Be Well

• Citation: Vol. 47 No. 1 Pg. 25
• Publication year: 2021
• Pages: 25

BE WELL No. Vol. 47 No. 1 Pg. 25 Vermont Bar Journal Spring, 2021

Samara D. Anderson, Esq.

If you have 5 minutes, you can activate your own internal happiness!^[1]

As a busy professional, I know that it can be overwhelming to hear a new habit or routine that I should incorporate into my day when it already feels too full. But, increasing your happiness does not take hours out of your day and can be completed in just a few minutes. And even though the time invested may be small, these "happiness hacks" pay dividends all day long.

So, take less than 5 minutes and just try one of these 5 happiness hacks, determining for yourself if the reward outweighs the minimal time invested:

1. Tackle Your Hardest Task First Thing in the Day.

Humans can rewire their brains. We have certain "happy chemicals" and we can develop conscious habits that turn those chemicals on. Dopamine, which creates a sense of accomplishment, is stimulated when you start your most difficult task of the day first thing in the morning! If the task is not something you can complete in 5 minutes, break it into smaller chunks. The overall goal is to focus on a specific target, accomplish it and receive the benefits of feeling proud of yourself all day long. For me, it is making sure I exercise or am active first thing in the morning.

2. Take 10 Deep Breaths.

Researchers have broken down 4 pillars essential to cultivate mental well-being: awareness, connection, insight and purpose. Cultivate awareness through focused breathing. All forms of mindfulness meditations cultivate these aspects of mental well-being, and only take a few minutes each day!

3. Listen to a Happy Song (bonus points if you dance too).

Hearing happy music is on par with mindfulness meditation. Studies have shown it improves overall well-being and mood, lowering feelings of stress. Bonus points for dancing or moving your body along with the music, which can help increase energy levels even further!

4. For a few minutes, focus on the people who you trust to always be there for you.

Oxytocin is not only a cuddle chemical, it is also associated with feelings of trust. To stimulate it, think of people you trust. Ask yourself "If I need support, who will be there?" You can connect with them by sending a quick text or giving them a call. If in person, give them a hug. These simple moments of social connection with someone you love and admire are a big-time happiness booster. Just thinking about who is in your "herd" can be enough. It stimulates the brain's oxytocin and helps you feel safe and secure.

5. Do something kind for someone (or just think kind thoughts).

Daily acts of kindness are a simple way to boost happiness. They can be small, but they must be deliberate. Intentionally set a goal to be kinder to others. You can also spend some time cultivating a sense of kindness toward something in your head.

Access to Justice Campaign 20/21

The Vermont Bar Foundation's Access to Justice Campaign ended in a grand fashion thanks to almost 400 donors who made this our best campaign ever. Your generosity helped us raise over $163,000. This money will be used to fund the first year of Emily Kenyon's Poverty Law Fellowship, as well as add to VBF's competitive grants program.

Big donors really stepped up this year as our Partners in Justice contest spurred on some friendly competition between lawfirms. Ironically, our largest donor wasn't a firm, but Vermont Attorneys Title Corporation. Their $17,500 gift was the largest donation and garnered VATC the distinction of being the campaign's top donor. There were two prizes awarded to firms who had 100% staff participation in the campaign. Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP and Massucco & Stern PC. took the honors in this category. We look forward to expanded participation in next year's Partners in Justice.

Bonnie Badgewick and Fritz Langrock co-chaired the campaign. Fritz set a wonderful tone by creating what he referred to as the 10% challenge to get lawfirms to give a little bit more. Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP boosted their annual donation from $10,000 to $11,000. We were happy to see that two firms. Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC and Sheehey Furlong & Behm PC. also rose to the 10% challenge. Bonnie was masterful in getting firm and individual donations in central Vermont.

Big thanks to the rest of the committee: Judge Carlson, James Valente, Will Vasiliou, David Scherr and Renee Mobbs. Everyone worked very hard and reached out to their respective counties, friends and family.

The VBF Board also did a stellar job reaching out to members of the bar. The success of any campaign depends on many people all working for a greater goal. This year's campaign is evidence of that.

Below is the comprehensive list of donors. We thank all of you for your generosity. If you'd like to be part of the Access to Justice Committee, please reach out to Josie Leavitt, j.leavitt@vtbarfoundation.org.

Leadership Donors $15,000-$20,000

• Vermont Attorneys Title Corporation

Of Counsel Donors $10,000-$14,999

• Dinse PC.

• Downs Rachlin Martin PLLC

• Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP

• Primmer Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC

Director Donors $5,000 - $9,999

• Paul Frank + Collins PC.

• Hon. Beth Robinson and Kym Boyman

• Sheehey Furlong & Behm PC.

• Vermont Community Foundation

Partner Donors $1,000 - $4,999

• Anonymous

• Tiffany Bluemle and Elizabeth Shayne

• James F. Carroll, Esq. and Nancy

• Hon. John Dooley and Sandra

• Fitts, Olson & Giddings, PLC

• Hershenson, Carter, Scott, & McGee, P.C.

• Ruth Lippincott, Esq.

• Marjorie and Michael Lipson

• J. Stephen Monahan, Esq.

• Jerome O'Neill, Esq.

• Rutland County Bar Association

• VBA Young Lawyers Division

• William Vigdor, Esq.

• Hon. John P. Wesley

• Windham County Bar Association

• Woolmington, Campbell, Bent & Stasny, PC

Associate Donors Up to $999

• Anonymous (14)

• Sam Abel-Palmer, Esq.

• Brian M. Amones, PC

• James Anderson, Esq.

• Robert Appel, Esq.

• Bridget C. Asay, Esq.

•...