Every person has a different experience in law school, so stress levels vary with each person. Some people have jobs, some people have families, some people do not have any of those things! When you are in law school, you have to realize that your experience will be different than the person next to you, or even the stories online. Regardless of what you hear or what your schedule looks like, you will experience some type of stress.
Currently, my stress levels have been through the roof! I have been experiencing some extreme stress lately, and that has been alarming for me. Law school brings a different type of stress. You have a full course schedule, but those classes are extremely demanding and time consuming! The amount of reading and pressure that you will experience as a first-year law student is unlike any educational experience you may have had before. I have always been a proactive student, but my experience during my first year of law school has been stressful to say the least.
It is easy to say that reading books and showing up to class is simple at face value. However, your feelings of stress and anxiety are completely valid. You do not have to feel less because you have these feelings. Trust me, I am in the same boat. My stress levels have skyrocketed this semester because I have more on my plate, and it is definitely not healthy to neglect stress.
Law school is difficult, but there are many ways you can combat this! When I started law school, my professors and mentors stressed the importance of self-care. You must take care of yourself during law school, and that includes both mentally and physically.
What are some ways that I fight this stress and anxiety during law school?
1) Making time to get outside
Separating yourself from your schoolwork is very important, and I believe one of the best ways to do this is by getting outside. Whether it is to exercise, connect with nature, or have a picnic lunch break, getting outside is a simple way to improve your mood each day (if whether permits).
2) Prioritizing sleep every day
Law school is mentally demanding, and that in turn creates stress on your physical body. Sleep is more important in law school than ever, trust me. I used to pull all-nighters once a week during my undergrad years. I cannot live without sleep now that I am in law school. I am proud to say that I get 7-9 hours of sleep a night!
3) Working out and getting my steps in
I used to work out primarily for weight loss and aesthetic purposes, but now I see exercise in a completely different light. Working out allows me to take some time for myself to relieve stress from the day. I personally find this one of the most important forms of medicine for my mental health, especially now for my law school stress.
4) Connecting with friends and family
Sometimes separating yourself from school or work to spend time with the people who know and love you the most can make all the difference. Unfortunately, my loved ones do not live in the same state as me. FaceTime has been a lifesaver.
5) Cooking my meals regularly and experimenting with recipes
Cooking fresh meals is not just financially beneficial, but it is great for your mental health (that is, if cooking doesn’t stress you out more!). I used to (and sometimes still do) get very frustrated and impatient with cooking. Now, I use it as a way to relive my daily stress. I use cooking as a moment to pause and enjoy the simple necessities and pleasures of life.
6) Finding time to laugh
I watch a lot of comedy- now more than ever.
7) Prioritizing my hygiene
This may seem obvious, but stress can cause many of us to neglect ourselves. Take some time to prioritize your hygiene a little more this week, whatever that means for you.
8) Remembering my big picture goals
Sometimes we get distracted by the little, daily irritants. I know I do. Sometimes when little things start to bother me, I try to take a moment to remember why I am even doing what I am doing. I want to be a lawyer! There are so many paths to take and focus areas to learn about- that should be exciting! It is easy to forget what you’re working towards… while working towards it.
9) Swapping green tea for coffee (and limiting my caffeine intake)
Personally, I am very sensitive to caffeine, yet I cannot live without it. You can see how this causes some issues. I make sure to limit my intake to only 1-2 cups a day because I have learned that 3+ cups tips me over the edge. Lately, I have been swapping green tea for coffee, especially later in the day. Prioritizing sleep has also helped me manage this better.
10) Taking time to clean my living space
A messy space creates a messy mind. At least for me anyways. Sometimes I cannot focus properly until I clean my living spaces.
11) Trying new things in my community
This is another way that I try to get out and distract myself. Being in a new city for law school has opened me up to even more new experiences.
12) Setting healthy schoolwork boundaries
Easier said than done! Sometimes it takes a little more intentional effort to create healthier schoolwork boundaries. I will let you know when I have this one figured out! ๐
