When it comes to loving your Law Life, a 25-minute daily walk is better than a $25,000 annual raise.
So say Yale researchers, who found that people who exercise regularly have sharper focus, greater productivity and fewer down days. The best part: they get the same “happiness boost” that comes from a hefty pay hike.
According to the study, people who exercise for 45 minutes three to five times a week had one-and-a-half fewer days of “poor mental health” than those who were more sedentary. That translates to more than three full work weeks of down time each year.
Not only that, inactive people need approximately $25,000 in additional income to reach the same level of happiness as those who exercise.
Aerobic activity – especially walking, jogging, swimming and cycling – brings the biggest boost. But any type of physical movement – from gardening to playing with your children at the park – was found to improve mood and mental acuity.
Physical benefits like weight loss, muscle gain, and stronger hearts and lungs are icing on the cake – and yes, you deserve a slice as a sweet reward.
So get moving, and get ready for a happier Law Life.
Read the study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal, here. Learn more here and here.
Dear Risk Pro: I’m a solo attorney with a part-time assistant. In the last six months I’ve struggled to keep up with the almost daily changes to state and local laws, court rules and health guidelines. I’ve got my hands full just keeping the doors open, much less keeping up on the law. Any suggestions? Floundering in Frisco, TX
Dear Floundering: You’re lucky to be practicing in the Lone Star State! Texas was the first state in the country to offer all its bar members free access to not one but two powerful legal databases – Fastcase and Casemaker. This pair of online law libraries – which have a combined value of approximately $2,000 a year – offer everything you need to stay current, including Texas case law and statutes, the Texas Administrative Code, the Texas Constitution, state and federal Supreme Court rulings, Texas Attorney General Opinions, municipal codes, state court rules and much more. Log on to the State Bar of Texas website and open your Fastcase and Casemaker accounts today. Here are some pro tips for getting the most out of these two databases.
Dear Risk Pro: I know practicing law is supposed to be stressful, but not for me. I sleep like a baby every night. Sound Asleep in Sheboygan, WI
Dear Sound Asleep: I hope you’re speaking metaphorically, not literally. Babies sleep between 14 and 17 hours a day – which doesn’t leave a lot of time for law work. Plus they wake up crying and need changing. But congratulations on recognizing the importance of good, uninterrupted sleep. Wellness experts say you should be getting 7-8 hours nightly.
Dear Risk Pro: With everything so uncertain, I started calling my clients to see how they were doing and let them know my office was open. I was surprised how much they appreciated this simple gesture. An unexpected bonus – it’s led to new business. Caring for Clients in Columbus, OH
Dear Caring: Good for you! In these unprecedented times, client care is more important than ever. It’s also the best way to grow your practice. A Martindale-Avvo survey found that the number one thing clients want is to know you’re there for them. That starts with communication. Give them basic information. What are your office hours? Are you available for a telephone or Zoom conference? If we meet in person, what COVID safety precautions have you taken? What’s happening with my case? Are the courts even open? Here are some more tips for delivering excellent client care.
Dear Risk Pro: Why do ghosts make such bad liars? Chuckling in Chicago, IL
Dear Chuckling: Because you can see right through them.
Risk Dictionary: Shelterror – the fear of having to work from home for the rest of your life.
Risk Pro List of Things You Really Should Know (or not)
Top 10 Worst Product Ideas Ever
- New Coke
- Colgate Toothpaste Kitchen Entrees
- Clairol Touch of Yogurt Shampoo
- Hair Mayonnaise (Organic Root Stimulator)
- McDonald’s Arch Deluxe Burger
- RJ Reynolds Smokeless Cigarettes
- Brief Jerky Edible Underwear
- Jimmy Dean’s Pancake Sausage on a Stick
- Earring Magic Ken Doll
- Amazing Doggy Diaper
(Sources: Top 10 Zen and Scoopwhoop)
Got a question about how to keep your law practice safe, successful and soaring? Ask the Risk Pro – your personal, on-call practice management consultant if you’re insured through Alta Pro Insurance Services. Contact the Risk Pro today.
