The 60-Minute Morning Habit That Transformed My Life as a Doctor

 The 60-Minute Morning Habit That Transformed My Life as a Doctor — And How It Reflects the Vision Behind The Birthwave

Being a doctor isn’t just a profession — it’s an identity. And I think all of us doctors are super proud of that identity, considering the number of years we put in, a bit of ego (cuz you know, it’s doctor) and reward (in terms of serving people and I would be lying if I say money never drives a doctor cuz it would, just like everybody else). 

From the moment we step into medical college, we are conditioned to put others first. Whether you’re a gynaecologist, a surgeon, a paediatrician, or working in holistic wellness, the story is the same: long hours, endless responsibilities, and the constant mental load of being a healthcare professional.

It’s rewarding.

But it’s exhausting — physically, mentally, emotionally.

Over the years, I’ve seen friends burn out, colleagues lose motivation, and passionate doctors slowly become disconnected from the very reason they joined this profession — to make lives better. I’ve also seen my friends take off from practice settling down in life from a crazy burn out. 

And I’ll be honest, I’ve felt it too.

The overwhelm.

The emotional fatigue.

The feeling of being ‘switched on’ 24/7.

The feeling of can I just take a break and be a house wife? 

But one small habit changed everything for me.

And surprisingly, it had nothing to do with medical journals, hospital meetings, or clinical upgrades.

It was simpler than that.

It was an hour of stillness.

An hour with a cup of chai, a pen, paper, and my thoughts at my favourite spot. 

My 60-Minute Anchor at Chai Kings

It started as a random coffee run. 

Rushed, tired, preparing for a packed day at my clinic — The Birthwave, Chennai’s growing holistic wellness centre for women, men, and children — I decided to stop by Chai Kings one morning.

I sat down with a steaming cup of tea, my laptop, and absolutely no agenda.

No OPD appointments.

No scans.

No WhatsApp messages from staff.

Just me, my thoughts, and the comforting aroma of chai. Well I was a coffee addict, but had to give up on it cuz I wished for something in return. Since then, I’ve become a chai person. 

That 60 minutes of calm?

It became my non-negotiable daily ritual.

What I realised is this:

Doctors often tell our patients to “take care of yourself.”

We talk about stress management, mental health, holistic wellness, and balance.

But we forget ourselves.

We normalize exhaustion.

We glorify burnout.

We accept chaos as a given.

Yet, all it took was one hour — outside my clinic, outside my home, outside my responsibilities — to feel grounded, focused, and shockingly more productive.

Why Healthcare Professionals Need a ‘Cool-Off’ Ritual

Burnout among doctors is real, and it’s more common than we admit.

According to global studies, nearly 50% of healthcare providers experience burnout symptoms like emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced personal accomplishment.

But here’s the truth:

Burnout isn’t inevitable — neglect is.

We can’t pour from an empty cup. And whether you’re leading a hospital, managing a private clinic, or providing holistic healthcare services, your energy, mental clarity, and emotional resilience matter.

That’s exactly why I’ve made it my mission to promote holistic wellness not just for my patients at The Birthwave, but for healthcare providers too.

The Connection Between My Morning Habit and The Birthwave’s Vision

You might wonder — what does my chai ritual have to do with my clinic?

Everything.

The Birthwave wasn’t born overnight.

It grew from my passion for redefining healthcare, especially for women and families, by integrating modern medicine with holistic, mind-body approaches.

We focus on:

Positive Birthing Experiences — especially for women choosing natural birthing or minimal intervention deliveries. 

Fertility Wellness — combining medical expertise with lifestyle and emotional support.

Holistic Care for Women, Men, and Children — recognising that health is more than physical; it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Integrative Healthcare — building a community of gynaecologists, paediatricians, nutritionists, fitness experts, mental health professionals, and more.

But to create such a space, I had to first ground myself.

Running a wellness centre, building patient trust, and expanding a clinic — especially one with a future vision of evolving into a something bigger and more beautiful requires clarity, consistency, and resilience.

And my 60-minute morning ritual?

That’s where I find those things.

How My Morning Routine Boosted My Productivity

Here’s what changed after I protected that first hour of my day and I recommend everyone to do the same, 

Increased Focus: Instead of rushing into tasks, I plan, prioritise, and mentally rehearse my day. 

Calmer Decision-Making: Healthcare is unpredictable, but I feel less reactive and more grounded during emergencies or unexpected situations.

Improved Patient Care: I show up more present, empathetic, and attentive with my patients — especially expecting mothers navigating pregnancy and birth.

Clinic Growth: With a clearer mind, I’ve been able to lead The Birthwave towards strategic growth — expanding services, integrating wellness programs, and building a strong team.

Personal Fulfilment: Beyond professional achievements, I feel aligned with my deeper purpose — transforming healthcare, one patient and one moment at a time.

Why You Should Find Your 60-Minute Habit

You don’t need to sit at Chai Kings.

You don’t even need a full hour to start.

But every doctor, every healthcare entrepreneur, every professional chasing big goals — needs a sacred pause.

It could be one of this (mentioned why it’s not meant for me)

A quiet coffee or chai ritual (which I follow)

Journaling or reflective writing (never tried, may be one day) 

Breathwork or meditation (I always felt I’m not made for meditation) 

A mindful walk (sometimes yes) 

Listening to music that recharges you (alll the time)

Watching the sunrise (not a morning person) 

The habit itself doesn’t matter.

The discipline to protect it does.

Especially in healthcare — where chaos is normal, and emotional demands run high — your ability to cool off, recharge, and realign is the secret to sustainable success.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that small habits build big legacies.

We can’t control the chaos of our professions.

We can’t predict emergencies, patient needs, or life’s curveballs.

But we can control how we show up for them.

Find your 60-minute anchor.

Guard it like your most critical appointment.

Not just for productivity, but for your mental health, emotional well-being, and long-term success.

If you’re ever around Chennai, stop by The Birthwave — where we believe true healthcare starts with wellness, compassion, and space for growth — both for our patients and ourselves.

And who knows? Maybe over a cup of chai, your next life-changing habit awaits too.