6 Stress management techniques for workaholic lawyers

Legal practice is rated the 7th most stressful job in the U.S.! Fellow lawyers, we know it’s not easy — you’re often working over hours, bringing the work home, and missing out on the opportunities for personal growth for the sake of professional success. It’s high time you cut yourself some slack! 

 

Mastering stress management is absolutely necessary for every professional, especially in times of turbulence such as a global pandemic. Naturally, stress management for lawyers requires a slightly different approach. Lucikly for you, you’ve come to the right place!

Spare Some Time for Meditation

What causes stress? Working under pressure, unhealthy lifestyle, times of uncertainty, big responsibilities, worrying over finances, etc. Causes are numerous! But the solution lies in self-care and putting yourself first. 

 

One of the best stress management techniques is meditation. People have been practicing meditation for thousands of years in order to achieve awareness of the present moment. As such, meditation is a great tool to reduce stress and overwhelming uneasy feelings. 

 

There are a few methods when it comes to meditation, the most common being guided meditation, spiritual meditation, mindfulness meditation, movement meditation, focused meditation, visualization meditation, transcendental meditation, and mantra meditation.

 

If you are a newcomer to the realm of meditation, we suggest starting with short guided ones. You can change your technique over time, but whatever you choose, your stress level will significantly decrease. 

Avoid Sleep Deprivation

A healthy sleeping schedule is crucial for a stress-free lifestyle! Not only that sleeping regularly improve your physical health, but it also does wonders for your mental health. You will have a better immune system, more energy, better memory, and you be cranky or sensitive. 

 

On the other hand, sleep deprivation can cause hypertension, strokes, heart attacks, obesity, diabetes, depression, and anxiety. None of those make a good lawyer, don’t you think? So, if you don’t want to be a forgetful, sickly, spaced-out legal practitioner, go get that nap! Your body, mind, and soul will be thankful. Not to mention your happy clients! 

Filter and Remove Distractions

Nowadays, it’s so easy to lose focus. We have many responsibilities that bother us on a daily basis. We have to be good partners, parents, employees, friends… But where does that leave us as individuals? 

 

It’s okay to have multiple goals in different areas of life, but we simply can’t achieve them all at once! Prioritization and good planning give us a sense of security. But more importantly, they filter out unnecessary commitments. Whether you’re planning on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, make sure to ask yourself: ‘’Is this really necessary?’’ and ‘’Is this truly my responsibility?’’. 

 

One of the most common distractions is our phones. Try not to have it in your hands all the time. Prioritize whom you answer calls and when, and keep in mind that everybody always shows only their happy selves on social media. Don’t put additional pressure on yourself! Life isn’t supposed to be glamorous all the time, and being able to rest is key to a long, happy life!

Do Some Exercise

You hate this piece of advice already, don’t you? Physical exercises are an efficient tool for decreasing stress. Plus, the results are visible immediately! After a good training session, you will feel energized and tired in a good way, as if you’ve taken off the load of your shoulders. 

 

Before you start planning your Bruce Lee routine, think about what you actually like. If you hate running and cardio in general, it doesn’t make sense to put it on your to-do list. Walking, riding a bike, yoga — all these are excellent alternatives! You find your cup of tea! In that manner, you won’t feel obligated to do something. You’ll do it because you like it. 

 

Exercising will help with your sleeping schedule, concentration, and health in general. You will be able to do your job thoroughly and achieve better results. Think of it as a trade — you give away stress and receive a healthy, good-looking body!

Don’t Take Everything With You

Lawyers know well that being good at legal practice sometimes means going that extra mile. And that’s okay, as long as you don’t endanger your physical and mental health. Taking a break isn’t a distraction. It’s a stress management tool that will make you a better professional, the one who knows how to prioritize and execute. 

 

Even if you’re not a parent or a spouse, you still have friends, family, and activities you enjoy. Try focusing on those, and you’ll realize they are the best possible energy boosters! You know what they say — after a fulfilling weekend comes one productive Monday. 

Take a Day Off From Work

Burn-outs are very common among lawyers! After years of study, internships, and crazy working hours, our bodies and our mind definitely feel the consequences. While we can’t afford long vacations on the beach all the time, sometimes even one day off will do! 

 

Take some time off, put your phone on silent, and dedicate an entire day to yourself! Do whatever makes you happy and lighthearted, from watching your favorite TV show to cooking your favorite meal. Apart from being a lawyer, you are also a human being with needs that have to be met.