As patients, we look to our doctors and others in the medical profession to help us heal from illnesses. However, what the studies indicate is that doctors and medical professionals often struggle with burnout and depression, as well as substance abuse. This leads to asking the question: What are doctors and other medical professionals doing to practice self-care and wellness?

According to Mindful magazine, almost half of U.S. doctors report symptoms of burnout. Doctors work “an average of 10 hours more per week than other U.S. workers and are nearly twice as likely to be dissatisfied with their work-life balance.” Sadly, “300 to 400 U.S. doctors commit suicide every year. Death by suicide in male physicians is 70% higher than among men in other professions, and up to 400% higher among female physicians than women in other professions.” In addition, doctors are “3.5 times more likely to abuse prescription drugs. Physicians are as susceptible to alcohol or drug abuse as the general public, however they’re five times more prone to abusing prescription drugs.”

Burnout is problematic in any profession but particularly in the medical professional because “doctors who are burned out are not simply exhausted—they treat their patients as objects, have less empathy for them, and feel a low sense of accomplishment.”

Self-care and engaging in activities that will maximize wellness isn't always easy, especially for busy professionals. I interviewed Margaret M. Hansen, Ed.D., MSN, CNL, RN, professor of nursing, University of San Francisco for how she incorporates self-care into her schedule, and here is what she shared.

(Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images for Crackle/Sony Pictures Television)

How Dr. Hansen Practices Self-Care

1. Schedule breaks throughout the day

During my work day at the computer I step away and take a stretch break every 50 minutes for 10 minutes. I set my alarm on my phone to alert me to stand and stretch. I have a scheduled time to take walks with my yellow Labrador, Soley. And I have a scheduled time each day to meditate.