As such, the “overwhelming response” to various happiness challenges – including those that she runs via her Happy Lawyer, Happy Life network – “reflects a sense across our industry that many of us are actively looking to change” the levels of mental ill-health.

When asked how important community is incentivising active change to one’s health and happiness, Ms Rayward said it is the community that forms around such happiness challenges that really brings the teachings and learnings to life.

“The reminder that you are not alone in dealing with the challenges of practice and that a lawyer far away in South Africa can be feeling just like me is strangely comforting. We as human beings have a biological desire to ‘belong’ it is a part of our survival instincts and thanks to platforms such as Facebook, we can all be in one place, sharing our experiences and building relationships in really easy ways,” she explained.

A cursory examination of posted comments from participants in Ms Rayward’s particular happiness challenge gives rise to the myriad benefits one can glean from such an initiative.

Rankin Business Lawyers special counsel Fiona McLay wrote that “a short online challenge is an accessible way to check in with yourself, see how you are tracking, what is working and what needs improvement”.

“Challenges or activities are a distraction in a good way, to help remind you that there is a world outside of your job,” added Stanfords principal Kelly Stanford.

And Toowoomba-based Clewett Lawyers special counsel Catherine Cheek said: “When you start from a position of being positive, every aspect of your life seems more manageable, including work.”

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“Lawyers often assist anxious, angry and distressed clients. We are of little help to the clients if we cannot remain calm and logical, sometimes in the presence of a client who is neither. I find that it is much easier for me and my client when I am positive and reassuring in my attitude,” she reflected.

There’s really no excuse for lawyers to not be fully on top of things, she argued, given how privileged lawyers are to do undertake the work they do on a daily basis, she posited.

“The changes I recommend are small and easy to implement. I really do believe that happiness is just working hard to remember what’s important in life, so if you believe that too, there’s only good things which can come from putting your hand up and saying you could be happier in your legal life,” she said.

“I live my life by a catchphrase: ‘What is the worst that can happen?’ and that is what I would say to anyone considering a challenge or just trying something different in their day. If it doesn’t work for you then don’t do it but why not at least give it a go.”

Lawyers Weekly put it to Ms Rayward: how can all of those within the Australian legal profession – from law students through to managing partners – ensure that 2019 is as happy as possible?

Lawyers are “simply terrible at prioritising health”, she responded, and if there is one thing all practitioners can do in 2019, one’s wellness should be the starting point, she said.

“We have sedentary jobs, hardly stop to eat and when we do it tends to be in a moment of starvation! For me, my fuel is everything and eating good, fresh food is the easiest way to make good health happen,” she advised.

“That, combined with a great attitude, are my two biggest happiness tips. Those lawyers whom I consider happy have a particular attitude towards their life, they have a positive mindset and are able to spin the bad thoughts into good before they take hold and effect your mood for the whole day.”