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Inbox Zero Doesn’t (Necessarily) Mean You Had a Productive Day

(Especially for Managers)

I used to feel this pressure that if I didn’t get to inbox zero, I hadn’t really had a productive day.

It didn’t matter what else I did—if emails were left unanswered, it felt like I was behind.

Back when I was working as a manager, I’d stay late trying to catch up. After hours of managing my team, peer conversations, problem-solving, and on-the-fly decision-making… I was still measuring the day by whether or not I’d cleared my inbox.

It makes sense in a way. We’re trained to check things off, keep up, and not let things slip through the cracks.

But at some point, I realized: Inbox zero is a nearly impossible to obtain moving target.
And chasing it was costing me my energy—and my confidence.

Inbox Zero Is Like Laundry

Let’s be honest:
Your inbox is like your laundry basket.
You clear it, and it fills up again.
Not because you’re failing—but because you’re a human working with other humans.

In management especially, email is constant.
People need things. They’re sharing updates, asking questions, flagging issues.
There’s always more.

And yet… many of us have internalized the idea that inbox zero = success.
So if we don’t hit it? We feel behind, disorganized, or even (especially!) guilty.

It’s a Pattern I See Often

Someone spends the whole day catching up on emails—feeling busy, even overwhelmed—and yet walks away thinking, “What did I even do today?”

Can you relate?

It’s one of the sneakiest thought patterns I coach people on:
You worked hard all day. You were on your feet, using your brain, solving problems.
But if the inbox isn’t empty, your brain tells you: “You didn’t do enough.”

So Let’s Ask a Better Question

What if inbox zero isn’t the point?

What if the better question is:

  • On a scale of 1–10, how productive do you feel today?
  • Did you do your best, given what the day threw at you?
  • What did you do that mattered—even if it wasn’t visible?

Try writing it down:

  • Helped a coworker navigate a crisis
  • Checked in on a struggling patient
  • Made sure an important task didn’t slip through the cracks
  • Had a thoughtful conversation with someone who really needed it
  • Avoided snapping when you were short on time and energy

Those don’t show up in your inbox.
But they’re the reason you’re valuable (and good at your job).

You Get to Redefine a “Good” Day

When I finally stopped measuring success by how many emails I answered, things changed.

I could feel proud of my day without needing to finish every single task.
I could actually rest, because I wasn’t tying my worth to a number that was designed to reset tomorrow.

You deserve that, too.

You don’t have to earn rest, pride, or peace by clearing your inbox.
Especially in healthcare—where the real work happens off-screen.

Want Support Redefining What Productivity Means to You

If you’re tired of measuring your value by how many messages you cleared—and still walking away feeling behind, frazzled, or frustrated—I can help.

I coach nurses and healthcare professionals who want to feel more calm, clear, and in control—without quitting their jobs or adding more to their plate.

If you work at Logan Health,

You have access to confidential 1:1 coaching through your benefits.
Click here to schedule your free session.

Not a hospital employee?

Book a complimentary consultation here.
Let’s talk about what’s getting in your way—and what life could look like instead.

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The Two Kinds of Tired (and How to Tell the Difference)

You’re tired. Of course you are.

Long shifts. Tight staffing. Patients in pain. Charting that never seems to end.

But here’s the thing: not all tired is the same.

There’s the kind of tired that means you need to go to bed. Full stop. No phone, no Netflix, no late-night scrolling. You need a real nap, or an actual full night of sleep. The kind of rest that lets your body reset.

And then there’s the kind of tired that comes from thinking, “I’m so tired.”

You think it all day long. Between patients. On the drive home. Standing in your kitchen staring into the fridge. It loops in your brain like a song stuck on repeat.

The more you think it, the more exhausted you feel.

And it’s not fake. It’s just a different kind of tired.

Mental tiredness matters. But here’s the twist: it’s often self-created by our thinking—and it responds to a different kind of care.

So how do you know which tired you’re dealing with?

Start with what I lovingly call your B.S.-O-Meter.

Be honest: are you really tired? Or are you kind of B.S.-ing yourself?

Here are two questions that can help:

  1. Do I need to go to bed right now?
    If the answer is yes, then go to bed. To sleep. Not to lay down and scroll. You’ll be amazed what 20 minutes of real rest can do.
  2. If my spouse walked in right now and said, “Pack your bags—we’re leaving in an hour for a week-long all-inclusive trip to Fiji,” would I still be too tired… or would I rally and make it happen?

