I’m thrilled to introduce you to this month’s Texas Strong Woman of the Month–Hayley Hansen. I have known Hayley for over 10 years. For many of those years, she felt more like a sister than a friend. She lived with my parents at the start of my mother’s illness. And she helped me move out of my college apartment and sang at my wedding.
Meet Hayley Hansen
Originally from Dripping Springs, Hayley lives in Austin with her fiance’, Matthew, and their sweet pup, Jake. She is a dedicated and determined nurse, foodie, and gym junkie. Hayley lost her mom to lung cancer just months after diagnosis. She is incredibly passionate about helping others improve their physical health.
Texas Strong Woman of the Month
Favorite title(s) for yourself
My favorite titles are “care provider,” for my role in the nursing profession, “athlete,” for my fitness and health endeavors, and, more comprehensively, “health and fitness enthusiast.”
Your toughest lesson or challenge
Accepting the fact that I wouldn’t be receiving any financial assistance for tuition or living expenses as I delved into the scholastic world, I realized that my success was completely up to me, and that, any failure would be mine, with no reason to apply blame to external circumstances. I decided that if I wanted to become a nurse, I would have to work full time as I took the necessary coursework to fulfill my life’s purpose.
As I grow within the fitness community, I am consistently reminded that your genetics are also your “Everest.” While you may reach the top, you’re still responsible for maintaining that level of health and athleticism—without necessarily looking forward to an end date.
I consider nutrition a comprehensive and extremely difficult aspect of health. There are so many false claims within the available literature, and as I make my way through my research, I’m discovering the components that are worth utilizing.
Your proudest accomplishment
Supporting myself throughout school is something that I’m proud to say I did, but I can’t admit to having a proudest accomplishment, singular. However, nurses all over the world are sacrificing their physical safety, their backs, and time with their families—while (often times) placing the needs of their patients ahead of their own beliefs, sleep, and physical/mental health. I am exceptionally proud to say that I am in that population of people.
Speaking from a fitness perspective, I am proud to have completed the Tough Mudder several times. But, sometimes, I have smaller accomplishments, like getting up at 4 am for fasted cardio, ha! Also…learning how to cook. I didn’t grow up with any guidance on how to cook ANYTHING, but it has been a really interesting experience!
Your role models or mentors
Nursing: I know it’s cliché–but I honestly, daily, consider what Florence Nightingale would think of today’s nurses. We all have really difficult days, but I try to remind myself that the care and subsequent teaching comes first—charting comes last or when there is downtime. “The Lady With the Lamp” taught us to treat every single person holistically and to NEVER stop learning. I have taken both of these lessons to heart, and I practice them with every patient I encounter.
Fitness: Hands down, Dana Linn Bailey is my fitness role model. We have different goals, but she is very outspoken about how women should be proud to be strong, and to work for the physique and strength that makes each individual happy. I think she’s an incredible presence in the industry, and has revived my confidence in myself and my abilities countless times.
Your best advice for newbies
Nursing: You can refine your skills, but you can’t learn how to be a good provider. You have decided to take care of people on what is typically the worst day of their life, and every shift is because of a LIFE choice. It’s not a simple job that is the result of a coin-flip.
And, if it is your life’s calling, don’t fret too much over the skills. Yes, they’re important, but you can’t rush experience. If you approach every patient with a holistic mindset, your intuition and ability to think critically will follow.
Fitness: Don’t give up. A training plan can absolutely be catered to your goals and needs. It takes a lot of time and patience when getting started. Also, for the love—carbs aren’t the enemy. A wholesome approach is required to obtain all of the vitamins and macronutrients that you need. There are ways in which you can alter your intake, considering your specific goals. Please, do not cut out whole food groups. It’s unnecessary and can endanger your health.
How you’re building community
Nursing: I’m involved in my hospital’s shared governance committee, in which we discuss quality of care, educational opportunities, and best practices. I’m also, pretty consistently, writing my relevant politicians regarding safe nurse-patient ratios for hospital nursing. I believe it’s essential, due to the increasing number of chronic illnesses and patient needs, that ratios between nurses and patients is assigned accordingly.
Fitness: I’ll preface this by saying that this is my hobby, and not my profession. However, I offer advice and motivation though social media and online coaching/teaching to interested parties. I love helping people get started and preventing them from making mistakes that would inhibit their physical health.
Also, I help people calculate their needed intake every day, and design a food/nutritional plan that will help them attain their goals, and acquire the optimal level of health.
Quote or verse you live by
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”—Gandhi
