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For many of us, amid a global pandemic, we are confronting unknown territory professionally, personally, and emotionally. As lawyers, we are in a profession in which many of us have grown accustomed to skillfully planned days that are recorded by tenths of an hour. Living in the "new normal" we are in constant virtual contact with our clients, colleagues and the court. The barrage of information can feel overwhelming. Instead of the privilege of focused work time behind closed doors, some of us find ourselves caring for children or loved ones while navigating deadlines—with hardly a break for sustenance. Others of us feel the nagging discomfort of being isolated from our colleagues and friends. It is not uncommon to work late into the evening and through the weekend under the exhausted hum of our laptops. This guide will provide some ideas for how you can zoom out to see the bigger picture by stepping back, while staying in.

Unplug Your Microwave

Yes, the microwave has been a source of instant satisfaction, serving up timely delicacies like movie-theater, heavily salted buttery popcorn, reheated chicken nuggets, and a crowd favorite—the soggy French fry. Use staycation time to experiment with cooking your favorite meals. As attorneys, we have a reputation for being risk averse. When cooking at home by ourselves for ourselves, we get to be the judge and jury for each of our attempted meals. The quiet and sweet satisfaction of seeing a meal through from selecting ingredients to the taste test is rewarding all on its own. After all, it has been said that you are what you eat. Eating healthy comes with infinite rewards. Perhaps, the greatest of all is that when we eat better we feel better.

Unplug Your Screens

Cell phones, tablets, and television—technology is a gift that keeps on giving. Through technology, we can remain connected to family and friends near and far. Through technology, we can be the first to wish congratulations when a niece or nephew posts a graduation photo, and when a dear friend or colleague announces a promotion. But, without boundaries, that same gift can be a curse. Mindless scrolling through social media can rob us of an opportunity to refresh and reorient during a staycation. Be intentional about what and who we allow to enter our psyche by way of social media. Do not be afraid to step away from social media in order to protect your mental or emotional well-being.

Similarly, the numerous streaming services at our fingertips have presented a welcome reprieve and escape. But, we should be mindful that we have other options rather than binge watching the latest television craze. Television is a tempting distraction, but it can sometimes come at the expensive price of several hours of lost activity and productivity.

Unplug From Work

As attorneys, even during traditional summer vacations, we are no strangers to fielding e-mails and calls even while we are away. Now, as work, home, and vacation may all be in the comfort of our living rooms, it is more important than ever that we be intentional about setting boundaries. In this environment, the elusive work-life balance is even more challenging of an ideal. Plan on taking and using your vacation time and resist the urge to schedule meetings during times generally reserved for meals or family.

Novelist and non-fiction writer Anne Lamott once said: "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you."

Plug Into Your Body

In college there was a little (or big) something called the "Freshman 15." Freshman 15 has been used to describe the phenomenon of first year college students gaining weight. For some, college is marked with late night eating, junk food, and a fairly sedentary lifestyle. Now, as adults, it is just as important for us to be aware and conscious of how we treat our bodies.

Experiment with at-home workouts.  For example, yoga is a rewarding opportunity to stretch and build our bodies from home. As no equipment is necessary and gentle stretching can be done almost anywhere, yoga is a form of exercise that is truly available to everyone.

Plug Into Your Mind

Mental agility is a sought after skill for any outstanding advocate. Moving and stretching the mind is a healthy, rewarding way to enjoy your staycation. For those who find joy in the spirit of competition, a Rubik's cube or 1,000-piece puzzle can make for a formidable adversary. For those who relish in the arts, creating a playlist, investing in a coloring book, writing a short story, or even journaling can be uplifting and get the creative juices flowing. Our thoughts are responsive to our environment.  Fragrant candles, soft lighting, and essential oils can create an atmosphere of relaxation that heightens the staycation experience. Meditation and reading for pleasure can increase awareness and be calming.

Plug Into Your Surroundings

We have the privilege of being in the Garden State. There are so many opportunities to engage with nature. In the long term, a gardening project can provide a source of hours of joy. In the short term, New Jersey is filled with many free, nature-based activities that can make for unforgettable day trips. These potential day trips can include: beaches, hiking trails, mountains, parks, and waterfalls.

As employees, managers, and leaders, it is critical that we center attorney-wellness, particularly in these otherwise stress-inducing times. As the boundaries between work and home have blurred or erased, we must be vigilant and reminded that we are at our best and most productive when we are intentional about being mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy.

Enjoy your Staycation!

The NJLJ Young Lawyers Advisory Board is a diverse group of young attorneys from around the state. Follow them on Twitter, @YoungLawyersNJL.