Health & Wellness

Local Health Experts Offer Guidance on Self-Care

Three health care pros weigh in on habits that heal, restore, and keep burnout at bay

June 22, 2026

Identify an activity or activities that bring you inner peace and calm. Photo courtesy of iStock

Ask a dozen women what self-care means to them, and you might just get 12 different answers. For some, it’s a day at the spa or a trip to the nail salon. For others, it’s a walk on the beach, a relaxing bubble bath, or an afternoon on the couch with a good book.

Whatever your idea of self-care may be, don’t confuse it with being selfish or self-indulgent, experts say. Self-care is the much-needed time we spend on habits that nourish our physical and emotional health. This month, we asked three busy health care professionals to discuss how they sustain their physical and mental well‑being while caring for others at work and home.

Hemali Patel, DO is a primary care physician and director of primary care at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. She is board certified in family medicine by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, and she sees patients at the Rosner Family Health and Wellness Center.

Laurel Blair, MD is a board-certified general surgeon, fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and Master Surgeon in robotic surgery with fellow-ship training in minimally invasive surgery, robotics, and advanced hernia repair techniques. She is chair of the robotics committee at CCIRH.

Lori McCormick, MSHSA, BSN, RN is the senior director of Ambulatory Nursing & Operations at CCIRH. She oversees day-to-day operations and nursing staff within the organization’s outpatient care facilities and oncology services.

Self-care routines can look different for everyone. Photo courtesy of iStock

How does working in health care influence the way you think about your own well-being?

Dr. Patel: Working in health care makes it very clear how interconnected physical, mental, and emotional health are. Every day, I see how chronic stress and burnout can translate into real medical conditions, and that perspective has made me very mindful of my own health.

Dr. Blair: Frequently performing surgery in emergency and scheduled situations puts human healing and health at the forefront of your mind. Surgeons observe and assist in how people recover, gaining insight into who recovers quickly and which comorbid conditions hinder recovery. Frequently operating in emergency situations can also put into perspective how fragile life and health can be and encourages a sense of appreciation of your own good health, as we frequently diagnose cancer and other life-threatening conditions.

Nurse McCormick: Working in health care has heightened my awareness of my own well-being. It’s a constant reminder that prevention matters and that we have to make self-care a priority.

Downtime can be relaxing but also energizing, no matter what form it takes. Photo courtesy of iStock

Why is self-care important to you at this stage of your life and career?

Dr. Patel: Self-care is what allows me to sustain a high level of performance without sacrificing my personal life. I’ve worked hard to build a career I’m proud of, and it’s easy to let work take over. So, at this stage, I’ve learned how important it is to prioritize things that bring me joy and improve my quality of life.

Dr. Blair: Self-care is always important, but as I age, I have found that my stress levels have increased and my ability to recover quickly has diminished. I have noticed that without the stamina of your 20s and 30s, operating throughout the night on call can take a toll, as it interrupts normal sleep habits and causes added stress.

Nurse McCormick: At this stage of my life and career, self-care is essential because it allows me to sustain both my personal well-being and my ability to show up fully for others. With increased professional responsibilities and life demands, I’ve learned that my health—physical, mental, and emotional—is not something I can take for granted. Prioritizing self-care helps me maintain balance, manage stress, and preserve the energy and focus needed to lead effectively. It’s no longer about indulgence; it’s about longevity, resilience, and being proactive so I can continue to thrive both at work and in my personal life.

Being creative can help slow down and focus the mind in a way that is restorative and grounding. Photo courtesy of iStock

Which self-care practices feel most restorative or grounding for you personally?

Dr. Patel: I gravitate toward experiences that energize me and bring on new adventures. Traveling internationally, trying new cuisines, and immersing myself in different cultures keeps me inspired. On a day-to-day level, staying active with pickleball, walks on the beach with my dog, and enjoying great food with family and friends keeps me grounded.

Dr. Blair: I find connecting with nature and understanding my place in the world helps me to decrease my stress. Walking on the boardwalk at Jaycee Park and listening to the ocean are restorative for me. I also enjoy watching a sunrise and sunset, as I feel that it helps take a moment to reset and prepare for the day or helps to review the day and be grateful and appreciate your blessings. Scuba diving is another great stress reliever. It is naturally calming to listen to your own breathing while observing beautiful scenery underwater. Finally, I don’t think there is anything wrong with a little retail therapy, and Vero Beach has many of my favorite shops.

Nurse McCormick: Massages, creative crafts, and spending time with my family are the self-care practices that feel most restorative and grounding to me. Massages help me release physical tension and truly relax, while crafting allows me to slow down, be present, and express creativity in a way that’s calming. Most importantly, time with my family reconnects me to what matters most ; it grounds me, brings joy, and restores my emotional well-being.

Do you notice a difference in your mindset or personality when you are consistent with your own self-care versus when you are not?

Dr. Patel: Absolutely! When I’m consistent with self-care, I feel more present, patient, and engaged, both at work and in my personal life. I’m able to connect better with patients and approach challenges with a clearer mindset. Times when I’m not as consistent, I feel fatigued and less focused, reinforcing how important self-care is for continued endurance and longevity.

Dr. Blair: When I am consistent with my own self-care, I feel less fatigued, less stressed, and better able to care for and provide empathy for my patients and their families on their own health care journeys.

Nurse McCormick: Yes, I definitely notice a difference. When I’m consistent with my self-care, I’m more patient, focused, and emotionally balanced. I have more energy and a more positive mindset, which allows me to handle stress and responsibilities with greater clarity. When I’m not prioritizing self-care, I tend to feel more overwhelmed and reactive, and it becomes harder to stay grounded. The contrast has reinforced for me that self-care isn’t optional; it’s essential for maintaining both my well-being and my effectiveness in my personal and professional life.

Devote time each day to one or more of the activities that bring inner peace and calm. Photo courtesy of iStock

What advice would you give to people who feel guilty about taking the time to do something for themselves?

Dr. Patel: We have all been there, but it’s time to change that mindset. Being in health care, I was conditioned to push through and prioritize others, but soon I realized that approach wasn’t sustainable. I have learned that to be consistent, effective, and feel fulfilled long-term, you must invest in yourself. Once you become more intentional about self-care, you will perform at your best, and the feeling of guilt will fade away.

Dr. Blair: I think that this is an important distinction, as I believe that self-care must be considered routine, necessary maintenance for the body and mind without which our ability to be productive members of society and provide empathy and assistance to our neighbors, friends, and families is greatly impacted. I experience this on a daily basis and encourage others to take the time to find something that works for them to recharge their mind, body, and soul and enjoy the time that they have in this very special life.

Nurse McCormick: I would remind them that taking time for themselves isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Caring for yourself allows you to show up as your best self for others, both personally and professionally. Guilt often comes from feeling responsible for everyone else, but neglecting your own well-being only leads to burnout. Even small moments of self-care can restore energy and perspective, and you deserve that time just as much as anyone else.