Stress is something I see every day on the faces of attorneys. Stress. Drain. Overload. It is not a recent phenomenon, but the pressure seems to be at a record high. After the pandemic, many lawyers I mediate with have expressed difficulty finding experienced associates and competent staff. This problem was exacerbated in the civil realm by the passage of HB37 earlier this year, when plaintiffs’ attorneys across the state filed thousands upon thousands of lawsuits so as to avoid tort reform which came into effect on March 30, 2023. Six months after the HB 37 was passed, plaintiffs’ lawyers across the state filed thousands of lawsuits to avoid tort reform that would come into effect at the end of March 2023.
Everyone is affected by the stress that comes with practicing law. It is now more important than ever to prioritize mental health and use stress management techniques. Here are some ways to help you through these turbulent times.
Find Your Rhythm
You should take breaks from the stress of work. How often do you feel the need for a break in these times of stress? You might need to take a break every three months. You may need a week’s vacation every six months. Everybody has a different rhythm. Take time to determine yours.
After you have done this, mark off the time on your calendar. After you’ve committed to the first break, schedule the next one as a priority. This will make you accountable to schedule regular breaks and give you something to look for. You can find that just looking at your vacation calendar is enough to lift you out of a stressful situation.
Alternatives to Vacations
The idea of taking a day off can sometimes cause stress. Start small if the thought of taking a vacation day is overwhelming. Incorporate some self-care activities that will provide you with mini-breaks from your daily workload.
No. 1: Breathing exercises. Stress makes our breathing shallow and rapid. It’s easy to counter this and you can do it at your desk. You can counter this by breathing through your nose slowly for a count of 4, holding your breath for a count of 4 and then exhaling through your mouth again for a count of 4. This process should be repeated for at least one minute while focusing on your breathing. This technique can lower your heartbeat and reduce anxiety.
No. Stress reduction is possible with yoga and meditation. Yoga is a combination of physical postures and mindful breathing that promotes flexibility and inner peace. Meditation promotes mental stillness. Google will help you find guided meditations and yoga teachings of any duration. You can start with a few minutes per day and increase the time as you get more comfortable. Both techniques can help you become more aware of yourself and provide relief from the chaos in your life.
No. No.3: Connecting to Nature. Nature is a powerful way to calm the soul. The outdoors, particularly during Florida’s autumn season, is a great way to relieve stress. In the Jacksonville area, there are many parks and beautiful beaches. Reconnect with nature. This is a great reminder of the simplicity and beauty that exist beyond our screens.
No. Gratitude journaling can help you shift your focus from negative thoughts to positive ones. A gratitude journal can be a powerful tool to help you incorporate it into your everyday life. Write down three things each day that you are grateful for. You can even be thankful for a warm cup of tea that helps you get going in the morning. Recognizing the positives in your life regularly can help you feel contented and less stressed.
We can’t always control stress, but we don’t have to let it overwhelm us. We can learn to manage stress holistically by fostering self-care practices.
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