That question is a surprisingly effective gut check.

If you’d find the energy to grab your passport and toss clothes in a bag, it’s probably not physical exhaustion—it’s mental overload.

And if you wouldn’t? That’s a cue your body really is really and truly asking for rest.

You can trust yourself to know what you need.

You’ve been doing hard things for a long time. You know how to listen to your body. You know when your brain is the one keeping you stuck.

The next time you catch yourself repeating, “I’m so tired,” ask again:
Is this physical fatigue? Or is it mental weight I’ve been carrying around all day?

Then do the kindest thing for yourself.

That’s how you start to feel better. That’s how you build trust with yourself. That’s how you reclaim your energy—one honest check-in at a time.

P.S. Coaching helps with this. I teach nurses how to hear themselves clearly and get their energy back—mentally and physically. If you’re a Logan Health employee, this is already a benefit you have access to. If you’re not, book a consult (grab any time that works for you here) to chat about what working together could look like.

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How to Use Comparison to Find Your Next Step in Healthcare


Have you ever noticed how quickly we can go from “She’s doing amazing” to “I’m clearly behind”?

You’re not alone. We are masters at scanning for what’s wrong—in our patients, our charts, our coworkers—and yes, in ourselves.

But what if comparison isn’t a flawed thinking?
What if it’s a tool?

You can use comparison to help you find solutions. Let’s talk about how.

THE TRAP: COMPARE & DESPAIR

You scroll social media. A former classmate just ran a marathon.
Your coworker finishes charting with 20 minutes left in her shift.
Someone you used to work with is now in a job that seems down right dreamy.

And the thoughts roll in:

  • I could never do that.
  • I’m too behind.
  • What does she have that I don’t?

The compare-and-despair loop can shut us down.

THE SHIFT: COMPARE & DISCOVER

Instead of shutting down, what if you got curious?

What if the very thing that triggered your frustration could lead you to your next step?

Consider:

  • If she can do it, then I can too.
  • How do I *think* she made it happen?
  • What is she doing that I am not yet doing? (What’s in the gap between where I am and where she is?)
  • What is one small thing I can start doing today?

This isn’t about copying someone else’s life. It’s about observing what works for her and trying it on for yourself.

WHY THIS WORKS (A LITTLE NEUROSCIENCE FOR YOU)

Your brain loves evidence. It thrives on proof.
So when you see someone doing something you want to do, your brain immediately takes notice—but if you don’t give it direction, it defaults to self-criticism.

Instead, you can train it to look for strategy, not shame.

  • What are they doing that’s working?
  • What mindset might they be practicing?
  • How do they talk to themselves when they fall short?

REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES

  • You notice a nurse who always seems calm, even during chaos. Instead of thinking “I’m a mess,” ask: What does she do differently? Does she pause and breathe before delegating? Does she prep her space a certain way?
  • You see a tech who finishes their tasks on time every day. Instead of assuming they’re just faster, observe their process. Do they batch tasks? Do they avoid distractions?
  • You watch a colleague speak up in a meeting with clarity and confidence. What are they saying yes to behind the scenes that gives them that energy?

TRY THIS: YOUR MINI JOURNAL PROMPT

This week, when you catch yourself comparing, ask:

  1. What (or who) am I admiring?
  2. What do I think they’re doing that I’m not?
  3. Is there one thing I could try on for size?
  4. What’s one baby step I can take today to move in that direction?

THE TAKEAWAY:
Comparison isn’t your enemy.
It’s a flashlight.

You can use it to shine a light on possibilities you hadn’t even considered. It’s not about feeling behind. It’s about finding your next right step.

This is the creative process of designing a life you love—not by guessing, but by noticing what resonates and adapting it to fit you.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

If you’re a Logan Health employee, you can use your coaching benefits to get support on exactly this kind of shift. I can help you sort out the overwhelm and find what actually works for you. Click here to book a LHW coaching session (for our first session together, we’ll discuss what coaching is & isn’t, what sort of support you might be looking for, and how I can help.

If you’re not a Logan employee, you can still work with me. I offer complimentary consults to see if coaching is the right next step for you. Click here to book a consult.

