The practice of law can cause lots of stress, and we have to learn how to manage our stress levels to have meaningful and satisfying lives.  Stress is not only caused by work, but also by relationships and unexpected life events.  Aim to decrease the sources of stress.  Stress can lead to sickness, addictions and other emotional and physical ailments if we are not able to manage our stress levels.  Here are simple tips on how to manage stress and/or live with stress.  Just trying one or two of the tips below might assist you with handling stress in your life and living a happier, more fulfilled life.        

Begin your day with reflection:

When you wake up, smile and be thankful for being alive.  You might want to think or tell yourself something positive like, “Today, I will be happy, I am sure of myself, I am strong, I am loved, I am competent…”  If you tell yourself something positive, you will start the day with a boost and set a great mood for the rest of the day.

Eat well, live well:

Having healthy eating habits is essential to manage stress.  Eat breakfast every morning.  Cut down on coffee as it will increase your stress levels and drink decaffeinated tea, like herbal or green tea, instead.  Stick to meal times and drink lots of water.  Eat lots of protein, fruits and vegetables.

Exercise:

Exercise at least a few days per week.  Take up yoga classes, belly dancing, aerobics, kickboxing, swimming, etc.  Run or ride your bike.  Breathe fresh air.  You can always take a 10-30 minute walk if everything else fails.

Wind down slowly at night:

At night, stick to a routine and you will see that you wake up energized.  Go to bed at the same time.  Don’t drink coffee or alcohol right before going to bed.  Turn off your blackberry (cell phone) before you go to bed, if possible.  Try to avoid watching TV or using your laptop computer in bed.  Read a “pleasure” book or magazine before going to bed.  Be thankful to God, the universe or whomever you believe in for what you have or pray.  Sleep at least 7 hours every night.

Be aware of yourself and feelings at work:

During work hours, talk to others about how you are feeling if needed.  Don’t isolate yourself.  Take 1 or 2 five-minute breaks and breathe deeply.  Think about peaceful scenes or family and friends if that brings you happiness.  Don’t forget to make fun of the things that stress you out so you can get a fresh perspective on things.  If you feel extremely stressed out or overwhelmed, take lower breaks and actively think about how fortunate you are as compared to others.  Consider the fact that you are healthy, living well, gainfully employed (in a recession), fortunate enough to have positive family and/or fiends around you.  Always take a lunch --- but not at your desk.  Organize yourself and ask for help when needed.  Avoid negative people.  

Let home be home:

At home, don’t check your work email.  Try not to take work home if possible.  Your time at home should be yours.  So try to disconnect from work at all cost.  Talk and spend time with friends and family.  Enjoy your time at home: watch movies, listen to your favorite music, dance, sing out loud, cook, decorate a room, enjoy a glass of wine, take a long bath, etc.  

Pamper/indulge yourself:    

Treat yourself every now and then.  Have a massage, pedicure or facial once a month if possible.  Golf.  Go shopping.  Schedule leisure time as an essential part of your life: take a day off every month or every two months and take a vacation at least once a year. 

Seek help if needed:

If you are experiencing severe difficulties with managing stress, get help.  Many mental and physical healthcare professionals are equipped to provide therapy and/or medication to help regulate your life.  Sometimes the best thing we can do to manage stress is to realize that we can’t manage it alone. 

Conclusion: 

Remember to always make time for yourself and don’t forget to laugh.  In the timeless words of the Partridge Family, “Come on, get happy!”