Tag: wellness

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Mindful Minute: Wellbeing During the Election Cycle

On By krobinson

By Koryn Sheppard

Election cycles, particularly in high-stakes political climates like the current one, can be exhilarating, exhausting — or both. The flood of political news, opinions, debates, and advertisements can overwhelm and even dismay. At its core, an election is a contest of values, ideas, opinions, and visions for the future. When it comes to presidential elections, many people feel a personal stake in the outcome. Emotional highs and lows can lead to stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Some may even feel real fear. This fear is not unjustified, as polarizing political extremism has led to acts of terror, violence, and civil unrest. Additionally, the psychological impact can be equally severe. Many people, especially those in marginalized groups, feel an increasing sense of vulnerability during election cycles as the worry about hate crimes and discrimination adds a deeper layer of anxiety to an already tense period. Many people feel angry. This anger is not unjustified. Political discussion can easily turn heated, even between close friends and beloved relatives. It is easy, tempting, and even reflexively vindicating to resort to ad hominem attacks when you believe the other side is racist, sexist, xenophobic, homophobic, etc. Read More

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Mindful Minute — From Burnout to Balance: Working in Alignment with Your Core Values

On By krobinson

By: Marta Manus

There is no such thing as work/life balance. We must create balance within. In our fast-paced world, the way we manage our actions, time, and energy profoundly impacts our sense of balance. Every action we take—whether deliberate or unintentional—can either contribute to a balanced life or lead us further away from it. The further away we get from balance, the more likely we are to burnout. Burnout is partly caused by an imbalance in our energetic state of being, experienced by feelings of extreme overwhelm, exhaustion, and disillusionment. When we go through our days working on things that are misaligned with our core values, we can fall out of the inner balance. Balancing life requires more than just checking off tasks; it involves a conscious effort to align actions with our values and goals.  Read More

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Mindful Minute: Wellness for New Lawyers and Law Students

On By krobinson

By Elijah T. Gaglio

All lawyers are at a higher risk of experiencing substance abuse, loneliness, depression, and suicide, which was confirmed in a 2020 in-depth study by the California Lawyers Association and D.C. Bar Association.[1] Many lawyers “are expected to work long hours, meet tight deadlines, and handle complex legal issues, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism and client satisfaction.”[2]  New lawyers generally experience this high level of stress for the first time when they are starting their practice. Now, the State Bar of California requires new attorneys to complete a 1.5-hour course on competency (substance abuse, mental health issues) as part of its
New Attorney Training for MCLE compliance Read More

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Wellness: Self-Advocacy is Not Optional

On By krobinson

By Tatiana Kline

As a Public Defender, I have become skilled at advocating on behalf of others. I take pride in my ability to fight for what is right and not back down until a just outcome is obtained for my clients. But when it comes to advocating for myself, that skill seems to vanish. I find myself unable to advocate in the same zealous manner when it comes to my needs.   Read More

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It’s OK if You Don’t Feel Joyful During the Holidays

On By sdcountybar

By Julie Thorpe-Lopez

Paradoxically, the pressure to be joyful during the holidays sometimes eviscerates the actual experience of joy. In addition to the regular stress of our jobs, family, and personal obligations, we are bombarded with pressures to celebrate, whether we actually celebrate a particular holiday or not. Adding to this already overflowing plate of stress is traveling or hosting guests, shopping, financial pressures, and spending time with extended family — with whom we may or may not positively connect. When things don’t go the way the holidays look in commercials or on social media (most of which is really unachievable unless your profession is “TV producer” or “social media influencer”), we feel a sense of failure. When our kids are going bananas without a regular school routine for three or four weeks, we feel like we are blowing it as parents. Plus, we’ve all endured a years-long pandemic and have been in fight-or-flight adrenaline overload for much longer than humans were made to endure. We still have tremendous political divisiveness permeating the media — another stressor that crops up with the extended family time we are expected to put in. It’s no surprise that joy and peace don’t always come easily during this time. Read More

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Mindful Minute: A Meditation Practice Even Navy SEALs Use

On By sdcountybar

By Amy J. Lepine

Do you ever feel disconnected or wish you could relate to people on a deeper level? Tonglen could be the answer. This ancient Tibetan practice in compassion breaks down the barriers of separation and allows us to share more readily in both the sorrow and the joy of others around us. And you don’t have to sit on a cushion or light any incense to do it. In fact, it can be done “on the street.” Literally translated to mean taking and sending, this practice focuses on breathing in the pain and suffering of others and breathing out relief, healing whatever is needed in the moment. Read More

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Mindful Minute: The Balance of Gratitude

On By sdcountybar

By Pauline Villanueva

 ’Tis the season to give thanks, count our blessings, and remember all the things we have to be grateful for. For some, this is a welcome reminder; for others, it is a challenge. Worse, it can make some of us feel resentful, as if we’re being pressured to feel “grateful” while simultaneously being forced to acknowledge our struggles. Read More