Create Zen in Your Workspace for Improved Well-Being

• Pages: 34-35
• Date: 01 April 2025
• Published date: 01 April 2025
• Author: Erin E. Clifford
• Subject Matter: Civil Law

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Erin E. Cl ifford, Litigation News Contribut ing Editor

Create Zen in Your Workspace for

Improved Well-Being

tep inside a law rm. You’ll nd a bustling, fast-paced

environment where everyone is buzzing with energy

(or caffeine) to work toward another success in the

courtroom. However, along with this energy are under-

lying feelings of tension, pressure, and stress that are

synonymous with a career in the legal eld. With most lawyers

working an average of 60–80 hours per week—and many of

those are spent in the ofce—every lawyer must have a sanctu-

ary to retreat to where they can feel “Zen,” or in other words,

centered, calm, and safe. A place to recharge, be productive,

and do their best for clients and colleagues. Where is this Zen

space? It can be anywhere you create it—in your law rm

ofce or home workspace.

Here are some key benets of creating more peace in your

workspace:

• Anxiety and stress reduction

• Improved productivity and focus

• Enhanced creativity

• More positive mindset and self-image

It may take you a few hours or a few days to cultivate a

Zen space, but you’ll reap the benets long term. If tackling

this job seems overwhelming, create a checklist, schedule the

time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—whether it’s from a

friend or a professional service. Follow this guide to help you

get started.

Fun tip: Take photos of “before” and “after” to notice the

difference and refer to them in the future as inspiration to

keep your workspace as Zen as possible.

Declutter a nd Organize to Cl ear Your Physical and

Mental Space

Physical clutter affects your mental space. An ofce littered

with les, books, papers, knickknacks, etc., tends to create

distraction and a lack of focus. As you sort through things,

keep what is essential and nd a new home (recycle, trash,

archive, donation bin, ling cabinet) for the rest. Consider

how often you use things—from ofce supplies to referencing

old case les on your desk—and arrange the items accordingly.

© Getty Image s

SPRING 20 25 • VOL. 50 NO. 3

34 | ABA LITIGATION SECTIO N

Published in Litigation News Volu me 50, Number 3, Sprin g 2025. © 2025 by t he American Bar A ssociation. Re produced with per mission. All righ ts reserved. Thi s information or an y portion there of may not be copied or

disseminated in an y form or by any means or s tored in an electro nic database or re trieval system wi thout the express w ritten consen t of the American B ar Associatio n.