I feel better about managing the daily stress of being everything to everyone in my firm, when I’m able to connect with my fellow members at events and feel reinvigorated in the community of others. Being around like-minded people that do what I
do fills my bucket and helps me be a better person and a better resource for my firm and even my family.
It's one way that I take care of myself. Because you know what? Being a business professional in a law firm is always exciting and interesting because of the variety of things we get to do. But the inevitable companion to that is stress. We can feel pulled in a hundred different directions at once. Additionally, many of us are a resource for staff who also might be struggling with their mental well-being.
As May is Mental Health Awareness, I encourage you to continue your education to not only help yourself, but to be a resource to those in your firm who also need assistance. There is such a need for it. For example, one resource you have access to is
Mental Health First Aid. ALA began offering this certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing last year — every session has sold out so far, and the summer dates are on pace to do the same.
“Being a business professional in a law firm is always exciting and interesting because of the variety of things we get to do. But the inevitable companion to that is stress.”
So I would encourage you to take time to reflect on how you take care of yourself and make self-care a priority. Also, be sure to be on the lookout for this year’s print edition of
Legal Management, which focuses on wellness topics on everything to the relationship the legal industry has with alcohol to how artificial intelligence can help prevent burnout. Some members even share tips on how they fit wellness into their day (bonus: there are pics with dogs!). The issue will be hitting homes in late July.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t note that this is my last column as your ALA President. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve in this role. I have learned more than I can put into one column. The chance to connect with so many members — some even in person this year! — is a highlight that will remain with me long after I pass the torch to Sarah Evenson, JD, MBA, in Kissimmee. The Association is in excellent hands.
