Let’s face it, the legal industry can be brutal! Not only is there a huge amount of hours logged, there’s also many tasks that require critical thinking. It can be exhausting while at the same time it can be greatly rewarding.
I’ve always been in awe of coworkers, mentors, friends who somehow manage to balance it all — family, work, community involvement, passion projects, and most importantly they prioritize themselves.
As I’ve grown in this profession, I’ve molded my work-life balance goals around these women I’ve been so blessed to work with and around over the past 15+ years.
I used to think it cliche but I now truly believe that you absolutely can’t serve others effectively if you’re working from your own empty cup. So, here’s 5 tips I rely on to ensure I’m tending to my own cup and making space for ME in my schedule.
- Morning journal session, aka coffee time. If I make a point of pulling out my journal to accompany me during the first few sips of that warm, divine morning treat, I’ll certainly have some words to note. I don’t put any requirements on content, it’s more of a free for all, letting my mind just flow it’s thoughts without cohesion or judgment at the lack thereof.
- Daily movement. This doesn’t have to be big and should vary regularly. Look, we are all getting old, aging each day so I want to support my body & mind through this process as best possible. This requires movement and activity every single day. Of course respecting when sick or in recovery. One of my favorite activities is a two-fer – hiking! I get out into nature and I move. WIN WIN!
- Drink water. More than I did the day before. Nothing too crazy, but reminding myself to reach for my water glass/bottle throughout the day helps with this.
- Hug someone else every day. I grew up in a family that wasn’t overly affectionate. And while I don’t feel I lacked affection, I definitely find value in the connection felt through an embrace. And I don’t mean a quick, “hi, how are you?” pat on the back sort of hug. I mean a heartfelt embrace that lasts through at least a couple of breathing cycles. This one takes practice, particularly not rushing through this. Practice this one and see if you can feel the difference after doing it for several days or a week.
- Sleep. SLEEP you guys. This one is a non-negotiable! Do all you can to be sure you’re getting into bed with enough time to let your body and mind fully rest and recover through the night. For some this is 7 hours of sleep, for others this may be 8 or 9. If you’re a teenager, studies say you should be getting at least 9.25 hours of sleep per night. Now that would be AWESOME in high school. Perhaps school administrations should pay more attention to this research and push back school start times?!?
Is there anything you do to keep your cup full?
How do you manage to make time for yourself when workload seems to not let up?
Do you schedule in “ME” time?