Working in an outpatient surgery center is physically and psychologically demanding. At the end of a long day of managing case after case and crisis after crisis, whose body doesn't ache and whose head doesn't throb? And yet many healthcare workers, often drained by the stress of caring for patients or directing staff, neglect to keep their bodies running as efficiently as their operating rooms.

Our bodies need attention in all areas: what you feed (or don't feed) it, regular aerobic exercise and resistance exercises. Face it, this line of work is stressful, and where we channel our stress is key to surviving it. Unfortunately, for many people, food becomes the comfort, and our bodies get neglected.

For me, keeping my body in shape has become necessary for my work performance. I've done regular aerobic exercise off and on for many years, but it wasn't until I started consistent weight training about five years ago that I learned that the benefits of regular exercise extend far beyond looking better and buying smaller scrubs.

First, the long hours on my feet take less of a toll on me now, at 41, than they did at 21. I don't experience the physical stresses that many of my colleagues do. And I'm more self-confident, which is reflected in my work.

Second, I have educated a lot of co-workers about nutrition, exercise and the right way to lose weight and stay in shape. I proudly serve as the food police at our facility. People get that guilty look on their faces and cover up their fried chicken or cold pizza when I walk through the lounge. I view that as making a difference: I've created awareness that there are better choices.

We all have heavy demands on our daily lives, but you must make time for your body - and, by so doing, yourself. Schedule one hour every day when you are not likely to be called away. You'll be surprised how easy it becomes once you start. Contrary to assumption, I don't spend all my time in the gym. I usually do cardio work five early mornings a week. This gives me time to think about the day ahead while I am relaxed and doing something I enjoy. And I hit the gym for one hour, four days a week to weight train. Building rest days into your schedule is very important, as is getting enough sleep.

Nutrition is another challenge until you get organized and pay attention to what you're doing. Many of us eat on the run, often making fast food the menu of choice. But preparing meals in advance is not that big a deal, and neither is making better choices when you do eat out.

There's a mental aspect to taking care of yourself physically. The more you do it, the better you feel; the better you feel, the more you want to do it. Like efficiency in the OR, teaching your body to run efficiently will become an attitude and not a job.