Don’t Let Stress & Study Burnout Lead to Depression or Other Health Issues

Although your first year of law school can feel overwhelming and you may struggle with study burnout at times, the key is to find a balance between excelling in school and maintaining your health.  If you suspect you may be suffering from burnout—or perhaps you are on your way there—it is time to take a breather, no matter what is going on. Typical symptoms of burnout are escalating anxiety and depression, abnormal exhaustion that cannot be quelled, inability to focus, and feelings of being generally numb or even somewhat regretful about decisions such as attending law school.

The truth is that almost everyone experiences burn-out at some point in their lives. Those symptoms are a result of your brain and your body telling you that it’s time for a break—and a non-negotiable one at that. You must put yourself first before getting back to the grind. Consider making some changes in your daily structure and your study routine, along with assessing what you may be doing to cause extra stress to yourself and your health, both emotionally and physically.

Attending law school is not supposed to be about self-punishment, or misery, but rather it is supposed to be about intellectual enlightenment and giving you the tools to create and enjoy a successful career as a trial attorney. In the end, this is all about you. If your health is not in order, it will be a difficult journey.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Eat well. Take time out either to cook healthy meals or purchase them if you are short on time. These days, there are a variety of delivery services that are affordable and extremely healthy. Avoid junk food as it will only take you down.
• Consider different ways to handle stress, whether you enjoy walking or biking, meditating, or maybe playing a video game. Most law students have little desire to read for fun with their enormous reading load, but sometimes a light “beach read: can be just the thing to relax and get out of your head for awhile. Visit with friends and family, or spend what little free time you have on a restful hobby.
• Get plenty of cardio exercise, even if it is just for 30 minutes a few days a week. You do not have the same amount of free time as you did before going to law school, but exercise will help and you may be astonished at how good you feel once those endorphins are charging.
• Reach out to others – Even though this can be difficult to do sometimes when you feel overwhelmed with tasks, it is especially important to reach out to friends and family when you’re feeling down. If you feel like depression is taking over though, seek professional help Time with friends and family can also be an incredible way to turn your attitude around, along with reminding you that you are cared for.

Are you interested in becoming a skilled lawyer and negotiator? Our mission at CDTA College of Law is to educate, train, and develop extraordinary legal advocates. Your legal education will be comprised of bar-tested academic subjects, skills training, and values reinforcement. Upon completion of your 4-year course of study you will be fully qualified to take and pass the California Bar examination. Call us today at (760) 342-0900 or find out more online here.