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3 ways improving your wellbeing can help your career thrive
Law is a stressful and demanding profession and it’s no secret that the legal profession has struggled with the topic of mental health for many years. The pressures of the pandemic have further highlighted the need for lawyers to improve their wellbeing and build resilience. In this article, we’ll break down three ways lawyers can build resilience and improve their wellbeing for a thriving legal career.
LawCPD
1. Build resilience
Reframing your thoughts
Negative thoughts can be incredibly detrimental to your mental health and will further fuel stress and negative emotions. The good news is there are a number of simple exercises that can help you refocus your energy on positive thinking.
For example, before you go to bed tonight, think about three things that you’re grateful for and three accomplishments for the day.
Taking a minute to end your day like this can improve your mood – and your chances of a good night’s sleep.
Shushing the ‘What ifs’
We all have them – thoughts starting with “what if”. Often these types of thoughts add unnecessary worry to our lives. When you notice a “what if” thought popping up – try to identify whether you can convert the thought into action.
For example, if you're worried that you’ll forget an important document before a client meeting – set a reminder on your phone.
But there are also “what ifs” that you can't do anything about – like why someone hasn’t replied to an email you sent earlier that day. When these occur, it can help to actively find a distraction that will keep you from dwelling on the “what if”.
Find your oasis outside of work
Everyone can have a bad day – it’s part of life. But when we’re having a bad day at the office it’s important to not let these feelings seep into our personal lives. Otherwise, bad days can easily turn into bad weeks or even bad months.
Do something after work that makes you feel good – a hobby, interest, or another activity. Finding your oasis outside of work will help your mind relax, reduce stress and boost creativity.
2. Foster strong relationships
Relationships and interconnections are at the root of our make-up as human beings. But in our busy lives, we can sometimes forget to nourish our relationships. And there is a simple way to start improving your relationships today.
Say thank you
Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools to use when nurturing the connections we have with others. Say thank you and let people know that they matter – in return you’ll find that the people around you will become a great source of inspiration and motivation.
Choose your village
Clarissa Rayward, known as “The Happy Family Lawyer” insists on the value of fostering positive relationships in all aspects of life. She encourages us to shift our village to “one that is good, that is encouraging, that is powerful” by becoming more intentional about the relationships we build and nurture.
Give feedback, well and often
There’s nothing better than feeling you are part of a successful team. Feedback – if given and received properly – can be a key asset in building one. When you foster a safe and constructive feedback culture within your team, you are more likely to create a positive work environment, make other members heard and improve honest communication.
3. Master soft skills
It’s crucial for lawyers to continually improve and build on their soft skills. Especially now when an increasing amount of work is done online.
Refine EQ
Emotional quotient (EQ) is the ability to identify and manage your own and others’ emotions. EQ is an invaluable skill for any practising lawyer as it will help you deal more intelligently with clients, colleagues, and other lawyers throughout your professional life. You can develop EQ by improving your understanding of other people’s behaviour, body language, and communication style.
Developing and building on your EQ will not only benefit you throughout your legal career but can be highly useful in specific situations such as meetings – whether these are held in person or online.
Communication skills
Effective communication is about how you say something, why you say it, when you say it, your body language, and what you don’t say. By refining your communication skills you lower the risk of misunderstandings, reduce the risk of conflicts, and foster greater relationships.
Together this will have a great positive impact on your wellbeing and mental health.
