Believe it or not, reading is a great way to reduce stress. I'm not talking about reading long briefs or Supreme Court judgments, but instead, I'm talking about reading for pleasure. Reading increases vocabulary, empathy and creativity. And, according to a study by the University of Sussex, reading six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by 68%, can decrease blood pressure and lower your heart rate; all of which improve your overall health and well-being.

One year in, there is no mistaking the fact that working mothers have been hit the hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dubbed the "shecession," millions of women have left the workforce. Those of us lucky enough to still be employed full-time have been juggling unimaginable stresses, including in many cases, caring for our children while simultaneously working.

We asked judges from our region to share their experiences of keeping the judicial system functioning during the pandemic, and asked them to explain how they are proceeding now that the country works to return to some semblance of normalcy.

Over the course of the last 15 months, two incredible attorneys have dedicated countless hours to help our community with the most fundamental need: food.

{Public} When I think of continuous learning, I think of learning that goes beyond the classroom or traditional formal education. The brain is our body's most powerful "muscle," and using it in ways that go beyond how we would normally use it allows the brain to go through a form of cross-training.

{Members Only} June marks Pride month: a time when we commemorate the 1969 Stonewall uprisings led by Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and other activists who created an inflection point in favor of LGBTQ+ equality.

{Members Only} I loved being a juvenile court judge. There were times I could truly make a difference in the life of a child. At other times, I felt frustrated by the bureaucracy and weary of hearing all the barriers children and families had to deal with to be reunited.

{Public} As this column is being written, we have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for more than 14 months. Its impact on the legal profession has been profound.

First, most lawyers — with extraordinary help from IT professionals — have learned to work remotely (meaning primarily from home). Shockingly, because of technology, many lawyers have found working remotely to be just as productive as working in a law office. Still, stories abound about lawyers “working from home” in vacation properties. One administrative assistant confided in me that her “cube” was now a table outside near her family swimming pool.

Feel Well (emotional well-being)—Valuing emotions. Developing an ability to identify and manage emotions for health, to achieve goals, and to inform decisions. Seeking help for mental health when needed.

Today's theme is CONNECT: social well-being which is building connection, belonging, and a reliable support network; contributing to our groups and communities.