

   Vegetables and salad with tuna or chicken of course is also fine.

   So instead of the Pizza go for the salad with protein toppings like tuna, chicken, turkey.

   Want a snack?

   The craving for snacks during the day shows me that I  haven’t eaten right. Think about what you have had for breakfast if you are hungry again at 10:30.

   But if you know you’ll have to skip a meal because you are in the OR for a bypass or up for marathon rounds with your attending, healthy snacks can be a good idea: have some nuts (handful), a protein bar, or vegetables.

   Don’t drain your energy levels by drinking glucose. Instead of juices and soda you should drink water, unsweetened tea or 1-2 cups of coffee only (stay clear of the Caramel Frappuccino).

2. Get enough sleep!

   When I am tired, I am unconcentrated and my patience with my collleagues and patients deteriorates and I get irritable.Getting enough sleep will improve your

   concentration

   durability

   ability to listen attentively

   manual skills

    

   So make sure you get a good sleep during the night.

   Keep your cell phone, Ipad and laptop out of your bedroom.

   Darken your room: Get blackout curtains to improve your sleep quality.

3. Move!

   The assumption that we don’t have time for sports is a fairy tale. We don’t have time not to do sports.
   It will not drain but replenish your energy level.

   But even more important than going for a run is implementing moving during your day:take the stairs whenever possible.
   go to work by bike.

The best book on this topic is this one: Eat move sleep. (This is an affiliate link)

Did you like this post? Feel free to share it on Facebook!

Question: What do you do to replenish your energy level Leave a comment below!