As a current law student myself, I know how difficult it is to keep a regular workout routine during law school. So what is the solution? My first year of law school was full of trial and error, including keeping a healthy balance in my life. It can get difficult! Luckily for you, I have been figuring this out for a while. I can’t wait to share with you my tips and tricks!
If you want to keep a regular workout routine during law school, you must make it a priority in your schedule and life. Law students often struggle to balance their studies and exercise routines. However, if you make it a priority, you will be able to keep up with a regular workout routine.
In order to succeed as a lawyer, you must maintain a healthy lifestyle, and that includes moving your body. This article will give you advice on how to stay fit while in law school. You CAN maintain your health while still balancing your studies and working on your career. It is possible!
Read on to discover the benefits of regular exercise during law school and my tips for how to keep up with a regular workout routine!
First of All, Why?
Law school is stressful
Law school is one of the most stressful times you will experience in your life. 1L year is especially stressful. Exercise has been known to be a great stress reliever, and I can definitely attest to that! Exercise is also a healthy way to separate yourself and take a break from your work. I often go for a walk or two during the work day. On the most stressful days, you will find me out for walks even more than a normal day. Law school can be overwhelming and stressful, but exercise truly helps keep the stress at bay.
It will improve your study time
Law students are always looking for new ways to improve their productivity and study efforts. While you might think that exercising will take away from your precious studying time, research shows that regular exercise actually improves your memory and concentration. Plus, it really helps you stay focused during the stressful times!
You will sleep better at night
One of my priorities for law school was to sleep properly each night. Sleep is crucial to surviving law school, trust me. Luckily, keeping up with an exercise routine will certainly help you sleep better at night! According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise will help you sleep better that very night! Regardless of whether you workout in the morning or at night, you will definitely feel the benefits in your sleep patterns.
My Top Tips for Keeping a Regular Workout Routine During Law School
Tip #1: Make it a priority
It may seem obvious, but when you prioritize exercise in your life, you will definitely keep it around more often. Life gets stressful. Law school is A LOT, especially during the first year. But remember: your health is more important than any grade you will ever receive. Yes, grades are important. Think about it: you cannot be a good lawyer if you are unhealthy. What would be the point? Prioritize exercise and it will reward you infinitely.
Tip #2: Keep it simple, smarty
Law school is complicated. Law school is stressful. So, why would you want to complicate things more? If trying new things makes you happy and motivated in life, go for it! But, stray away from overcomplicating your workouts and schedules if you can.
Personally, I like to keep my cardio simple by sticking to things like walking, swimming laps, and using the stair master. I have been weightlifting casually for a while now, so I stick to what I know well. When I get bored, I switch things up. I don’t like to overwhelm myself with my workouts during the most stressful times in school.
Tip #3: Keep the workout commute short
Law school is demanding of your time. Commuting can make or break your schedule! This will leave more time for studying. Look for places close to your home base, whether that is a walking path, gym, or even at home itself! Personally, I love working out at my apartment and school gyms. I live close to school, so I can keep my commutes short. I even walk to school sometimes to get in my steps.
Tip #4: Choose workouts you enjoy
Law school isn’t always fun. Why suffer in a workout you hate? Find things you enjoy! That might include walking, biking, swimming, dancing, kickboxing, yoga, or even at-home videos. Don’t suffer if you don’t need to.
On the other hand, really difficult or rigorous workouts might be better for you. Do whatever you enjoy and works for you!
Tip #5: Find other law students that enjoy staying active
Support groups, family, and friends make law school a lot easier, trust me! I found one of my best friends in law school. She happened to love weight lifting and walking just as much as me. This made our study sessions together way more enjoyable. We took study breaks to stretch, walk around the school, and other activities.
Law school is also a great place to find groups of people to enjoy local activities or even group sports. Everyone is stressed, so people are looking to blow off some steam. This will be a great way to meet people and take well-deserved study breaks.
Tip #6: Schedule your workouts into your law school schedule
If you are a planner, scheduling your workouts into your schedule each week will make a big difference. Making time for your workouts will help you make them a priority. Personally, I started my second year with a rough weekly schedule. Now, I use it as a guide that I follow. I know which days are more busy for school and which days are better to fit in my longer workouts.
I also love to make low-stress, achievable goals. Right now, I made it a goal to walk each day and do strength training in the gym at least 3 times a week. This helps me stay accountable with my workout routine during law school each week!