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When the Plan Falls Apart (But You Don’t Have To)

In January, doing a triathlon in 2025 wasn’t even on my radar.

At the time, I was focused on growing my audience and doubling down on coaching goals. The triathlon came later—as a 90-day challenge that felt exciting, uncomfortable, and new. I wanted something that would grow me, physically and mentally.

I made the commitment.

And then—real life happened.

I traveled. I had a plan for working out while I was away: swimming with my sister at her community pool and riding her Peloton. But her subscription had lapsed. No Peloton access.

My parents had bikes—but neither of them fit properly. I tried. My knee protested.

Still, I managed a few runs. And I made a decision: I’d walk 10,000 steps a day, every day. That would be my new minimum.

It wasn’t ideal.
It wasn’t the plan.
But it kept me moving.

When I got home, I was ready to dive back in—and then, bam: a massive headache and neck spasms from too many hours with poor ergonomics at my computer.

Another week without working out.

This was not on my BINGO card.

But honestly? Neither was doing a triathlon this year.

And that’s the part I keep coming back to.

Progress Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

As a coach—I’ve seen how often people throw out the whole goal because something didn’t go exactly right.

We get this idea that if we can’t do it perfectly, we shouldn’t do it at all.

But perfection is a trap.

Real progress looks like:

  • Walking when you can’t bike
  • Not pushing through when your neck is spasming
  • Adjusting instead of quitting

In nursing, you already know how often plans change—shifts run late, patients decompensate, charting takes longer than expected. You adapt on the floor every day.

This is the same muscle, applied to your goals.

What You Can Do Counts

I didn’t do my scheduled workouts.
But I walked.
I noticed my negative thoughts and redirected them.
I kept going.

Even here, in the messy middle, I stayed committed. And that’s what matters.

Whether your goal is to get stronger, change careers, set boundaries, or simply enjoy your life more—it won’t always go according to plan.

But you don’t need to give up when the plan changes.

You just need to keep going.

When Things Don’t Go According to Plan

Here’s how to stay in the game:

1. Adjust the plan, not the goal.
Find a Plan B (or C, or D). The original plan is not sacred.

2. Acknowledge setbacks without making them mean something about you.
A week off doesn’t mean you failed. It means you’re human.

3. Do what you can, not what you wish you could.
Walking counts. Rest counts. Starting again counts.

4. Ask: what can I learn from this?
Did you over-schedule? Skip recovery? Miss a red flag? Learn and adjust.

5. Keep the door open.
Don’t let a setback shut you down. Stay in motion—mentally, physically, emotionally.

This Is What Resilience Looks Like

Not pushing through pain.
Not doing it perfectly.
Not proving your worth through grit and grind.

Resilience is the willingness to keep going—with gentleness, creativity, and intention.

And if your goal needs to take a slightly different shape to match your real life?
That doesn’t make you weak.
That makes you wise.

Your Turn

  • What’s one goal you’ve adjusted or almost given up on?
  • What’s something you can do today to stay connected to it?

For Logan Health employees: Coaching is covered through your benefits. Want help staying consistent with your goals (even when life throws curveballs)? you can book a coaching session here—I’d love to work with you.

Not a hospital employee? You can still book a free consultation to explore coaching with me here.

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When Your Brain Fixates on the Negative (Even at the Beach)

Why this happens– and how to shift it, even in the middle of a stressful shift or a rare day off.

Have you ever said something and immediately thought, ‘Wait… did I really just say that out loud?“

That was me at the beach recently.

I was filming a peaceful video—panning across the palm trees, taking in the sunshine—and I heard myself say,
“At least there’s good music.”

Not in a joyful way.
More like a resigned, mildly irritated way.

I had time at the beach with Scott.
It was sunny, beautiful, warm.
And yet—my brain still found something to complain about.

Sound familiar?

As healthcare workers (and as simply human beings), we’re trained to notice what’s wrong.
What’s missing.
What’s abnormal.

It makes sense that this mindset doesn’t shut off just because we’re off shift.

Our brains—especially under stress—default to scanning for danger, risk, or imperfection.
It’s called negativity bias. And it’s completely normal.

You’re not doing it wrong.
You’re not “too” negative or ungrateful.
You’re just human.

What matters is what you do next.

