Erin Clifford Shares Six Strategies to Spring into a Happier, Healthier Well-Being

In an article for Litigation News, a magazine publication by the American Bar Association, Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices and Corporate Wellness Consultant at Erin Clifford Wellness, shares her insights on how attorneys can embrace a fresh start through six key strategies to enhance well-being. Titled “Six Strategies to Spring into a Happier, Healthier Well-Being,” her article encourages legal professionals to use the season of renewal as an opportunity to reset mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Erin highlights the unique challenges attorneys face, including long hours and high-pressure decisions, and presents practical steps to help them thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

“Just as physical spaces may be neglected and become entangled with the messiness of life during the coldest months, so does the space within our mind, body, and spirit.”
-Erin Clifford

Here are the six well-being strategies Erin outlines in her ABA article:

1. Clear Space Within – Erin emphasizes the importance of releasing negative emotions that can cloud the mind and body. Through reflection and creating a “burn” list, she encourages lawyers to let go of what is holding them back mentally.
2. Clear External Spaces – Clutter can be overwhelming, so Erin suggests decluttering physical environments to improve mental clarity. She provides a simple step-by-step approach to tidying up, which can help boost both mental and physical health.
3. Clear Your Mind – Erin stresses the benefits of maintaining a clear mind through mindfulness practices like meditation, gratitude, digital detoxes, and regular exercise. These activities can help reduce anxiety and increase creative thinking.
4. Take Time for Self-Care – Self-care is essential for well-being, and Erin encourages attorneys to find activities, big or small, that bring them joy. She notes that consistent self-care can help reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and increase happiness.
5. Connect – Staying connected with loved ones is crucial. Erin reminds lawyers to nurture their relationships, whether through a text, a coffee date, or a weekend meet-up, to boost feelings of belonging and well-being.
6. Give Yourself Grace – Finally, Erin urges attorneys to practice self-compassion. By recognizing and honoring personal limits, they can reduce stress and cultivate a more positive mindset.

“Giving yourself grace means acknowledging when things are hard and understanding that we may not have a solution. When we recognize, accept, and honor our limits, we will reduce feelings of anger, stress, regret, or resentment.”

Erin’s article serves as a valuable reminder for legal professionals to prioritize their well-being, not just during springtime but year-round. With these strategies, attorneys can step into a new season feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to take on the demands of their profession with renewed energy.

Read the full Litigation News article here. To learn more about Erin Clifford and her work in legal wellness, visit her Erin Clifford Wellness and Healthy Lawyers websites.