Not long ago, I started waking up at 3 A.M.—wide awake, brain buzzing. Not because of alarms or emergencies, but because of… everything else.
You know the feeling. Thoughts start circling: Did I forget to pay that bill? What was that summer camp deadline? Should I be rebalancing my portfolio right now? What’s going on with interest rates again?
Once I was up, that was it. No going back to sleep.
Eventually, I started a new habit—something simple. At the end of each day, I’d write down everything weighing on me. Stuff I needed to do, questions I didn’t have answers to, random worries bouncing around my head. All to sleep better, and not wake up in the middle of the night.
But then I realized something: I wasn’t just overwhelmed. I was stuck. I didn’t just need a journal—I needed something (or someone) that could help me think through it all.
And, you’ve guessed it, ChatGPT on my phone. Not as a magical solution. Just… as a helpful starting point. And that small shift? It changed everything.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. AI tools like ChatGPT are not a substitute for clinical judgment, licensed expertise, or compliance with regulatory standards. Always verify information with trusted sources, follow institutional policies, and use AI responsibly. Any tools mentioned are for illustrative purposes only—we do not endorse or promote specific products. Conduct your own due diligence before implementing any AI solutions.
Your Brain Isn’t a Storage Unit
There’s a certain weight that comes with being a physician—but it’s not just the clinical side. It’s life. Parenting. Managing money. Thinking about aging parents. Trying to eat better. Keeping track of vacation plans, back-to-school forms, and whether your passport’s expired.
I used to hold all that in my head. Until it started waking me up.
Now, when I feel that buzz of mental overload, I open a ChatGPT window and type exactly what’s on my mind. “I have a birthday party to plan and I’m short on time—give me 3 easy, no-fuss ideas.” Or, “Help me meal plan for the week—high protein, low prep, kid-friendly.”
Sometimes it’s small stuff. “What are the best waterproof running shoes?” Or, “I need a 10-minute daily routine to ease into meditation.” Other times, it’s a bigger ask: “What are smart ways for physicians in their 40s to prep for long-term care needs?”
It’s not about delegating life—it’s about simplifying it. Because your brain has better things to do than hold grocery lists, packing checklists, and long-term financial strategy all at once.
Here are 5 ChatGPT prompts to lighten your load:
- “Give me a packing checklist for a 3-day family trip with two kids under 10.”
- “Create a weekly meal plan that’s quick, healthy, and works for picky eaters.”
- “What do I need to do to renew a passport quickly?”
- “Suggest 3 birthday gift ideas for a 9-year-old that don’t require shipping.”
- “List out financial tasks I should review monthly as a busy physician.”
If this idea resonates, check out How ChatGPT’s Scheduled Tasks Can Simplify Life for Doctors for more practical ways to automate what clutters your day.
Starting Is the Hardest Part
When you’ve got 10 things to do, even picking the first one can feel like a chore. That’s what I love about having something like ChatGPT—it helps me move from stuck to started.
Maybe you’ve been meaning to start working out again. You could ask it, “What’s a basic fitness plan for someone who’s been sedentary and wants to get moving again without overdoing it?” Or maybe you’re hosting your in-laws and need to plan dinner for people with food allergies—type it in. Done.
You’re still the one making the decisions. But now you’re not starting from scratch. You’ve got options. A plan. A direction.
Momentum isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing something. And when that first something feels easier, the rest tends to follow.
Try one of these to get moving:
- “Make me a 4-week beginner home workout schedule—minimal equipment.”
- “Help me write a two-sentence email to a colleague I’ve been avoiding.”
- “What’s a 10-minute nighttime routine I can follow to wind down?”
- “Give me a simple plan to organize the house one room per weekend.”
- “Write out a checklist for switching my kids’ school lunches to healthier options.”
For more on getting started with tech tools that simplify life, read 3 Essential ChatGPT Habits Every Doctor Should Master. You’ll find ways to turn overwhelm into action—even if you’re short on time or energy.
More Clarity = Less Stress
This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about mental clarity. And clarity is something I’ve come to value more and more as life gets fuller, faster, and—let’s be honest—a little noisier.
Whether it’s figuring out how to adjust your schedule for more family time, or planning a meaningful trip without spending six hours comparing hotels, or just brainstorming new habits to sleep better, this tool gives you a gentle nudge forward.
And on the days when everything feels overwhelming—when your brain is fried and your patience is thin—it’s one less decision you have to make alone.
Need more clarity? Try these:
- “Suggest 3 ways I can make my weekly schedule less chaotic without cutting work hours.”
- “Give me a 10-minute journal prompt to reflect on what’s causing me stress right now.”
- “Help me create a short bedtime routine that helps me transition out of work mode.”
- “What are 5 quick weekend getaway ideas within 3 hours of [your city] for busy professionals?”
- “Outline a plan to improve my sleep in the next 7 days—without taking supplements.”
Clarity is a competitive edge. In fact, learning What ChatGPT Wishes You Knew will help you not just manage chaos—but think smarter in it.
You Don’t Have to Carry It All Alone
I didn’t expect a tech tool to help me sleep better. But that’s exactly what happened.
Using ChatGPT isn’t about being obsessed with AI. It’s about finding a small, reliable way to lighten your mental load before bed. When your brain has less to hold, rest comes easier. You stop spinning. You start winding down.
So tonight, try this: Type one thing that’s keeping you up into ChatGPT. A worry. A task. A decision you’ve been avoiding. Let it offer a place to start. Not a perfect answer—just momentum.
You don’t have to solve everything. You just have to give your mind a little breathing room.
And if you’re looking for more ways to have time with family, reconnect with what matters, and explore opportunities outside of medicine—Leverage & Growth Accelerator is where you’ll find the strategies and community to help you do just that.
So, what are your thoughts? Do you think ChatGPT can help you sleep a little bit better too? Let us know in the comments!
Bonus Tip
Get even more out of your sessions with the AI Prompt Generator for ChatGPT, designed specifically for physicians like you. We’ve built it to help doctors maximize ChatGPT’s impact with less trial and error. Download it for FREE!
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Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on available public data and may not be entirely accurate or up-to-date. It’s recommended to contact the respective companies/individuals for detailed information on features, pricing, and availability.
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Peter Kim, MD is the founder of Passive Income MD, the creator of Passive Real Estate Academy, and offers weekly education through his Monday podcast, the Passive Income MD Podcast. Join our community at the Passive Income Doc Facebook Group.
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