Take a look at our March newsletter!
MARCH 2025
BE SMART, GET RINEHARDT Rinehardt Law | RinehardtLawFirm.com | 419-LAW-2020
THE POWER OF CONNECTION
Finding Balance in the Digital Age
I’ve always been someone who loves connecting with people — maybe that comes from the summers I spent at camp, forging friendships with folks from all over the country. Or from my time at NYU, where I ended up with a network of friends now scattered across the globe. As an attorney, I cherish the relationships I’ve built over the years, whether with clients, colleagues, or my own circle of friends and family. Social media has made it easier than ever to maintain those bonds. I love scrolling through photos of my college roommate’s growing family in Croatia or chatting with my former Spanish exchange student friend — who still feels like a sister to me. It’s incredible how one quick post or direct message can help us bridge the miles.
That said, I’ve noticed how quickly these platforms can turn from a tool for connection into a constant distraction. One minute, I’m celebrating someone’s birthday online, and the next thing I know, I’ve spent half an hour lost in a sea of endless updates. And it’s not just adults like me who get pulled in. My 12-year-old stepdaughter is seeing firsthand how social media can shape friendships, self-image, and even her mood. Between the pressures to “keep up,” the risk of cyberbullying, and the constant comparisons to influencers, it’s a lot for anyone — especially a middle schooler — to manage. Part of my job as a mom is helping her develop a healthy relationship with technology. We talk openly about what social media is good for — like keeping up with out-of- state friends — and what pitfalls to watch out for, such as online bullying or endless comparisons. We also set small boundaries in our home. For example, my husband, stepdaughter, and I try to keep phones off the dinner table. It’s a simple way to stay present in conversation, hear about each other’s days, and share our own stories. Even 30 minutes of uninterrupted conversation can truly ground our family and bring us closer. Sometimes, I’ll put my phone on “Do Not Disturb” while reviewing a case or when I just need a break. Those little changes add up. For me, that’s why National Day of Unplugging on March 7 feels important. It’s not an anti-tech movement. Rather, it’s a gentle reminder to pause and think about how we’re using our devices. Turning off notifications or deleting a particularly distracting app — even if only for a few days — can create some welcome breathing room. If my stepdaughter sees me being mindful about my own technology use, I hope she’ll feel empowered to do the same. In the end, I’m grateful for social media and all the ways it lets me stay close to the people I care about. But I also recognize those companies are built around capturing as much of our attention as possible. A little mindfulness — especially when it comes to our kids — can make all the difference. My hope this March is that we all find a healthy balance so we can enjoy the benefits of staying connected without feeling consumed.
Attorney Rachel and her husband Chris with 12-year-old Addison
-Rachel
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10 Ways to Declutter Your Digital Life
In today’s digital world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant flow of information, notifications, and the sheer number of apps and files we accumulate. Our digital spaces — phones, computers, and social media accounts — can become as cluttered as our physical spaces, leaving us feeling disorganized and distracted. Just as we take time to clean and organize our homes, it’s important to declutter our digital lives to create a more mindful, intentional experience. Here are some practical steps you can take to simplify your digital world and bring a sense of clarity back to your online space.
apps you use but don’t need on your home screen, consider moving them to a separate folder or hiding them from view.
Action Steps: Close or organize tabs into groups. Delete old bookmarks you no longer use. Remove unnecessary browser extensions that might be taking up space or causing distractions. 8. Back Up Important Files and Clear Space Backing up your files to the cloud or an external hard drive is crucial for keeping them safe and freeing up space on your devices. A full device can slow down, so it’s important to make space regularly. Action Steps: Back up essential files and documents to a secure cloud storage service (like Google Drive or Dropbox) or an external hard drive. Once you’ve backed up important content, you can safely delete files from your device to free up storage space. 9. Practice Regular Digital Detoxes Sometimes, the best way to declutter is to disconnect completely for a short period. Taking regular breaks from screens can help you reset and reconnect with your surroundings. Action Steps: Designate specific times each day or week to take a break from digital devices — whether it’s an hour in the morning, a weekend, or a full day. Use this time to engage in hobbies, exercise, or simply enjoy being present with family or friends. 10. Establish Healthy Digital Habits It’s helpful to create habits that prevent future digital clutter. Building mindfulness into your technology use will make it easier to maintain a tidy and organized digital life. Action Steps: Set boundaries for when and how long you spend on screens. Organize your devices as part of your weekly or monthly routine to ensure they stay clutter-free. Decluttering your digital life is about more than just tidying up your devices — it’s about creating space for what truly matters and reducing distractions. With a little effort, you can enjoy the benefits of technology without feeling overwhelmed or disconnected.
