Wellness, Civility and Thriving in the Practice of Law
What an informative and interesting CLE on “Wellness, Civility and Thriving in the Practice of Law.” Thank you Tara D. Phoenix and the Philadelphia Bar Association for sponsoring Kathleen D. Wilkinson, Esq., the Honorable Cheryl Ann Krause, Kristine Calalang and me to speak on the various aspects of lawyer civility, wellness and how we need both to thrive in the practice of law. Here are some of the takeaways:
1. Autonomy has been shown to be a large part of professional satisfaction and well being for lawyers. Taking control can be especially challenging for young lawyers. As such, consider taking on a pro bono matter or a leadership role on a committee of a local bar association, i.e., think Philadelphia Bar Association, as one way to gain some autonomy.
2. Wellbeing is a part of a lawyer’s professional responsibility of competence – check out the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct and the American Bar Association/Report of the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being.
3. Lawyers tend to take on the stress of their clients’ problems. After all, most of go into the profession so that we can help people. Acknowledge that this can be challenging and find time to release your stress. Consider talking through your stress with colleagues, friends, family or professionals.
4. One great stress-releasing activity is spending time with pets – yours, a neighbor’s or a friend’s. Take a dog for a 15 minute walk. Being outside and moving your body promotes wellness. While you are with your dog, be sure to pet them. This has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
5. Calendar those wellness breaks and keep that appointment with yourself. We would not cancel on our clients so consider treating yourself as a client.
6. While there is much advice on what wellness practices work best, do what you like to do – you will be more likely to follow through on the practice.
7. Have fun – it truly is one of the best wellness practices! #CLE #wellnesstips #coachingforlawyers #civility
Gail
Similar Posts
Apples and Pumpkins and Squash, Oh My!
We typically mark the seasonal transition with traditions we enjoy, like Halloween trick-or-treating and cheering with the crowd at sporting events. However, since many of our favorite pastimes remain restricted due to the continuing global pandemic, here are some suggestions on what we still can do
Shower Anyone? Here’s a Good Reason to Take One
Research shows that being near, in, on, or under the water can improve our mood and our health, and increase our creativity and connectedness. “People can experience the benefits of the water whether they’re near the ocean, a lake, a river, a swimming pool or even listening to the soothing sound of a fountain,” says Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist, avid scuba diver and author of Blue Mind (2014).
Count Your Blessings
When I was growing up, my beloved grandmother Adele repeatedly would tell me to appreciate my parents – no matter what they did – and to count my blessings.
Welcoming Challenge
After returning from a trip I am reminded that people of all cultures all over the world are career changers. In the upcoming year, what challenges are you ready to take on?
Four Keys to Achieving What You Really Want
Four Keys to...
Effecting Change in a New Year
Research shows that more than 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail. Why? Because the expectations we set for ourselves are too big, too many, and too unrealistic. So, what can we do if we want to make changes and be successful?