Duke Raleigh Hospital

Our lives are multi-faceted. Although our work is important, many other things outside of work give our lives meaning and purpose.

The right balance of work duties, hobbies, and family can positively affect a person’s overall quality of life. Members of our Duke Raleigh Hospital team find unique ways to decrease their work-related stresses and increase productivity and motivation at work.

Learn Holly Bradicich uses nightly family walks, Sylvia McCauley writes and produces music, and Jason Leymeister gives back to others to recharge.

Holly Bradicich, Manager of Service Excellence and Volunteer Services

For Holly Bradicich, nightly walks with her family are the ultimate stress reliever.

“I mentally allow the stress of the day to melt away during the walks,” said Bradicich.

The walks—a four-year family tradition that started after her oldest daughter was born—are a time for Bradicich, her husband, and two young daughters to reflect on their day and anything exciting coming up.

“It helps me to practice mindfulness, and truly get a breath of fresh air after being inside all day,” she said. “I like to make mental notes of how the sun feels, how beautiful the sky is, and reflect on our blessings.”

Weather does not stop her family from practicing their activity to unwind. Walks take place despite hurricanes and snowstorms.

“One evening we went walking right before a summer rain shower moved in,” she said. “As we finished our walk it started pouring rain. Our oldest ran out into the rain and was soaking wet but she was having the greatest time. Next thing I know, our walk turned into dancing and playing in the rain!”

Sylvia McCauley, RN, BSN, MHA, CNML, Manager Ambulatory Surgery

Sylvia McCauley has a passion not only for writing music, but for singing. She uses this gift to help her relax after a long day.

“All day I have the stress of having someone’s life in my hands. Music is my creative, fun outlet,” said McCauley. “It completely calms me and gives me inspiration.”

A member of her church choir, McCauley says her love of writing music only started about two years ago.

“I just decided one day that if I am writing it and it touches me,” she said, “maybe this music will touch someone else too.”

Already, her hobby is starting to blossom. She’s presently recording a single she wrote called “Penetrate” with HandyRec Studios that’s due out this summer. The inspirational song focuses on letting God know how love affects her and features McCauley playing the piano.

Jason Leymeister, MS, RRA, RT(R), Interventional Radiology Supervisor

Giving back through an organization with a history of helping to better the community is how Jason Leymeister relieves work stresses.

“I receive my inner peace by giving back through charity,” said Leymeister, a Master Mason with the Masonic Lodge of Cary who helps to organize the group’s annual charity golf tournament. “I have organized the golf tournament over the past two years that benefits the Oxford Home for Children. Masons have funded this home for over 150 years and wish to continue for many more to come.”

Leymeister says this charity work centers him.

“It helps remind me that no matter how bad a day I am having there are always others in more need or distress,” he said. “It also reminds me to maintain a healthy balance between my work and personal life, so that one never overshadows the other.”