To Your Good Health in Law

This article from Lawyers weekly suggests that chronic stress is impacting more Lawyers in Australia than ever before.

Long term exposure to sleep deprivation and stress can lead to mental health issues. This includes depression and anxiety and more. It is not just stress that impacts on the health of any busy Lawyer, there are many other environmental and work related factors that contribute to the equation.

These are our tips for staying in tip-top shape in the Legal Industry

1. Digital Detox

We are all bombarded by electronic messages 24/7. This may be client e-mails, staff problems or social media marketing messages. Never before have our brains had to deal with so many messages in a day. Turning off your phone and stepping away from your computer at least an hour before bedtime can help with your sleep quality.

2. Get Enough Rest

Your body and your brain needs time to recover from your day. We suggest scheduling enough time to get the sleep that you need. You should also take time out from the office for a regular holiday to recharge. Arianna Huffington learnt the hard way about the impact of not enough sleep on your body when she collapsed from exhaustion in 2007 . See her tips for getting enough sleep here.

You will get better quicker if you rest. The world will manage without you.

4. Schedule time for Wellness

You are a better Lawyer and a better person if you are healthy and strong. Consider building time in your schedule for a regular massage, reflexology, or therapy of your choice.

Look into meditation which is a simple way to help you deal with the stress and pressure of your career.

Healthy food has become controversial and a minefield of advice. We will keep ours simple! Watch your portions. Don’t eat more calories than you need. Fill your plate up with mostly vegetables. Make sure you take the time to eat during your day and don’t skip meals.

If you are struggling to cook healthy meals because of your workload, take some time to do a big cook up on the weekend. Or consider one of the many ready meal box options available on the market for delivery.

Also consider what you are snacking on. Take the time to stash some healthy snacks in your office so you are less likely to reach for a vending machine. Choose something low GI to give you energy for longer.

6. Schedule Time for Exercise

It’s easy to put off exercise when you are working hard and doing long hours. You may also spend a lot of time sitting at a desk and having a sedentary lifestyle. You will feel better, stronger and fitter if you are taking time out to get regular exercise. This might mean joining a gym, taking up cycling or just get moving. Take up dancing. Take up kick-boxing. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Buy a Fitbit and get those 10,000 steps a day.

Regular exercise boosts your metabolism, keeps your endorphins flowing and boosts your immune system.

3. Watch the alcohol

It’s easy at the end of a long day to pour a wine or two to take the edge off. Current medical advice suggests no more than 2 standard drinks a day and never more than 4 standard drinks in one sitting.

8. Hobbies

Are hobbies old fashioned? We don’t think so. They are good for you. They help extend your network and sense of community. Find something you are passionate about and get involved. Is it community theatre? Wine collecting? Knitting? Model Trains? Public Speaking? Political involvement?

9. Pets

Owning a pet is great for your mental health. A dog will get you out of the house and into nature for a walk and they will always welcome you home enthusiastically at the end of a challenging day.

10. Family

Nobody ever dies wishing they worked more. Life is too short. Take the time to spend quality time with your family doing things you all enjoy. Go to the footy. Take your kids to the park. Create family memories and experiences. They are, after all, most likely the reason you are working so hard in the first place. Don’t forget that. Stay healthy and look after yourself for them.

Are you looking a new role in the Legal Industry in Melbourne? Then get in touch with us here at Legal People. We are specialists in the Legal Industry and recruit Lawyers, Support staff and HR professionals. If you enjoyed reading this article, you can follow our Company Page on LinkedIn for regular updates.