A staggering 83% of lawyers report feeling stressed some of the time and 71% of lawyers struggle with anxiety. (Law360 Pulse survey).
We share some practical tips for taking care of your mental health and wellbeing as a solicitor working in the field of criminal law.
Resilience: Your First Line of Defence
Cultivating resilience is not just a skill; it’s your armour in the battlefield of criminal law. This demanding profession calls for an unwavering spirit, capable of withstanding the pressures whilst keeping cool. To fortify your resilience, it’s important to embrace practices that build mental toughness.- Engage in mindfulness
- Establish a self-care routine that supports your personal needs
- Be kind to yourself
- Seek support and guidance from others
- Manage your stress levels
The Art of Disconnecting for Work-Life Balance
Unlocking the secret to a harmonious work-life balance is non-negotiable for the ambitious criminal law solicitor. In the relentless pursuit of justice, it’s crucial to draw a line in the sand between your professional commitments and your personal or family time. Embrace the discipline of unplugging after hours, ensuring your family life isn’t overshadowed by the courtroom.- Have a separate work/private phone
- Avoid checking emails after hours
- Be clear about your boundaries with clients and colleagues
- Have a dedicated workspace if you work from home
- Establish a routine and try to finish working at the same time each day (when possible)
- Make time for hobbies
- Find something to help you ‘unplug’ after work such as going for a run or reading.
Nourishing the Mind: The Role of Diet and Exercise
The link between our physical health and mental health underscores the importance of diet and exercise for every criminal law solicitor striving for excellence. Take care of your mental wellbeing by prioritising your physical health. Elevate your game by integrating regular physical exertion into your routine. There are numerous benefits of exercise – clearing the mind, coping with stress, releasing endorphins, building stamina, reducing risk of illness, maintaining a healthy weight etc. A diet rich in nutrients serves as the ammunition needed to keep your mind sharp and ready for the intellectual rigours of the courtroom. It’s about making choices that fuel not just the body but also the spirit. A good diet can help you to focus, avoid illnesses, maintain a healthy weight and fuel your long and stressful workdays.
Supportive Community
In the fiercely competitive realm of criminal law, cultivating a supportive community can be a lifeline. Establishing connections with peers, mentors, and fellow solicitors crafts a foundation of solidarity. A problem shared is a problem halved and keeping in touch with likeminded people who understand the pressures you face can help you to download, problem solve, boost each other’s morale or sometimes just vent to release your frustrations. Being a member of the CLSA provides you with a network of contacts who you can call upon. It is also beneficial to build relationships outside of the criminal law world – keeping in regular contact with supportive friends, family members and loved ones can help you gain outside perspectives and switch off from your caseload.
Embracing Professional Help When Needed
It is vital to acknowledging the need for professional mental health support if matters become overwhelming and stress is starting to impact your daily life. The role of a criminal lawyer is a demanding one, and there is, of course, high pressure, deadlines and a healthy amount of stress that attracts people to the role. However, when your health deteriorates, or you find yourself struggling to cope then it is important to seek additional support. Just as you would advise a friend or family member. Whether it is speaking to your GP, engaging with a therapist, counsellor or mindfulness coach – there are a number of professionals who are more accessible now than ever before and are on hand to help.
