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BeSmartLegal.com | 419-LAW-2020 | April 2026
BREAKING GROUND
WHEN PROGRESS TAKES SHAPE
There’s something about April that always feels like a fresh start. Maybe it’s the change in weather, the return of green, or just the sense that it’s time to begin again after a long winter. This year, it has me thinking about something more specific: breaking ground on our home three years ago. After a lifetime of living in houses that other people had designed and built, we had the opportunity to create something of our own. It was exciting, and at times challenging, to think about how we wanted to live, how we would use each space, and what would matter most to us over time. During construction, one of our favorite routines was stopping by the job site in the evenings to see what had been accomplished that day. There was something incredibly satisfying about it. Every visit revealed visible progress: walls framed, stone laid, cabinets installed. You could literally see the work taking shape. Some days, the changes were dramatic. Other days, more subtle. But there was always movement forward.
I can still remember the smell of freshly cut wood in the air, the sound of hammers and saws echoing through the space, and the way the light came through what would eventually become our windows. What stood out to me most, though, was watching the craftspeople at work. The masons, the carpenters, the cabinet makers, each of them building something tangible with their hands. There was a rhythm and confidence to what they did. At the end of the day, they could step back and see exactly what they had created. A foundation poured. A wall standing. A space transformed. There’s a contrast between that kind of work and what we do. Our work isn’t as visible or immediate. It doesn’t come together in a single day, and it’s not always something you can point to and say, “This is what I built today.” Instead, our work involves strategy, documentation, and telling our clients’ stories, making sure that what they’ve been through is fully understood. It’s detail- oriented, measured over time, often behind the scenes, and it takes time. At the end of the day, we’re still thinking about our clients and their cases and what’s been done, what still needs to happen, and how to keep moving things forward. But then there are those moments when everything comes together.
A case resolves. A client receives the measure of the justice they deserve. And while it may not be something you can walk through or touch, there is a sense of completion in knowing that the work mattered. We hope that what we help build for our clients has a lasting impact, something solid and meaningful, like a foundation that supports what comes next. We may not build with wood or stone, but we are helping people rebuild their lives. And while the results may not always be as easy to see as a finished wall or a set of cabinets, we hope the impact is just as lasting. -Hillary Rinehardt
1 Rinehardt Law | BeSmartLegal.com
5 Simple Ways to Feel Better Right Now A SPRING RESET There’s something about spring that makes us want to reset, open the windows, clear out the clutter, and start fresh.
For many people, a sauna has long been associated with relaxation, a place to unwind after a workout or enjoy a quiet moment at a spa. But in recent years, there’s been growing interest in sauna use for something more: its potential impact on long-term health and longevity. Research, particularly from Finland, where sauna use is a regular part of daily life, has shown some compelling benefits. Regular sauna use has been associated with: • Improved cardiovascular health The Benefits of Sauna Use for Health and Longevity
But a reset doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, small changes can make the biggest difference.
Here are five simple ways to feel better this season.
1. Get outside early in the day. Even 10–15 minutes of fresh air and natural light can boost your mood and energy. 2. Move your body, any way you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be intense. A walk, a yoga class, or a quick workout can go a long way. 3. Clean up one small space. Instead of tackling the whole house, pick one drawer, one closet, or even your car. Small wins add up. 4. Simplify one daily habit. Whether it’s meal prep, your morning routine, or your evening wind- down, look for one way to make your day feel easier. 5. Put your phone away for an hour. Creating even a short window without notifications can help you feel more present and less overwhelmed. Spring is a natural time to reset, but it doesn’t require a complete overhaul. A few intentional changes can help you feel more energized, focused, and ready for the season ahead.
• Better circulation • Decreased inflammation • Improved recovery after exercise
• Lower blood pressure • Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
One long-term study found that individuals who used a sauna several times per week had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular-related death compared to those who used it less frequently. Part of what makes sauna use so beneficial is the way the body responds to heat. As your body warms, your heart rate increases, and blood vessels dilate, improving circulation. In some ways, this mimics the effects of moderate exercise, placing gentle stress on the cardiovascular system in a way that can strengthen it over time. There are also potential benefits for stress reduction and overall well-being. Spending time in a quiet, warm environment, without the usual distractions of phones and daily responsibilities, can help promote relaxation and mental clarity. Many people find that even a short session provides a reset at the end of a busy day. Like most wellness practices, consistency appears to be key. The greatest benefits are seen with regular use over time rather than occasional sessions. While sauna use may not be the right fit for everyone, it’s an area of growing interest in the health and wellness world, and one that continues to be supported by an increasing body of research. As always, it’s important to consult with your health care provider before starting any new health routine, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.
