The legal profession has always been fast-paced and high-pressured. With numerous deadlines to meet and tons of information to take note of, it tends to get overwhelming for some.

Having to adapt to the ‘new normal’ posed by the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the stress that people in the legal profession already face.

Stress isn’t bad, per se. But if it gets in the way of your ability to properly function, you’re going to have to start taking action.

Identifying Stress

The first step to managing stress is acknowledging it. This alone can take much weight off your shoulders. You have to be able to identify your stress indicators so you can take appropriate actions to address them.

Here are some of the common symptoms of stress:

Irritability
Insomnia or irregular sleep schedule
Overeating or barely eating at all
Difficulty in focusing and getting things done
Turning to vices like alcohol and cigarettes

These may not be the case for everyone, but you should be mindful of your overall changes in behavior and habits as they may be caused by stress.

Understanding Stress

It’s normal to feel stressed, especially in new and unfamiliar situations. Stress could give you adrenaline just enough to help you stay focused as you do your work.

The thing to watch out for is when your stress levels go over their peak and make you unable to work. Too much stress can cause physical and mental harm. It can impair your ability to think straight and function like you usually do.

It would also be a good idea to assess your source of stress. It might be because you’re not being properly compensated for the work you’re putting in. Read up on employment law and make sure you’re not being unjustly treated in your workplace. You might also want to get in touch with employment lawyers if you need some advice on your work conditions.

Understanding stress helps you not to get overwhelmed when you feel it coming. This allows you to keep healthy tension so that you can focus and still work productively.

What Can Attorneys Do to Combat Stress?

Firstly, you should understand that stress-inducing situations aren’t threatening. Acknowledging stress and understanding that it’s normal helps you not to overthink the situation. This stops your brain from falling into a downward spiral of negative thoughts.

If the stress has already gotten into your system, try taking some breathing exercises to calm you down. You may also want to try stretching or walking around your work area to relieve your body of some of the tension.

If you’re unable to do these, try searching the web for content that’s designed to reduce stress. Look at pictures or videos that calm you down. You can also have a chat with someone who will listen to you or help you with your problems.

Or if you have a bit of free time, you can use it to rest and just breathe, even for a few minutes. Clear your mind of worries and try to think about things that lift up your mood and make you feel better.

Be mindful of yourself and check on what you’re feeling every once in a while. Being aware of your thoughts and emotions can help you know what to do when stress is thrown your way.

Dealing With Stress in the Workplace

Every person deals with stress differently. Find the ways that work best for you as you handle these stressful situations at work.

Once again, here are some of the things you can try doing when the stress starts getting to you:

Remember that stress isn’t always a threat. You don’t have to be scared of acknowledging it.
Try some breathing exercises to calm you down.
Do some stretches or walk around your office to get some of the tension off your system.
Look up some mood-lifting pictures and videos on the internet. Read some feel-good anecdotes.
Talk to someone who will listen and help with your problems. Sharing your problems with others takes some weight off your shoulders.
Be mindful of your thoughts and feelings so you could keep them in check every once in a while.
Just breathe. Clear your mind of your worries and try to only think happy thoughts.