After I heard myself say that out loud, I didn’t beat myself up.
I caught it.
I got curious.
And then I did what I often teach my clients to do:

I went on a rampage of gratitude.

It’s exactly what it sounds like—a no-edit, rapid-fire list of anything and everything I could possibly appreciate in that moment.

  • The breeze.
  • The sand.
  • The fact that I had a phone to film with.
  • That yes—the music actually was good.
  • And that I had the awareness to notice my brain doing what brains do… and make a different choice.

That’s how we rewire.

This works on the beach.
It works in your car.
It works in the hallway between patient rooms.
It works after a hard day when you’re questioning everything.

When a negative thought shows up, don’t judge it.
Just notice it.
Name it.
And then redirect—on purpose.

Start small.
Look for one thing that’s good.
Then two.
Then five.

This is how you shift from reactive mode to intentional mode.
It’s how you start managing your mind in a way that doesn’t add more pressure—but gives you a little more space to breathe.

Because you deserve that.
Even when the floor is short-staffed.
Even when your day feels like a dumpster fire.
Even when you’re on a beach and your brain still complains.

This isn’t fake positivity.
It’s a skill. One you can build.

Want to try it? Start your own rampage of gratitude.
Right now.
Wherever you are.
List five things—quick, simple, no editing.

Notice what shifts.

You don’t need a perfect day to feel better.
You just need a strategy for when your brain wants to focus on what’s not.

Reminder: As part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions.
You can book a coaching session here.

Or, if you are not a Logan Health employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me here.

P.P.S. Liked what you read?
Join my email list where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you how to put them into practice in your everyday life.
And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @christineseager_ or Facebook @seager.christine, where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action.

Real moment from the beach (and yes, I really said it out loud).

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What Does a Life You’re Proud Of Actually Look Like?

Reflections from Florida & a Question That Changes Everything

In healthcare, we’re trained to show up for everyone else—our patients, our teams, our families. But in the quiet moments (if we get them), a deeper question tends to surface: Is this it?

It doesn’t always come as a dramatic breakdown. Sometimes it’s just a lingering thought at the end of a shift. A twinge of restlessness on your day off. A sense that you’re going through the motions, even when everything looks “fine” on paper.

I recently spent three weeks in Florida, and that question snuck up on me, too.

The answer didn’t come in a lightning bolt.

It came in a quiet moment—on a road trip with Scott, winding through places that hold meaning for both of us.

After a funeral. A family move. Time with my parents.

After supporting the people I love and catching glimpses of who I’ve become.

And it hit me:

I’ve worked really hard to build this life.

Not a perfect one. Not a fantasy.

But a life I’m proud of. One that feels like mine.

That realization didn’t come from a milestone or achievement.

It came from a pattern of choices.

Small ones. Repeated ones. Honest ones.

For me, a life I’m proud of means being able to say yes to the people and things that matter most.

It means being in my life—not just surviving it.

Not performing. Not pleasing. Not proving.

Just living. Fully and intentionally.

There’s one question I come back to again and again—especially when I feel scattered, reactive, or disconnected:

What matters most to me today—and how can I show up for that?

It sounds simple. But that question is powerful.

It helps you stay grounded.

It reminds you that you have agency.

It gets you out of autopilot and into alignment.

When you start asking that question, you stop waiting for permission to live the life you want.

You stop waiting for more time, more clarity, more energy.

You start noticing the ways you are already showing up.

So this week, I invite you to try it.

Ask yourself what matters most—and how you can show up for it.

Then look around.

Where have you already said yes to something that truly matters?

Where have you protected your peace, your rest, your priorities?

Even if your life isn’t exactly where you want it to be yet—

You might be closer than you think.

And if you’re ready to feel more aligned, more present, more you—

Let’s figure out what’s next.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me here.

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First Thoughts in the Morning Are Everything. 

How You Start Your Day Shapes the Rest of It (and Yes, That Includes Workdays)

Let’s talk about the moment your alarm goes off.

What’s the first thought that pops into your head?

Is it:

“Ugh, already?”

“I don’t want to do this.”

“How many hours until I can come back to bed?”

If you’re like many healthcare workers I know (and how I used to be, too), those early morning thoughts sound like a lot of negotiation.

