Karen Smolen Urges Professionals to Reclaim Mental Health Through Creativity
Medical Professional and Drummer Speaks Out on the Power of Hobbies, Mindfulness, and Self-Reflection in High-Stress Careers
SAN MARCOS, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 7, 2025 /Karen Smolen, a seasoned healthcare professional and lifelong creative, is speaking out about the urgent need for mental health awareness among professionals in high-pressure industries. Drawing from decades in the medical field, a lifelong love of music, and her personal experience balancing wellness and career demands, Smolen is encouraging others to adopt restorative hobbies and mindful routines to protect their mental well-being.
"We spend so much of our energy caring for others or meeting expectations that we forget how to listen to ourselves," Smolen said in a recent interview. "Time off work is important to step back and reflect. For me, it 's drumming, jogging, designing-it clears my mind and keeps me focused."
Stress in the Workplace Is a Growing Public Health Concern
According to the American Institute of Stress, 83% of U.S. workers suffer from work-related stress, with high-stakes professions in healthcare, law, and education reporting some of the highest burnout rates. The World Health Organization classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon, linked to increased absenteeism, poor health, and even early retirement.
Karen Smolen isn 't just acknowledging the issue-she 's offering a solution rooted in personal experience.
"As a healthcare worker, I 've seen what happens when we don 't prioritize our own well-being," she shared. "Listening to others is important, but so is listening to your own needs."
Creative Expression as a Mental Health Tool
Smolen believes that creativity and routine self-reflection are key tools for managing stress. She has been a classically trained drummer since age 13, takes weekly lessons, and uses art as a form of emotional release. Her pop art-inspired clothing designs began as a personal project but evolved into a small business and a powerful mental health outlet.
"I can list all the elite drummers I know of," she said. "Their dedication to their craft keeps me motivated to always improve and strive for better in all aspects of my life."
Her message is clear: you don 't need to be an artist or musician to benefit from creative outlets. The simple act of engaging in something you enjoy-consistently-can sharpen focus, reduce anxiety, and build resilience.
Reflection and Feedback: Keys to Long-Term Growth
In her career and life, Smolen places a strong emphasis on feedback and mindfulness. "I value feedback to help prioritize my goals," she explained. "I measure my improvements weekly-at work, in drumming, in life."
She adds that meditation and relaxation techniques are vital in maintaining clarity and emotional balance. "It helps slow my mind and sort out each issue and how to solve it," she said.
Her message isn 't about perfection-it 's about progress.
Choose One, Start Small
Karen Smolen 's advice to fellow professionals is simple: start small, but start now.
"Pick one thing that excites you-something you used to love or always wanted to try," she says. "Do it consistently. Make space for it in your week like it 's just as important as a meeting or deadline. Because it is."
Whether it 's journaling, learning an instrument, painting, gardening, or jogging-intentional hobbies can be a powerful antidote to burnout. They reconnect us to ourselves and sharpen the skills that make us better in our work and relationships.
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About Karen Smolen
Karen Smolen is a medical professional based in San Marcos, CA, with a background in clinical nutrition and integrative health practices. She holds degrees from Queens College and NY Medical College and brings over 30 years of experience in healthcare. She is also an accomplished rock/punk drummer, visual artist, and advocate for mental health awareness through creativity and self-care.
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SOURCE:Karen Smolen
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