Day 1: Stay Strong (Physical Well-Being)
Striving for regular activity, good diet and nutrition, enough sleep, and recovery. Limiting addictive substances and seeking help for physical health when needed.
Let’s kick off Well-Being Week with a reminder of the benefits of getting back to basics when it comes to well-being. I am talking about eating well, moving often, and paying attention to your sleep practices. As lawyers, we are often impressively terrible at recognizing and meeting our own needs while pouring ourselves into the needs of our clients and our practice. But at some point, our body is going to sound the alarm. If you are feeling foggy, cranky, or plain exhausted, it might just be time to get back to basics.
Eat. Eat real food. On a regular basis. There is compelling evidence that what you eat may have a significant effect on your mood! Recent studies suggest that up to 95% of your body’s supply of serotonin, a mood stabilizer, is produced by gut bacteria! So, when you are choosing between a few packaged cookies or a piece of fresh fruit, just know that fruit is working double duty on your wellbeing while the cookies….not so much. Remember to feed your mood wisely.
Move. Movement does not need to be a huge commitment, although it can be if that is your thing. Movement can be as simple as grabbing a friend and going for a walk after work. When you do so, you are meeting an important social need while giving your body what it requires. You also might get a regular accountability partner! Small steps, both literally and metaphorically, matter. Start small and add on when you can.
Sleep. I am going to guess that many reading this immediately recognize that their sleep habits need improving. But seriously, it is light lifting to let sleep become your superpower. Create an inviting electronics-free nest for yourself in your bed where you can peacefully recharge at night. Invest in fancy linens and room darkening shades. Use a clear touchstone to tell you it is time to go to bed. A simple ritual, like turning on a salt lamp shortly before bed, can signal to your brain that it is time to rest. Let sleep become your superpower.
And do not forget to notice how you feel.
That moment of awareness when you think, “Hey, I feel a little clearer after that walk” or “I’m less irritable after a good night’s sleep,” is powerful. Noticing builds momentum. It makes the behavior more likely to stick. Harness the power of noticing to reinforce those things you wish to make more permanent habits.
So, this week, pick one small thing from your basics list. Do the thing. Then do it again tomorrow.
And don’t forget, if you want to partner up with someone to help you get your own plan together, consider calling LCL. We are here for all your well-being needs.
-Sarah MacGillis, Outreach Director