But, the first thoughts you have in the morning are not just random—they set the tone for your whole day.

To be clear, I’m not talking about toxic positivity or a fake smile before sunrise.

I’m talking about the simple mental habits that either drain you or fuel you before your feet even hit the floor.

Why It Matters

When your first thought is one of dread or resentment, your brain immediately starts scanning for evidence that the day will be hard, thankless, or overwhelming.

You go into survival mode.

You’re already behind.

You’re already tired.

Now add in a full patient load, short staffing, and a charting backlog—and of course your day feels like a battle from the jump.

But if your first thought is intentional—if it’s even slightly more empowering—your brain will shift into a different gear. One that helps you stay more grounded, clear-headed, and resilient… even on the tough shifts.

What This Looks Like in Real Life

Let’s say you normally wake up thinking, “I don’t want to go to work.”

Try something different:

“I don’t feel like it yet—but I always find my groove.”

“I know how to handle today, even if it’s messy.”

“I’m allowed to take care of myself while taking care of others.”

None of those thoughts are magical. They don’t erase a 12-hour shift.

But they do create a completely different emotional starting point.

From defeat → to neutral.

From overwhelmed → to steady.

From reactive → to intentional.

One Small Tweak That Changes Everything

You don’t need to overhaul your life by 6 a.m.

You just need to choose a better first thought.

Here’s how you can start tomorrow:

1. Notice what your current morning thought is. (Don’t judge, just be aware.)

2. Pick one sentence to try instead. Something grounding or gently encouraging.

3. Write it down and put it by your alarm. Let it be the first thing you see.

4. Practice. The brain loves to run old scripts, but you can write a new one with a little repetition.

A Few Thought Starters You Can Borrow

• “I’m capable of handling what comes my way today.”

• “I get to support people—and I’m learning how to support myself too.”

• “Today’s not perfect, but neither am I—and that’s okay.”

• “I’m figuring out how to make work work for me.”

Find one that feels true—or close enough to true that your brain doesn’t reject it.

You Deserve More Than Just Making It Through the Day

You spend so much of your life helping others.

But you also deserve a life that feels like yours.

A life that doesn’t run on dread and obligation.

It starts small.

It starts in the morning.

It starts with a thought.

And if you’re ready to go deeper—into habits, mindset, and actually loving the life you live—coaching is how we get there.

Let’s chat. I offer complimentary consultations, and this might be the sign you’ve been waiting for.

Your morning mindset matters. Let’s make it work for you.

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The Other Half Is Also True: How to Find Calm, Confidence, or Joy in Healthcare (Even When It Feels Impossible)

Have you ever noticed how fast your brain jumps to worst-case scenarios?

You hear a code blue overhead, and your stomach tightens.

You’re about to walk into a shift with a tough patient assignment, and you’re already bracing.

You get a vague email from your manager that says, “Can we talk?” and your brain goes straight to “What did I do wrong?”

That internal alarm system is strong—and for good reason.

In healthcare, being alert and prepared can literally save lives.

But here’s what we don’t often hear:

Just as there’s always an opportunity for anxiousness, there’s also an equal opportunity for calm.

You might not feel calm in that moment.

You might not even believe it’s an option.

But it’s there.

The same brain that spins out with stress is also capable of grounding you.

And the same situation that brings up overwhelm could also be an invitation to find courage, clarity, or even joy.

Let’s break this down.

The Default: “What if something goes wrong?”

Healthcare trains us to expect problems.

From nursing school to the floor, we’re taught to spot what’s not normal, anticipate complications, and catch things early.

And that’s a skill you need.

But if you’re not careful, that skill can hijack your nervous system—and your day.

Without noticing, you start assuming that bad news is coming.

You live in constant readiness for the next crisis.

And you start to feel like anxiousness is just your baseline.

The Other Option: “What if this is okay?”

This is the part we’re not trained for.

What if your patient’s condition is stable?

What if that email from your manager is about something good?

What if today’s shift goes more smoothly than expected?

What if you don’t need to brace for impact, because nothing is crashing?

The brain won’t offer those thoughts automatically.

But you can practice them.

And the more you do, the more accessible they become—even on your worst days.

Emotions Come in Pairs

Here’s the truth most of us don’t realize:

Every time there’s the potential for fear, there’s also potential for courage.

