The Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief. . .Tis the Season
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”-Pablo Picasso
Welcome (back) to the Lawyer’s Well-Being Brief! Each week, I try to share insights and practical strategies to help us cultivate well-being and thrive — both personally and professionally. Live well! Lawyer well!
The holidays are supposed to feel magical — yet for many of us, they’re a swirl of obligations, expectations, overspending, and exhaustion. If you’ve ever reached January feeling like you survived the season rather than enjoyed it, you’re not alone.
The good news? With a few intentional shifts, we can reclaim the joy and protect our wellbeing during this busy stretch.
Here are five simple but powerful ways to fight holiday stress and stay grounded.
1. Protect Our Energy With Better Boundaries
Holiday burnout usually comes from saying “yes” to everything — every party, every volunteer request, every family obligation. Practice a simple rule:
If it costs us our peace, reconsider the commitment.
Try this:
Say “Let me check my schedule” before committing.
Choose one or two events that truly matter.
Build buffer time between activities to decompress.
Our future selves will thank us.
2. Simplify to Amplify the Joy
We often chase “perfect”: perfect food, perfect gifts, perfect experiences. But perfection is a stress multiplier. Instead, focus on simple traditions that nurture connection.
Ideas:
A slow morning with coffee and music
A walk through the neighborhood to see lights
One meaningful gift instead of five small ones
Joy thrives where pressure fades.
3. Keep Our Body Moving (Even a Little)
Movement is one of the fastest ways to reduce stress hormones and boost mood — especially in the winter months.
We don’t need a 60-minute gym session.
Try:
A 10–15 minute walk between errands
Stretching while watching holiday movies
A quick bodyweight circuit at home
Remember: our body is our stress filter. Keep it moving.
4. Treat Sleep Like a Non-Negotiable
Holiday stress often comes from being overstimulated and under-rested. Prioritize sleep like a gift we give to ourselves.
We should set ourselves up to succeed:
Pick one or two nights a week with an early bedtime
Create a simple wind-down routine (10 minutes is enough)
Keep screens out of bed — our nervous system will thank us
We are more joyful when we are rested.
5. Reconnect to What Actually Matters
When stress rises, perspective shrinks. Take a step back and remind ourselves what the season is truly about — connection, gratitude, and being present with the people we love.
Try this grounding exercise:
Ask: What is one thing that would make this season meaningful?
Focus our time and energy there.
Let the rest be optional.
Meaning beats madness every time.
Final Thoughts
The holidays don’t have to overwhelm us. With intention, small boundaries, and a focus on what matters most, we can move from stressed and scattered to steady and joyful. Giving ourselves permission to slow down, breathe, and savor the moments — big and small — that make this season worth remembering.
Forward Always!
