The UAB Department of Neurosurgery is spotlighting staff to focus on the importance of hobbies for stress relief, wellness and self-care.
The goal of the series is to connect individuals across the department by highlighting their hobbies as they relate to mental, physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, social and financial wellness.
 
Lori Mehaffey is the clinic director for the Neurosurgery and Neurology clinics at UAB. She has been with the organization for 15 years and is a three-time UAB graduate. Mehaffey most recently completed her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in 2018. She has a drive for leadership and enjoys watching employees grow to their full potential.

What hobby do you currently focus on in your downtime?   
I have several hobbies that I enjoy with my family including gardening, woodworking and anything water related, but our most recent venture is raising chickens. I have enjoyed learning about their needs, behaviors and of course the fresh eggs. They are very calming and becoming very much like our dogs following us around wherever we go. 

What inspired you to explore this hobby?
I have heard a lot about people raising chickens recently and it seemed like something that would be interesting and a good experience for my son. 

Have you noticed a change in your well-being since beginning this hobby and how does that translate into your work?  
Having something to come home to and focus on that is totally out of your normal daily routine helps refresh the mind. 

What are you most proud of?  
I try to challenge myself in unfamiliar environments when I can, so I am continually learning something different. Next up is restoring my grandfather’s old truck.