4. Limit Social Media and Notifications
Social media can be a great tool for connection, but it can also lead to information overload and time wasted scrolling. The constant barrage of notifications can also disrupt your focus. Action Steps: Unfollow or mute accounts that don’t contribute positively to your well-being. Turn off nonessential notifications, or set your phone to “Do Not Disturb” during certain hours to minimize distractions. Consider designating specific times of day to check social media so it doesn’t dominate your time.
1. Unsubscribe From Unnecessary Emails
This is one of the easiest ways to declutter your inbox. Whether it’s newsletters, promotional offers, or updates from stores you no longer shop at, these emails can quickly pile up and become overwhelming. Action Steps: Go through your inbox and unsubscribe from unwanted emails. Look for the unsubscribe link at the top or bottom of the email. Consider using tools like Unroll. Me to help you unsubscribe from multiple lists in one go. 2. Organize Your Files and Folders A cluttered desktop or disorganized file system can make it difficult to find what you need and lead to frustration. Taking the time to organize your files into clearly labeled folders can help streamline your workflow. Action Steps: Create categories for your files (e.g., work, personal, photos) and move everything into its appropriate folder. Delete or archive files you no longer need. Set a reminder to declutter your digital space monthly to stay on top of it. 3. Declutter Your Apps With all the apps available today, it’s easy to download more than we actually use, adding to mental clutter. Action Steps: Delete apps you rarely use, and organize the remaining ones into folders by category (e.g., social, productivity, fitness). For
5. Declutter Your Photos and Videos
If you’ve been snapping photos for years, chances are your phone or computer is filled with a large collection of images you no longer need. Sorting through your photo library can help free up space. Action Steps: Consider creating albums based on events or themes to make it easier to find specific memories. Back up important photos to cloud storage or an external hard drive for safekeeping.
6. Review Your Digital Subscriptions
Subscriptions to streaming services, online magazines, or cloud storage platforms can add up quickly, and you may not be using all of them. Canceling unused subscriptions will save you money. Action Steps: Cancel any digital subscriptions (e.g., Netflix, Spotify, Dropbox) you no longer use, and make sure the ones you keep still align with your interests and needs. 7. Clean Up Your Browser and Bookmarks Browsers can quickly become cluttered with too many tabs, extensions, and bookmarks. This can also slow down your device and make it harder to focus on the task at hand.
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THE POWER OF FACE-TO-FACE CONNECTION
In a world where Zoom meetings and virtual interactions have become the norm, it’s easy to forget the unique value that face-to-face interactions bring. Whether in a professional setting, with friends and family, or in social gatherings, in-person connections foster a sense of engagement, presence, and trust that technology can’t quite replicate. At our firm, we love the convenience of Zoom for everything from deposition prep to pretrial court hearings and staff meetings. These virtual meetings save us time, minimize travel, and even help keep us safe by reducing unnecessary exposure to illness. Zoom meetings allow us to remain connected and productive, no matter the distance between us. But despite these conveniences, there are still moments when we realize there’s nothing quite like being in the same room as someone. Why Face-to-Face Interactions Matter Here’s why face-to-face communication is so powerful: Nonverbal Communication A significant portion of communication is nonverbal — body language, facial expressions, and gestures. These cues are more easily understood in person, leading to a more complete exchange of emotions and intentions. In a Zoom meeting, it’s easy to miss these
important signals, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or a lack of connection. Building Trust Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship, whether with clients or coworkers. Face-to-face interactions foster a sense of reliability and authenticity that is often harder to establish through a screen. When you meet in person, there’s an opportunity for more genuine conversation, which builds rapport and helps people feel more comfortable and confident in one another. Enhanced Focus and Engagement In a virtual meeting, it’s tempting to multitask — check emails, answer messages, or zone out when the conversation isn’t directly relevant to you. In-person interactions command your full attention. Being physically present encourages more active listening and engagement. Deepening Emotional Connections Whether you’re sharing a laugh, a meal, or just spending time in each other’s company, these moments create lasting memories and deeper emotional connections that are harder to build virtually. Building Community Being in the same physical space with others helps establish a stronger sense of camaraderie. This is especially important in work settings,
where employees who engage with each other face-to-face are more likely to collaborate, communicate effectively, and feel invested in the team’s success. When to Choose Face-to-Face Interactions We always weigh the option of meeting in person for:
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Important Conversations: For high-stakes discussions, such as a critical client meeting or a sensitive staff issue, in- person communication allows for clearer understanding and helps manage the emotional aspects of the conversation. Networking: Face-to-face networking opportunities at conferences, seminars, or social events allow you to form more meaningful connections. Team Building: In-person gatherings, such as brainstorming sessions or simply having lunch together, foster stronger connections between colleagues and help create a more cohesive and productive work environment.
