If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t possibly take care of your family, clients and community! It’s not a selfish act… it is an act of love you have for others.

It’s a hard concept to embrace in the best of times. And now it’s not only hard but it’s mandatory. You will need all your strength, energy and clear headedness. You can’t help others from an empty vessel.

I asked several of my clients to share what they learned that could be taken into the post Covid-19 world as we all create our new normal.

How did you take care of yourself or not?

1. “Without a 2 hour commute every day, I’ve found time to exercise at home every morning using Youtube videos for the first time in a year.”  Karen Lapekas, Tax Law

2. “At first, I was less active than in the weeks before the shutdown. I had been going to gym classes about three times a week. When the gym shut down, I shut down. It took a couple of weeks before I started running outside. That helped, and then lately my fiancé and I have been walking along the beach in Fort Lauderdale at night, getting exercise and enjoying the scenery. My diet has actually improved. Because we’re forced to eat more store bought food, and because my fiancé is very health conscious, I think I’m eating better. Before, when going to the office, there was an easy temptation to eat out or get fast food. That temptation hasn’t been there during the shutdown1. James Peterson, Employment Law

3. “It became important early on in quarantine that I had to continue to exercise, eat right, and try to stay productive (even when not working).  You realize how easy it can be to fall into unhealthy patterns when the ability to live life as a “couch potato” is such an easy alternative.”Jeffrey Lapin, Commercial Litigator

I’d like to share a lesson you taught me, long ago! ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING! Karen Lapekas, Tax Law

4. “Stress and increased anxiety are quite overwhelming these days.  I often did not eat until the end of a busy day, which was not too unfamiliar to pre-COVID19. I find it harder to offset the emotional stress. More people are stressed or depressed because they are ill, irritable, or suffering a loss.  There are not many outlets available. I find it harder to stay motivated and positive.” Sheena Benjamin-Wise, Family Law

5. “It’s been a rollercoaster between self-care and total abandonment. I started off with a commitment to keep dieting and exercising and carrying on as usual. March was good. April was total abandonment. I managed to do a few things for myself but very little. So I made a compromise that May will be about doing a little better. The Zoom calls require me to get dressed and look respectable. I am trying to carve out time for myself to exercise. I’m still working on finding time to read books and do home projects. But we’ll get there.” Clarissa Rodriguez, International Law

6. “I probably haven’t done a good job at this.  With school kids at home and managing the firm, there is very little “me” time. But I’m trying.” Stefanie Deters, Trust and Estate Law

My Takeaway
 
Remember, to take care of yourself is not a selfish act… it is an act of love you have for others.

P.S. You might be wondering about the photo I used. Well, I’m a passionate amateur photographer. And have found an outlet for my passion. I hope you like the photo I took in Paris, France.