Tips to reduce stress as a lawyer

As an aspiring lawyer, I know stress is inevitable. Although, many people forget, lawyers are humans. As a well respected profession in our society, lawyers tend to be ‘the problem solvers’ at work…and at home. At times, we happily take this responsibility with open arms because at the end of the day, problem solving is at the core of our job. But sometimes, it gets a little too much. With my long lists of legal work experience, I have picked up a few tips I would like to share…

Tip 1- Is this job really what you want to do? Working in a job that is not for you or no longer meets your needs can make life harder. Money is necessary to live but there is something about passion and purpose in a career which can propel you through the good times and tough times. Be honest with yourself. The person we usually lie to is ourselves. Never feel like it is too late for a career change. Talk to your partner or a friend that you trust and who has your best interest to discuss your concerns. Deep down inside we know what decisions to make but talking it out can help. Or if you are like me, the pros and cons list is a good starting point. Do some research in how the change could affect you and your family. If you are not in the financial position to change career paths just yet- see if there are any local volunteering opportunities (suitable around your schedule) in your new passion to bring some happiness while you continue to plan the next stages.

Tip 2- Take a break! Make sure you schedule at least 20 mins a day to have a break during your working day. Have some good food for lunch. #PackedLunchSavesLivesAndPockets. Stop eating at your desk! I know it’s easy and the chair is comfy but let’s work smart, not hard. People are likely to ask you work related questions when you are at your desk- even with a mouth full of food in your mouth and a fork. We need to step completely away from the working environment. Don’t get me wrong, there will be exceptions but the rule is take a break. If you buy lunch but get tempted in the shopping centres to buy more than just lunch, only bring the cash amount enough to cover a meal deal, so should we say £5 ? (in case you want to treat yourself to a piece of cake)

Tip 3-Accept that some clients (very few) will ignore your advice. This will definitely help those in the early stages of their legal career. I know it’s frustrating! The whole point we get instructed is to give advice. Always maintain your morals and your cool and make a note so there is record of your advice and record if your client decides not to take your advice. Continue to keep abreast with the current laws in your specialism and trust your gut. When in doubt, discuss the matter with a senior member within the team.

Tip 4-Do you have an after work ritual? Something that signifies you have finished work for the day. E.g. phone a friend for a ten minute chat, play your favourite song, eat a snack like an apple. The aim is to find something that will represent letting go the stress of work before you open your front door.

Tip 5-Create Boundaries! This is for people who are generally the last ones to leave the office and the ones who work at home beyond the times they should be working. That email could wait until tomorrow ! Do not give clients your personal mobile number. Be kind to yourself so you can be kind to others.

Tip 6-Ask for help! Do you need a paralegal to help with administrative tasks ? Or maybe an earlier start time when the office is quiet ? Or a pay rise? We tend to shy away from asking for what we need. Instead, we suffer in silence. Prevention is better than cure.

Tip 7- Remember the important people in your life. The people you love and who love you back. Have their picture on your desk or on your phone but make physical time for them. We tend to remember how people made us feel more than what they do for us. Time is precious.

Tip 8-Encourage your workplace to do regularly activities at a convenient time for those who desire to participate. This is a tricky one because everyone is busy but all work and no play breeds stress.

Tip 9- Considering writing a daily journal or having therapy sessions. I have found journaling is great for when I’m stressed about 11pm at night. Personally, I haven’t tried therapy but I have heard it can be helpful. Trusting someone with your thoughts , secrets, concerns and insecurities is a big step so do good research on the organisation or practice you decide to try psychological therapy with.

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