Wellness Take Care of Your Community and Yourself by Angeline Saferight Lloyd My name is Angeline Saferight Lloyd and I work with the Virginia Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program (VJLAP) as the Southwest Virginia Program Manager. I’ve worked in various human services and mental health settings since 1999. I have noticed, especially during the pandemic, that while the way we interact has changed, it is more vital than ever to feel connected to others. It’s good mental health, as humans are social creatures. I have been making an effort to stay connected not only to my closest people, but also to friends and acquaintances with whom I don’t regularly interact. I send them funny messages or just tell them I’m thinking of them. It helps me and it helps them. Recently, I received an unexpected com-pliment from a former co-worker that brightened my day. You don’t know how your actions and words can ring with others and make a positive difference to them and for you. Feeling connected to your commu-nity can also result from community service work in your wider community. Community service can be very in-volved or very simple. You can serve on your local boards to give back to your community, volunteer at a local chari-ty, or provide pro-bono legal services. There is a food pantry near me that is a weatherproof hutch, similar to the mini-libraries that are springing up all over Virginia. Anyone can leave non-perishables there, and anyone in need can take items. Leaving pantry items there is a small action but may have a lasting impact for someone in need. I currently serve on the board of directors for a nonprofit in my community that assists with housing and food resources. Through helping others, we ultimately help ourselves because we are all part of our communities. Take care of yourself! You must take care of yourself before you can care for others. For my self-care, I run long-dis-tance races, hike, paint, and write. I try to do at least one of those activities each day. If I don’t, I notice a difference in mood, outlook, and physical well-being. Try to incorporate regular self-care as well as service work into your life to improve everyone’s mental health! R Angeline Saferight Lloyd is a graduate of Radford University and holds a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She received her LPC credential in 2010. She is a board-certified counselor by the National Board of Certified Counselors. Lloyd is also certified in EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and by the International Association of Trauma Professionals as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is excited to be a part of the VJLAP team providing assis-tance in Southwest Virginia. vjlap.org We’ve been keeping it lively for a while now. , Virtual regional wellness sessions Monday-Thursday the entire month of October. 24/7 Help Line: 1-877-545-4682 , Updates, news, and advice monthly in The Beacon blog. , Quarterly editions of The Lighthouse featuring resources, case studies, and more. VJLAP.ORG , The Weekly Wellnote shares curated resources, spurs conversations, and fosters connection for lawyers. 40 VIRGINIA LAWYER | OCTOBER 2020 | VOL. 69 www.vsb.org
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Wellness
Angeline Saferight Lloyd
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