Every time there’s an urge to panic, there’s an equal chance to choose peace.

And every time you feel resentment, frustration, or guilt… there’s a sliver of space to access something else—curiosity, pride, maybe even joy.

That doesn’t mean you’ll always feel the “positive” emotion right away.

It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong if anxiety still shows up.

But it does mean that the opposite emotion is always available. And you can reach for it.

A Practical Example

Let’s say you’re dreading your shift tomorrow.

You’ve already started feeling heavy. Maybe you’re thinking:

• I’m going to be exhausted.

• I won’t get a break.

• I’ll probably get floated or have a rough assignment.

All of those might be true. But here’s where the shift can start.

Ask yourself:

• What else might be true?

• What’s a more helpful thought I could practice?

Try on one of these:

• “I can handle whatever comes up tomorrow.”

• “There’s a good chance something goes right.”

• “It’s possible I’ll laugh with a coworker or feel proud of how I show up.”

Even just considering those possibilities can calm your nervous system.

This Isn’t About Toxic Positivity

Let’s be clear: I’m not telling you to slap a smile on and pretend everything’s fine.

This is about building mental flexibility.

So you’re not stuck in anxiety, dread, or guilt as your only options.

So you can notice the truth: that every hard emotion has an equal and opposite emotion standing quietly beside it, waiting to be noticed.

Try This Today

1. Notice the Negative Emotion

Name it. Don’t fight it. Just observe: “I feel anxious,” or “I feel overwhelmed.”

2. Ask What the Opposite Could Be

If you’re feeling guilt, could there be compassion?

If you’re feeling dread, could there be determination?

3. Practice a Thought That Points You There

Something simple and believable.

“This is hard, and I’m doing it anyway.”

“It’s okay to feel both nervous and capable.”

“Maybe this shift won’t suck.”

4. Repeat As Needed

Not once. Not perfectly. Just keep noticing the other half of the truth.

You don’t have to get it “right.”

You just have to stop assuming the hard stuff is the whole story.

Because for every anxious thought, there’s an equally real and available one waiting to calm your system.

And when you learn to practice both, you start living a different kind of life—even on the job.

Want to feel more confident and calm—without needing your job to change first?

That’s what we do in coaching.

Book a complimentary call to see what this work could look like for you here.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

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Why You Dread Going Back After a Vacation (and What to Do About It)

You know the feeling.

You’ve just had a few days off—maybe even a full week. You finally got to sleep in, eat something that wasn’t from a vending machine, and wear real pants without drawstrings.

But as the return-to-work countdown starts ticking, that pit in your stomach shows up.

The dread creeps in.

And you find yourself thinking: “Shouldn’t I feel better after time off?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken.

The Problem: Post-Vacation Dread Is Common… but Often Misunderstood

Most healthcare workers assume the dread means something is wrong with them.

They tell themselves:

• “I’m just lazy.”

• “If I were a better nurse, I’d be excited to go back.”

• “Maybe I’m burned out again.”

But often, it’s not burnout—it’s disconnection.

Many nurses are feeling overwhelmed after time off—not because they don’t care, but because they’ve lost touch with the parts of the job that once gave them meaning.

Time off gives you a glimpse of what it feels like to be rested, free, and in charge of your own time. When you go back, you’re re-entering a system that often feels rushed, rigid, and reactive.

It’s not about not caring.

It’s about not having time or space to reconnect with why you care.

The Solution: Reconnect With What You Do Like About Your Job

If you’re trying to figure out how to stop dreading going back to work, it starts with understanding what’s really bothering you.

Instead of treating the dread like a red flag that you need to leave your job, try seeing it as a clue.

It’s pointing to something that needs a little attention—not a total overhaul.

If you want to enjoy nursing again, you don’t necessarily need a new job—you need a new way of experiencing the one you have.

The Process: 3 Steps to Shift the Post-Vacation Dread

1. Name What You’re Actually Dreading

It’s easy to lump everything together as “Ugh…work,” but getting specific helps. Ask yourself:

• Am I dreading a particular person or situation?

• Is it the schedule, the pace, or the emotional load?

• Do I feel behind or out of control?

When you name the real trigger, you can address it more clearly.

Often, it’s one part of your job—not the whole thing—that’s making you dread going back.