-Hillary Rinehardt
2 Rinehardt Law | BeSmartLegal.com
GET OUTSIDE Local Spots to Recharge and Reset
With warmer weather finally here, it’s the perfect time to step outside and reconnect with nature. One wellness trend gaining attention is forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, a Japanese practice that encourages slowing down and immersing yourself in nature. It’s not about hiking for miles or getting your heart rate up; it’s about being present. Walking slowly, noticing your surroundings, and engaging your senses. Studies have shown that spending time in nature like this can help lower stress, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall well- being. And the best part? You don’t have to travel far to experience it. We asked our team to share some of their favorite local spots to get outside and recharge. Here are a few worth exploring.
The Dawes Arboretum A beautiful, expansive space with a wide variety of trees, flowers, and scenic paths. One of our team members especially loves the Japanese Garden, which offers a peaceful setting perfect for slowing down and taking it all in. Even better, you can bring your dog along to explore. Ohio Bird Sanctuary A hidden gem right here in our community. The sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates injured birds, and those that can’t return to the wild are cared for on-site. Visitors can see owls, falcons, and other birds up close and even step inside the aviary to feed smaller birds right from your hand. Malabar Farm State Park Rolling hills, open fields, and wooded trails make this a great place to unplug. It’s perfect
for a quiet walk where you can truly disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings. Inniswood Metro Gardens A peaceful garden setting with themed areas, walking paths, and beautiful seasonal blooms. A great option if you’re looking for something serene and easy to explore. Kingwood Center Gardens Right in the heart of Mansfield, Kingwood offers stunning gardens, historic charm, and plenty of quiet spaces to sit, walk, and unwind.
DIRECTIONS 1. Heat a broiler and place an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. 2. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil. 3. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes, then dry with a paper towel. 4. Put asparagus and tofu on the prepared pan and toss with 2 tbsp oil. 5. Spread everything in one layer and season lightly with salt. 6. Slide pan under the broiler and broil until lightly browned, 3–6 minutes. 7. Flip tofu and asparagus, then continue to broil until asparagus is tender and tofu is browned. 8. Heat a skillet over medium heat, then add remaining 1 tbsp oil and heat until it thins. 9. Add garlic and red-pepper flakes to the pan; cook until fragrant. 10. Turn off the heat. 11. Whisk in miso, sake, vinegar, mirin, and sesame oil. 12. Remove sheet pan from oven, slather miso mixture over asparagus and tofu, and return to broiler for another 30 seconds to 2 minutes, until the miso mixture bubbles and glazes everything. 13. Transfer asparagus and tofu to serving platter and garnish with more red-pepper flakes (optional) and sliced scallions. 14. Serve hot or warm. MISO-CHILE ASPARAGUS WITH TOFU
INGREDIENTS Yield: 2–3 servings • 1 (14–16 oz) block firm tofu, well drained • 1 lb asparagus (about 1 bunch), trimmed • 3 tbsp neutral oil, seperated • Salt • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp red-pepper flakes • 2 tbsp white or light miso • 1 tbsp sake • 1 tbsp rice vinegar • 1 tbsp mirin • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil • Sliced scallions, for garnish
3 Rinehardt Law | BeSmartLegal.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2404 Park Ave. W, Mansfield, OH 44906 419-LAW-2020 BeSmartLegal.com
INSIDE THIS EDITION
1
Not All Foundations Are Made of Wood and Stone 2 The Unexpected Investment That Could Boost Longevity
Spring Is Your Reminder to Start Fresh
3 ‘Forest Bathing’ Might Be Exactly What You Need This Spring Miso-Chile Asparagus With Tofu 4 When Your Mind Wanders, Risk Rises on the Road
THE DISTRACTION YOU DON’T THINK ABOUT
A Risk We Overlook
When we think about distracted driving, most of us picture texting behind the wheel, and while that’s certainly dangerous, it’s not the only form of distraction, and it may not even be the most common. Many distractions are much more subtle. Hands-free calls, adjusting navigation, changing a playlist, or even thinking about a stressful situation can take your attention away from the road. You may still have both hands on the wheel, but your focus isn’t fully there. That’s what’s known as cognitive distraction, and it can be just as risky as texting while driving. It only takes a few seconds of inattention for something to go wrong. Traffic slows. A car stops suddenly. A pedestrian steps into a crosswalk. Those brief moments can have lasting consequences.
The reality is, we’re all busy. Our minds are often juggling work, family, and everything in between. But driving is one of the few times where being fully present truly matters. A simple shift can make a difference: • Finish texts and calls before you start driving • Set your navigation ahead of time • Give yourself a few quiet moments behind the wheel It’s not always the obvious distractions that cause problems; it’s the ones we don’t even realize are pulling our attention away.
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