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160: Work Less, Feel More: Thanksgiving Strategies for Physician Moms
This episode invites physician and executive moms to trade busy-ness for presence with a “Thankful Pause.” Dr. Gail reframes the issue as a mind habit—not a time deficit—and shares two stories: a 90-second ER (Emergency Room) pause that changed a shift, and “Tammy’s Balcony,” where 15 quiet minutes created more productivity, not less. You’ll learn the P.A.U.S.E. protocol (Permission, Anchor, Unhook, Scan, Exit with intention) and the THANKS plan (Triage traditions, Hand off early, Appointments with yourself, Normalize “no,” Keep fueled, Savor aloud), plus quick tools: the 3-Minute Reset, a 10-10-10 clutter sweep, the “Who Else?” delegation rule, If-Then calm plans, and a five-minute Gratitude Walk. For clinicians on duty, we cover Doorway Breathing, the “Triple B” check (Brain, Belly, Bladder), a Call-Room Calm Kit, and marking TP (Thankful Pause) on your list. We close with two mindset shifts—define three wins a day and remember that rest is fuel, not a prize—and a gentle nudge to share this plan with a colleague heading into the holiday on fumes.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
Instagram
Facebook
The Thankful Pause Cheat Sheet (Copy/Paste)
P.A.U.S.E. = Permission • Anchor • Unhook • Scan • Exit (with intention)
THANKS = Triage • Hand off • Appointments (with yourself) • Normalize “no” • Keep fueled • Savor aloud
3-Minute Reset = Box breathe • 5-4-3-2-1 senses • Micro-plan
If–Then Calm Plans = Gravy breaks → breathe + text helper • Hot topic → “Happy to talk later—today I’m savoring.” • Feel behind → P.A.U.S.E. + one next action
Who Else? = Delegate at 70% quality; perfection is pricey
Gratitude Walk = 5 minutes, 1 ordinary thanks per minute
Triple B = Brain, Belly, Bladder (clear, fueled, comfortable)
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By Dr. Gail Clifford, MD, MMM, CPE, FACP, FHM
5
22 ratings
This episode invites physician and executive moms to trade busy-ness for presence with a “Thankful Pause.” Dr. Gail reframes the issue as a mind habit—not a time deficit—and shares two stories: a 90-second ER (Emergency Room) pause that changed a shift, and “Tammy’s Balcony,” where 15 quiet minutes created more productivity, not less. You’ll learn the P.A.U.S.E. protocol (Permission, Anchor, Unhook, Scan, Exit with intention) and the THANKS plan (Triage traditions, Hand off early, Appointments with yourself, Normalize “no,” Keep fueled, Savor aloud), plus quick tools: the 3-Minute Reset, a 10-10-10 clutter sweep, the “Who Else?” delegation rule, If-Then calm plans, and a five-minute Gratitude Walk. For clinicians on duty, we cover Doorway Breathing, the “Triple B” check (Brain, Belly, Bladder), a Call-Room Calm Kit, and marking TP (Thankful Pause) on your list. We close with two mindset shifts—define three wins a day and remember that rest is fuel, not a prize—and a gentle nudge to share this plan with a colleague heading into the holiday on fumes.
And you can get started with some Genius Tips for how to set yourself up for a great work week. Here are things to schedule on whatever you consider your "Sunday" to do just that!
Join the Single Mom MD community here and let's talk more for personalized attention to your specific questions. We look forward to welcoming you.
When you think of additional topics you’d like covered on this podcast, contact me through the chat below and via social media @SingleMomMD.
Follow us at Single Mom MD:
Instagram
Facebook
The Thankful Pause Cheat Sheet (Copy/Paste)
P.A.U.S.E. = Permission • Anchor • Unhook • Scan • Exit (with intention)
THANKS = Triage • Hand off • Appointments (with yourself) • Normalize “no” • Keep fueled • Savor aloud
3-Minute Reset = Box breathe • 5-4-3-2-1 senses • Micro-plan
If–Then Calm Plans = Gravy breaks → breathe + text helper • Hot topic → “Happy to talk later—today I’m savoring.” • Feel behind → P.A.U.S.E. + one next action
Who Else? = Delegate at 70% quality; perfection is pricey
Gratitude Walk = 5 minutes, 1 ordinary thanks per minute
Triple B = Brain, Belly, Bladder (clear, fueled, comfortable)