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While we’ve all grown accustomed to the convenience of virtual meetings, there is still something irreplaceable about face-to- face interactions. While technology will undoubtedly remain a crucial tool for staying connected, let’s not forget the power of being present in the room with others.
INGREDIENTS • 4 tbsp chia seeds • 2 cups almond milk (or coconut, oat, or soy) • 1 tbsp maple syrup (you can also use honey or your favorite sweetener) • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract, optional • Toppings of choice: Fresh
DIRECTIONS 1. In a bowl or mason jar, stir together chia seeds, milk, maple syrup and vanilla, if using. If you’re using a mason jar, you can put the lid on and shake the mixture to combine everything.
Simple Chia Seed Pudding
2. Once the chia pudding mixture is well
combined, let it sit for 4–5 minutes (any longer and it will get clumpy), give it another stir/ shake to break up any clumps of chia seeds, cover and put the mixture in the fridge to “set” for 1–2 hours or overnight. The chia pudding should be thick, not liquidy. If it’s not thick enough, just add more chia seeds (about 1 tbsp), stir and refrigerate for another 30 minutes or so.
This chia seed pudding recipe is Hillary’s favorite healthy snack. It’s the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert — creamy, satisfying, and loaded with protein and fiber. Hillary loves to layer it with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and a sprinkle of nuts and pumpkin seeds. It is simple to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
berries or other fruit, granola, yogurt, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, shredded coconut, nut butter, etc.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE THIS EDITION 2404 Park Ave. W., Mansfield, OH 44906 419-LAW-2020 BeSmartLegal.com
1 Avoid Being Consumed by Social Media 2 Free Yourself From Your Technology 3 In Person Sometimes Better Than Convenience of Virtual
Simple Chia Seed Pudding
4 Take a Break From Your Screens
Ways to Celebrate National Day of Unplugging This year, National Day of Unplugging falls on March 7. Here are a few ideas for how you can celebrate: • Turn off notifications: This simple step helps prevent the constant interruptions that can pull your attention away from the present moment. • Tech-free meals: Focus on the conversation, enjoy the food, and be mindful of the people around you. • Reconnect with nature: Take a walk, go for a hike, or just sit outside and breathe in the fresh air. • Engage in a creative activity: Use your tech-free time to explore a creative outlet like painting, knitting, or journaling. • Read a book: Reading allows for deep focus and can help you unwind from the digital noise. • Spend quality time with loved ones: Whether it’s playing a board game, cooking a meal together, or simply talking, quality time strengthens relationships. Unplugging as a Family This is a great opportunity to set boundaries around screen time and model healthy behavior for kids. Encourage your children to spend the day exploring the outdoors, reading books, or working on a fun project together. Use this time to share stories, engage in games, or do something creative.
In our fast-paced, always-connected world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant buzz of notifications and emails. We’re often so wrapped up in the digital world that we forget the simple joy of being present. That’s where National Day of Unplugging comes in — a day dedicated to taking a break from the screen and reconnecting with the world around us. What Is National Day of Unplugging? National Day of Unplugging began in 2009 as a project of Rebooting, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Jewish culture. The idea was simple: to give people a break from technology. Now celebrated annually on the first Friday in March, it serves as a reminder to take a step back and reclaim some mental space. National Day of Unplugging A DAY TO RECONNECT WITH WHAT MATTERS MOST
Why Unplugging Matters Spending a day unplugged offers several key benefits:
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Improved mental clarity Stronger relationships Physical well-being Enhanced mindfulness
National Day of Unplugging is a reminder that, sometimes, the best way to stay connected is to take a step back and be present.
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