Managing a surgical career, competitive fitness training, and a busy household requires a high level of operational efficiency. Dr. Rewa Keegan, a surgeon and lifestyle medicine physician, recently outlined the five specific changes she implemented to reclaim her energy levels at 44. Her approach moves away from temporary fixes toward structural changes in daily management.
First, she shifted her training focus from generic exercise to specific, goal-oriented programs like Hyrox. This shift provides a concrete purpose for physical exertion rather than treating it as a chore. Second, she prioritized nutritional intake by increasing protein and fiber while ending the practice of running on caffeine and fumes. This ensures her body possesses the baseline fuel required for high-output days.
Third, Dr. Keegan addressed the hidden drain of domestic administration by delegating household chores and mental labor. Recognizing that carrying the entire load is unsustainable, she redistributed these tasks. Fourth, she enforces a strict sleep schedule with a 9 p.m. bedtime. This commitment ensures eight hours of recovery, which she notes as more effective than any supplement regimen.
Finally, she removed alcohol from her routine entirely. By swapping social drinking for consistent, hangover-free mornings, she maintains the capacity required to function as both a surgeon and a parent. These habits demonstrate a move toward predictable energy maintenance rather than reactive recovery.