Recognizing the difference between healthcare burnout vs. boredom can also be huge. Sometimes, it’s not exhaustion—it’s a lack of growth, stimulation, or meaning.

2. Plan One Thing That Grounds You

Think of one simple thing that helps you feel like you at work:

• A hot cup of coffee in the break room before the shift starts.

• A minute alone in your car to set an intention.

• Playing your favorite playlist on the drive in.

These little rituals help you feel more in control of how you return to work after time off.

It’s one of the best ways to feel better returning to work—without needing a full career makeover.

3. Look for Proof You Actually Like Your Job

Start collecting “evidence” that your job still matters to you.

That you’re good at it. That it makes a difference.

Think:

• A patient who smiled and said thank you.

• A moment of teamwork with your crew.

• A time you caught something important or advocated well.

If you’re trying to reconnect with your nursing job, you have to look for the good on purpose.

You don’t have to love every moment, but it helps to notice the ones you do.

The Results: You Return Recharged and Reconnected

When you walk back in with clarity and intention, something shifts.

Instead of feeling thrown back into the chaos, you feel more grounded—because you know what matters to you.

Post-vacation dread for nurses isn’t a sign that you’re lazy or broken.

It’s a reminder to pay attention to how you’re working, not just that you’re working.

You don’t need to escape your job to enjoy it again.

You just need tools and support to shift how you experience it.

⸻

Want help doing this consistently?

That’s what I coach nurses and healthcare workers to do every day.

If you’re ready to feel better without switching jobs, let’s talk.

Book a free consultation HERE to see how coaching can help you love where you are—and design what’s next.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

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Intentional Thought Creation for Healthcare Providers

Have you ever walked into a shift already bracing for the worst? Maybe you think, “Today’s going to be a disaster,” or “I can’t deal with another short-staffed shift.” And then, like magic (or maybe confirmation bias), the day unfolds exactly as expected—chaotic, exhausting, and frustrating.

But what if you could shift that experience before it even begins? What if, instead of your brain automatically scanning for stress, overwhelm, and frustration, you trained it to look for something else?

Enter: Intentional Thought Creation

Intentional Thought Creation is the practice of deliberately choosing a new thought and actively seeking, savoring, and soaking in evidence to support it. Instead of waiting for your brain to shift on its own (it won’t), you direct it toward what you want to believe.

Here’s how this plays out:

1. Seek Evidence

Let’s say you want to believe, “I handle difficult situations with confidence.”

Instead of defaulting to “I’m drowning” when things get hectic, actively seek proof that you do handle challenges well. Notice when you de-escalate a patient’s anxiety, efficiently prioritize care, or troubleshoot a problem before it escalates. If you seek it, you’ll find it.

2. Savor the Evidence

Your brain is wired to remember negative events more vividly than positive ones. This is why you’ll replay a mistake in your head for days but forget the three patients who thanked you. To counteract this, pause and fully absorb the evidence when you see it.

When a patient tells you, “I felt safe with you,” or a coworker says, “I love working with you,” don’t brush it off. Take a moment to let it sink in. Maybe even write it down in a notes app to revisit later. The more you spend time with it– savor it, the more real it becomes in your mind.

3. Soak in the New Thought

The final step is to let your brain marinate in the thought. Picture it as a new groove you’re carving into your neural pathways. The more you think it, the stronger it gets.

Try this: At the end of your shift, before you replay the stressful moments, deliberately recall three moments that support your new thought. Did you stay calm during a code? Did you make a patient laugh? Did you advocate for yourself or a coworker? Soak it in.

The Impact on Your Work and Well-Being

When you train your brain to look for evidence that supports your desired beliefs, you shift your entire experience of work. Instead of defaulting to dread, frustration, or defeat, you start to see yourself as capable, competent, and in control of how you think and feel.

Imagine walking into a shift believing:

  • I am a skilled and compassionate nurse.
  • I always find a way to get through tough shifts.
  • I make a difference, even in small ways.

What would change for you if you practiced seeking, savoring, and soaking in evidence of these thoughts every day?

Ready to Make This Shift?

This is exactly the kind of transformation we work on in coaching. If you’re tired of dreading your shifts or feeling stuck in survival mode, let’s talk. Book a consultation and start shifting your experience from the inside out.

Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here. 

Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me here.

P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action.