# @nickpappasmd on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DaV-y__J5JN
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/67423690-nickpappasmd-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/4ea569f20a.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-03T20:04:35.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Nick Pappas, MD (@nickpappasmd) — https://gondola.cc/nickpappasmd

## Caption

Who can relate? 🚨

😷 In medicine, and especially in surgery, it’s easy to feel like you always need to be doing more. More cases. More patients. More work. More productivity.

⚡️ But your brain can't operate at peak performance 24/7.  Rest isn’t laziness…it’s part of the process. Plus, spending time with your friends and family is very important for your overall mental health 🧠.

😴 When I’m not on call, I try to prioritize getting at least 7 hours of sleep (and more if possible). 

👉 Also, I’ve also learned to appreciate vacations and time away from work.  Getting a break from a busy work schedule often makes me a better surgeon and a better doctor when I return.

🏖️ Taking time off doesn’t mean you care less about your patients; it means you understand that burnout helps nobody.

👨‍👩‍👧 Spend time with your family. Take the vacation. Work hard when it’s time to work, but don’t feel guilty for resting when it’s time to recharge.

❤️ Your career is important, but so is your health, your relationships, and your life outside the hospital.

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Balance isn’t weakness.

👉 As an aside, I do really like walnuts.  I eat a handful daily.  Walnuts are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), which have been shown to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy brain function. 🌰🧠❤️

#physicianlife #surgeonlife #worklifebalance #burnoutprevention #doctorsofinstagram

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- **Likes:** 382
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## Tags

burnoutprevention, physicianlife, worklifebalance, doctorsofinstagram, surgeonlife

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