Stress and Chronic Stress
Stress is not something we can entirely avoid and in appropriate amounts, stress is beneficial. Stress provides motivation and can help us problem solve. However, when stress becomes constant and begins to overwhelm us, it can develop into chronic stress. Chronic stress may result in low energy, headaches, disruption in sleep, aches, pains, weakened immune system, and loss of sex drive. Chronic stress may also lead people to engage in unhealthy or harmful behaviors in response to their stress, such as reliance on alcohol, prescription or recreational drugs, gambling, dysfunctional eating, unhealthy relationships or isolation.
Our goal is to manage stress. Which stress management techniques will work well for you depends on your individual circumstances. Healthy stress management may include: - Exercise
- Setting appropriate boundaries in our personal and professional lives
- Yoga
- Mediation and mindfulness exercises
- Setting aside time for hobbies or interests
- Taking mental breaks during the day
- Laughter
- Focusing on the things within our control
- Spiritual practices
How Well Are You Handling Stress?
Use this stress screening tool to assess your current stress levels and your stress management skills.
Healthy Stress Management Resources
The Mindfulness Law Society provides information and resources on incorporating medication and mindfulness into the lives of legal professionals.
Guided meditation apps (including Headspace, Calm, Journey Medication) can provide an easy way to get started. Mediation is not a quick fix, and it requires consistency to achieve sustained benefits. Give it a try!
The Anxious Lawyer, written by attorney Jeena Cho, provides insight on how meditation and mindfulness can benefit a stressed-out lawyer.
Setting Boundaries. Read Don’t Lose Money to Burnout by Setting Boundaries at Work.
Want to learn more about setting boundaries, our friends at the Massachusetts lawyers assistance program have some helpful information for you. Click here to read.
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