In the last blog I talked about how imperative self care is in the legal profession. Burnout, addictions and other stresses are connected and taking care of yourself is so important. In this week’s blog I wanted to talk about specific things you can do to practice self-care techniques.
1) Yoga: Doing yoga is a great way to relieve stress, gain flexibility and get a good workout in all at once. There are different types of yoga, and some can be more of a workout than others – some focusing on strengthening and others centered around meditation. Find out what works for you by trying a few different types. This site gives a good breakdown of the different types.
2) Going for a walk: Going for an entire day without sunlight, even on weeks like finals, is problematic. Making sure you always get out for a walk during the day will increase happiness. I have no scientific proof of this, it’s just true so listen to me. Sunshine does wonder for the soul.
3) Journaling: One of the best ways to be in touch with yourself and your emotions is to write them down. This forces you to be honest, vulnerable and completely transparent with what is actually going on inside of your brain and heart and, sometimes whip yourself into shape, but more often it allows yourself freedom and grace to love yourself through everything you are feeling. I’m not sure what sets journals apart from others, but my favorite journal so far has been this Moleskin journal from Target.
4) Call a loved one: Does this even need an explanation? Parents, siblings, best friends can be a great support system especially when you are stressed and overwhelmed. They give advice (possibly too much sometimes) but do it all with the intention of making you better than you were yesterday. This is super important because too many negative comments can ruin your confidence and too many positive ones can inflate your ego too much.
5) Take a bath: Something, if you’re like me, you find yourself saying you’re going to relax but your brain is focused on the next five things you need to do so you just go back to being “productive”. I’ve found that when this happens and I know I need the time to relax, I have to be in a spot where I physically cannot start doing anything productive. This happens best in the bath. I can’t move to get homework and it is peaceful and relaxing. I like bath bombs, not for the aesthetic but for the relaxing fragrances, I think essentials really do work. (One of my favorites is the Avobath from Lush)
6) Sleep: Getting enough sleep changes everything. Your mind will be more awake and better able to focus when you do this. Don’t be on your phone before sleeping and stay on a consistent sleep schedule.
7) BONUS: Don’t stop at just staying off of your phone before you fall asleep, stay away from any electronics. During the day schedule times where you don’t go on your phone at all. There is an app that will lock your Iphone while your studying or for any certain period of time, called Offtime. I recommend you look this up in the app store!
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