SBM Encourages Attorneys to Participate in Well-Being Week in Law

May 3, 2021

The first full week of May marks Well-Being Week in Law (WWIL), a nationwide effort to promote actions and innovations that help improve the mental health and well-being of members of the legal profession. The State Bar of Michigan encourages individuals, firms, and other organizations to take advantage of the resources offered by the Institute for Well-Being in Law.

Each day of WWIL focuses on a different aspect of well-being — physical, spiritual, occupational, social, and emotional. The schedule below includes things to watch, read, and do each day.  

Monday, May 3 | Physical Well-Being 

• Watch this: Dr. Wendy Suzuki talks about how exercise transformed her life and her research about the interconnection between physical activity and peak brain functioning. 
• Read this: Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Walk.
• Do this: The way you breathe may be making you anxious. Try out the stress-calming 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise Activity Guide. 

Tuesday, May 4 | Spiritual Well-Being 

• Watch this: Fellow professionals in law share how they integrate their personal approach to spirituality into their work lives.
• Read this: Ways to Incorporate Your Spirituality at Work
• Do this: Boost the meaningfulness of your everyday stroll by following the instructions in the Awe Walk Activity Guide.

Wednesday, May 5 | Intellectual Well-Being

• Watch this: Psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi’s best-selling author proposes that fostering more “flow” in our daily lives is a key to growth and happiness.
• Read this: Nine Steps to Achieving Flow in Your Work
• Do this: Job crafting is a continual activity in which we seek to create a better fit between our strengths, values, and preferences and our work. Check out the Job Crafting Activity Guide.

Thursday, May 6 | Social Well-Being

• Watch this: Dhru Purohit shares how deep and meaningful friendships can help you thrive, how strong relationships can support your well-being, and how connecting with others can help you reach your goals.  (LINK APPEARS TO BE BROKEN)
• Read this: Working from Home Poses Hurdles for Employees of Color
• Do this: We often share more in common with others than what meets the eye. Try bridging differences in work more effectively by doing the exercise in this Activity Guide.

Friday, May 7 | Emotional Well-Being

• Watch this: Dr. Guy Winch advocates for better emotional hygiene — taking care of our emotions and minds with the same diligence as we take care of our bodies.
• Read this: Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s how to get through the workday.
• Do this: Try out two activities to help curb the negative effects of unhelpful thoughts in the Retraining Unhelpful Thoughts Activity Guide. 

SBM’s Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program is available year-round to help legal professionals achieve wellness and manage life’s trials.