Dear Students,<\/p>\n
Saturday, October 10, 2020 is World Mental Health Day.\u00a0 Law school can be stressful, and that stress is exacerbated for many students by the pandemic.<\/p>\n
I encourage you to take time to invest in your own mental health by working through one of the following modules.\u00a0 Most modules should take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.<\/p>\n
Of course, you are welcome to explore more than one option if you like \u2013 there is some great information for each option.<\/p>\n
Modules 1-3 can be completed on your own schedule.\u00a0 Modules 4, 5, and 6 are scheduled on Thursday, October 8, Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10.<\/em><\/p>\n Once you have completed a module, complete the Personal Wellness Self-Assessment<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Module 1:\u00a0 Stress Management and Wellness from the Law Student Perspective<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Listen to this ABA for Law Students Podcast, Examining Stress and Offering Hope to Law Students<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0 In this podcast, a group of law students discuss many of the stresses that law students face, including mental health issues like anxiety and depression, stress and time management pressures, particular challenges faced by LGBT students, etc. The podcast guests also have some practical advice for things law students can do to stay healthy, as well as some conversation about what law schools can do to support students.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Module 2:\u00a0 The Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness in Law School<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Listen to this three-part podcast from the ABA\u2019s Path to Law Student Wellbeing Podcast Series, The Practice and Benefits of Mindfulness<\/em>. This podcast features special guest Scott Rogers of the University of Miami School of Law’s Mindfulness in Law Program: Part I<\/a>; Part II<\/a>; Part III<\/a>; and this bonus 3-minute mindfulness exercise<\/a>. Mindful meditation is often used by lawyers and law students as part of their self-care strategies, and many who practice mindfulness report feeling less anxiety and improved ability to focus, among other benefits. The podcast explores some of the many benefits of mindfulness and explains how law students can develop their own mindfulness practices.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Module 3:\u00a0 Fostering Well-Being in the Midst of a Pandemic<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Many people have found the pandemic particularly stressful. If you feel that the pandemic has added to your stress over the past several months, this option could be for you. First, watch this short webinar with Jeena Cho:\u00a0Finding Ease During Uncertainty<\/a>. Although Ms. Cho\u2019s audience is primarily lawyers, law students will also find it meaningful. Then, read these two articles for additional advice: The Campaign to Change Direction\u2019s Staying Mentally Healthy During COVID-19<\/a>; and Professor Heidi K. Brown\u2019s (Brooklyn Law School) article for\u00a0Medium<\/em>\u00a0about\u00a0fostering well-being while working at home alone<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Module 4:\u00a0 Exploring the Intersection Between Racial Justice, Social Activism, and Mental Health<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Thursday, October 8 National Zoom Webinar featuring Professor Rhonda Magee<\/a> Author of The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness law professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law, and a new member of the ABA CoLAP. The webinar will include an Introduction by Janet Stearns, Dean of Students, University of Miami School of Law, and Member of the ABA CoLAP<\/a> as well as Ayat Nizam, Law Student, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and Chair, ABA Law Student Division.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Module 5:\u00a0 Strategies for Law Student Well-Being<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Friday, October 9 National Workshop with the ABA Law Student Division, Law School SBA Presidents and ABA Representatives; featuring Jordana Confino, Fordham Law School<\/a> author of Where Are We on the Path to Law Student Well Being<\/a> (a report of the ABA CoLAP Law School Survey); Janet Stearns Dean of Students, University of Miami School of Law) and David Jaffe Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Washington College of Law, American University<\/a>) to discuss practical strategies that law students can undertake in the year ahead with your law schools, the ABA, and with each state bar board of examiners<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Module 6:\u00a0 Social Media Hashtag Campaign \u2013 A Day of Well-Being<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Saturday, October 10<\/p>\n We can all up our commitment to make the time to move around, whether outdoors or indoors, and stay healthy. Choose your activity, and post a picture using the hashtags #LawStudentWellness<\/a> and #ABAMentalHealth<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nMental Health Webinar 3:30 PM CST
\nhttps:\/\/abaforlawstudents.com\/event\/38318\/<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMental Health Workshop 12:00pm CST
\nhttps:\/\/live.remo.co\/e\/aba-law-student-division-monthly<\/a><\/p>\n