8 Ways to Look After Yourself, your Mental Health, and your Career

In this article we discuss our tips for maintaining good mental health in your legal industry role, whilst still progressing your career. Read on to discover 8 ways to do both!

This recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald discussed the prevalence of burnout in the workplace, and the legal industry is no stranger to mental health challenges. The article points out how many employees were running on adrenaline during the pandemic and how they coped because they had to. Now that the situation has changed and as the world attempts to resume normal operations, the adrenaline “come down” seems to be adding to levels of exhaustion felt by workers everywhere.

In the workplace, employers in the legal industry have been aware for many years that there is a toll on the mental health of staff working in the industry. Long hours, deadlines, pressure, and dealing with challenging situations, adversity and confrontation all require careful management and self-awareness.

So how do you look after yourself, your mental health and move your career forward all at once?

1.   Practice Self-Care

One of the benefits of the pandemic and so many of us working from home was that many found the little things in life that got them through a challenging day. It might be a walk, connecting with a friend, or spending time practicing a hobby you enjoy. Some people learned to meditate during the pandemic, others baked sour-dough bread. Whatever it is that makes you feel happy and relaxed, ensure you do this regularly. Staying active and making sure you are not remaining sedentary all day has also been demonstrated to improve your well-being. There are benefits to getting out amongst nature and you might be surprised at how breathing exercises can help lower your stress levels.

2.   Set Goals

Career goals are useful in that they give you direction and a sense of achievement as you tick off the milestones on the way. Without them, you can often end up in a rut and without a sense of purpose. Regularly check back in on your goals in your career and life to ensure they stay relevant and achievable.

3.   Take Time to Recharge

Always take your holidays and do what you can to switch off from office communications. Holidays are an antidote to burnout and an important factor in maintaining your wellbeing. Read a book, play some golf or tennis, swim in the ocean and soak up some vitamin D.

4.   Negotiate Flexibility

The legal industry was revolutionised during the pandemic and more roles than ever now can work from home. Whilst some firms are keen to get staff back into the office, many are offering flexibility to contribute to staff retention and talent attraction. If you found that working from home improved your work-life balance, then consider negotiating working arrangements where part of your week is done from home. Of course, this doesn’t work for everyone, and some people prefer the interaction, connection and engagement involved in working from an office. Negotiate what works for you as an individual.

5.   Assess your Time Management

Many lawyers have moments in their career when their time management is not optimal. For those working to billable hour arrangements this can create a challenge. It is always worth improving your time management skills and ensuring that you are prioritising the right task and getting the most important ones done first. Also consider your workload and whether anything can be delegated or accomplished in a smarter way.

6.   Access Useful Resources

The Lawyer wellbeing project from the Victorian legal services board and commissioner offers advice and best practice tips and links to helpful industry resources. can be found here. https://lsbc.vic.gov.au/lawyers/practising-law/lawyer-wellbeing/about-wellbeing.

7.   Reach Out

If you have noticed a colleague who is not themselves, reach out and check in so that they feel supported. This video produced by RUOK us designed specifically for the legal industry and can help.

8.   Move on

Possibly a last resort, but if you are feeling exhausted and burnt out in your current role, it may be time to assess your tenure at your current organisation. Is it time to move on? If so, we can help.

For a confidential career discussion get in touch at [email protected]. 

Looking after yourself is quite possibly the most important thing you can do for your career. Managing your stress levels, how you respond to situations and your ability to take time out for yourself all has an impact on your working life. Poor mental health impacts your productivity, the quality of your work and your ability to engage with colleague and clients. It is always worth investing in tools to help. After all, your career is going nowhere without you! 

Should you need help in finding a new role in 2023, or even just a confidential career discussion, please get in touch at [email protected]. We are specialists with more than 45 years’ experience recruiting for the Legal Industry. We recruit Lawyers, Support staff and HR professionals in Melbourne, Australia.