Well-Being Week in Law 

WATCH THIS: Carter, Christine (2020) Confessions of Bad Exerciser, TedX Marin Christine Carter PhD is a writer, speaker, coach and sociologist, as well as a Senior Fellow at the Greater Good Science Center. In this talk, filmed for TedX Marin, she argues that in order to build a new habit, like exercising, we need to release our perfectionistic desires and let ourselves be bad at it (at least for a while).

READ THIS: Kilkus, Jennifer (2022) Is the Mind-Body Connection Real?

DO THIS: Pick one activity from the “More Movement While Working” section of the Well-Being Week in Law Physical Health Activity Guide and implement that strategy today - maybe it’s a walking meeting, or setting a timer to remind yourself to stand and move during the work day. Pick something small, give yourself permission to do what you can (no perfectionism allowed!), and acknowledge your victories when you follow through.

WATCH THIS: OnBeing with Krista Tippett and Dacher Keltner: “The Thrilling New Science of Awe” (2023) Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and founding director of the Greater Good Science Center. In this podcast, he talks with Krista Tippett about research on primary experience of awe in human life. We experience awe in moments when we have a sense of wonder, or mystery, that transcends our understanding.

READ THIS: Cross, Rob (2020) Do You Have a Life Outside of Work?

DO THIS: Complete the “Connections that Create Purpose” assessment in the Rob Cross article linked above, and identify one new purpose giving activity to explore bringing back in your life. Then talk to someone about this idea today - your spouse, a colleague, or a friend.

WATCH THIS: Harris, Carla (2018) How To Find The Person Who Can Help You Get Ahead At Work, TEDWomen Carla Harris is a business executive and author. In this talk, she explains why finding a sponsor is so important to propelling your career and provides tips for how to identify and approach a potential sponsor.

READ THIS: Hope Reese (2022), A Neurologist’s Tips To Protect Your Memory

DO THIS: Exert greater autonomy over your career and create a better fit between your strengths, values, preferences, and your work with this Job Crafting exercise.

WATCH THIS: Julian Treasure (2011). 5 Ways to Listen Better. TEDx GLobal, 7 mins. In our louder and louder world, says sound expert Julian Treasure, “We are losing our listening.” In this short, fascinating talk, Treasure shares five ways to re-tune your ears for conscious listening -- to other people and the world around you.

READ THIS: Check out The Surgeon General’s Report on Workplace Well-being Guidelines. In the U.S. Surgeon’s new Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being Guidelines, aspects of relationship quality are imbued in all “Five Essentials,” defined as (1) Connection & Community, (2) WorkLife Harmony, (3) Mattering at Work, (4) Opportunity for Growth, and (5) Protection from Physical and Psychological Harm.

DO THIS: Download this infographic on the Art of listening and practice some of the listening strategies discussed in “5 Ways to Listen Better” above.

WATCH THIS: Adia Gooden (2018). Cultivating Unconditional Self-Worth, TEDx, 15:20 mins Gooden discusses the power of cultivating unconditional self-worth and how to break free from negative thought patterns so you can live more freely.

READ THIS: Elizabeth Ayoola (2022). Mental Health New Year’s Resolutions You Need On Your List For 2023, (Because who says mid-year isn’t the perfect time to assess and recalibrate?).

DO THIS: Cultivating Unconditional Self-Worth Through Self-Compassion, preferences, and your work with this Job Crafting exercise.