Power of Blogging
Wellbeing L
aw is a high stress career so how do we also take care of our wellbeing? Our Wellbeing Blog gives several different perspectives and tackles issues such as, mental wellbeing, stress awareness, menopause. Our May 2021 magazine can also be accessed at pages 20 to 28 looks at what is on offer for all lawyers through Lawcare and other resources. It also focuses on the impact of the pandemic and bullying. All these articles are relevant and can be found here Legal Women May 2021 by Benham Publishing Limited. The latest post by Helen Pamely is about identifying stress signs. You can find the full blog here Helen Pamely (http:// legalwomen.org.uk/helenpamely.html) but below is an example exercise.
Stress Signature Exercise Why not try the below exercise? This acts as a great de-stressor as well as providing the groundwork for learning to tune into ourselves and identify our own Stress Signature.
Recharge in nature
Top 10 tips for reconnecting with nature
1. Take a deep breath through your nose to the count of four, allowing your stomach to expand. Pause for two seconds. Exhale slowly through your mouth to the count of eight. Repeat eight times. 2. If you notice tension in your body, try nonjudgmentally to notice this but not get caught up in it. Gently return your concentration to the breathing exercise. 3. Then ask yourself the following question: what thoughts, feelings, emotions and bodily sensations are in your present-moment experience right now? 4. Allow a couple of minutes simply to sit with this question. 5. Allow whatever arises in response. Don’t try to push it away or grasp onto it; just let it be.
Get up early to watch the sunrise – a few minutes peace at the start of the day can set you on the right track.
Leave your curtains open a bit a night so you wake to daylight – this helps with setting a healthy sleep rhythm.
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5 Walk or run without headphones, listen to the sounds around you – a lack of distraction helps to ground you in the present moment.
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6. When you feel ready, open your eyes. 7. You may wish to note down any particular insight you gained into the thoughts, feelings, emotions and/or bodily-sensations noticed. Helen Pamely is a Partner at Rosling King LLP, Wellbeing Consultant, a Coach and a Psychotherapist. She is in the process of completing a MA in Mindfulnessbased Psychotherapy (www.therapywithhelen.com ; Insta: @helenpamely). ■
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Reclaim your lunchbreak and get outside whatever the weather – leave your phone at home. A break outside away from your desk gives you perspective and improve your productivity.
If you live near the sea, a lake or a lido try cold water swimming which is proven to help diminish the fight or flight response – but do research it first!
Try forest bathing – walk slowly through a wood and forest and just ‘be’, taking in the atmosphere with all your senses.
Go out at night and look at the stars – it’s a great way to calm a busy mind and connect with the world.
9 Grow your own vegetables, plants or flowers in a garden, balcony or just a pot on a windowsill. Gardening is proven to benefit your mental health.
Take every opportunity to watch and be around animals – no matter how small.
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Have your morning coffee outside, see how many birds you can spot – this acts as a form of mindfulness, allowing you to be quiet and still for a moment.
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