As an attorney, it can be hard to remember to take the time to focus on wellness. We’re constantly managing a busy workload, concerned about helping our clients with their legal issues and keeping up with legal developments. But it’s important for us to take the time to dig into (and relish!) our wellness – whatever that looks like for each of us – and reconnect with what improves us physically and mentally.
When I think about what helps me reconnect, I think about participating in activities that bring me joy. For me, the main activity that comes to mind is traveling. Whenever I travel, I’m able to reconnect with my passions at a deeper level. I feel joyful and find the space and time where I am able to practice mental and physical wellness habits.
This reminds me of a recent trip with my husband to Norway. I had the chance to spend time with some lovely locals, and met my husband’s extended family. While we were there, we talked about how Norway consistently ends up near the top of the happiest places and happiest places on Earth – and why they end up on these lists.
According to psychologist Ragnhild Bang Nes, a renowned, lead researcher on happiness at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, “Norwegians feel safe and free and have a strong sense of belonging.” She also cites free education for everyone, easily accessible nature and a healthy work-life balance as other reasons why Norwegians feel so happy.
But why does this matter? Am I just telling you to take time off work and hop on the next flight to Norway? Yes – but no.
We’ve all heard that you can’t pour from an empty cup and that we need to take care of ourselves first. That self-care is not selfish. Wellness and self-care go hand in hand. And as we know all too well, self-care – whether it’s our sleep routine, nutritional needs or exercise schedule – is one of the things that gets removed first when we have a busy schedule. But in reality, self-care is critically important for attorneys to keep top of mind.
So, what can we do to prioritize self-care and wellness activities while balancing our responsibilities as an attorney?
1. Identify self-care and wellness practices that align with your values. Any time you set out to achieve a goal or start a new habit, it’s easier to stick to it when it aligns with your core values. As you begin this journey, start by identifying what matters most to you. Would your ideal wellness routine involve your physical health? Mental health? Reconnecting with your family or faith? Make a note of what you value, then create goals based around that.
2. Start small and focus on where you can add in self-care. Remember that something is better than nothing. There’s nothing wrong with starting small. Maybe begin by adding in a 10-15 minute walk over your lunch hour. Or make a healthy dinner with leftovers that you can pack for lunch the next day. You could even simply meditate or pray for five minutes before bed.
3. Schedule self-care and wellness activities on your calendar. Similarly, if you’re anything like me, you live and breathe by your work calendar. When a self-care or wellness activity is scheduled on your work calendar, treat it as an appointment. You wouldn’t skip a meeting with a client, so don’t skip this appointment with yourself.
4. Don’t be afraid to be open about taking time for self-care and wellness. In our profession, we strive for perfection. We’re often in competition with other attorneys, and we always have to be “on.” So, it makes sense that there is a stigma around needing to take time for self-care and wellness. But when we can be open about needing time to recharge, it can help make change in our community for the better. Just like the Norwegians, this can foster a sense of belonging and improve the wellness habits of other attorneys in Iowa.
5. Reassess your goals periodically. Like anything else, it’s important to reassess your goals periodically. I suggest really analyzing how you’re doing quarterly. Keep track of how many times you kept your promises to yourself and stuck to your schedule. Or how many times per week that you walked over lunch. Be honest with yourself about your performance, then adjust from there. Maybe add something about rewarding yourself for meeting goals. Maybe it's a coffee or a facial or a small travel adventure.
At the end of the day, we must remind ourselves that our role as an attorney is not the only identity we have. Like the Norwegians, we must take time to work on improving our happiness and joy throughout our life. While I might find that connection through travel experiences, you might find it through helping others, practicing mindfulness, learning new things, spending time in nature or diving into hobbies. However you define wellness and self-care, I hope you’re able to implement some of these tips to improve your wellbeing throughout the second half of 2024 and beyond.
Writer Bio:
Ann is General Counsel for ARAG Insurance Company (“ARAG”). ARAG’s legal plans are offered as a voluntary employee benefit. Over 15,000 attorneys nationwide are paid by ARAG to represent employees experiencing personal legal issues.
As ARAG's General Counsel, Ann directs the company's legal, regulatory, compliance, risk management, and attorney relations departments.
Prior to joining ARAG in 2000, Ann served as General Counsel of a nonprofit organization. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology/sociology and prelaw from Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska, and a law degree from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha.
Ann is a member of the Polk County Women Attorneys, Polk County Bar Association, Iowa State Bar Association, American Bar Association and the Association of Corporate Counsel.
