Wow, how often in your day do you actually breathe and stop. Meaning in one act, literally, take a few deep breaths and stop doing whatever you are doing and just focus on the air entering your body through your nose and into your lungs. It’s crazy how stressful the legal profession can be. The mere thought of having to stop AND take a breath in the middle of a 1,000 page document production prep or right in the middle of reviewing your final draft of your Motion just seems insane. However, the benefits of incorporating breathing practices into our daily life can be significant and impact our well-being. 

It is widely known that our environment influences us so much, to the point of increased stress levels. According to Plamen Russev and Sam E. Skelton, “Given the organic relationship between stress and breathing, both the latest science and ancient practices make a compelling case that prioritizing slow, deep breathing is once natural way to counteract stress”. If something as simple as breathing slower could reduce our levels of high stress why don’t we do it more? Especially in a rapid pace industry such as law firms? Well, your guess is as good as mine. I can only assume that because we are constrained to tight deadlines, constant work and last minute calls we put simple tasks on a back burner and we instead burn out.

Intentional Breathing 

Being intentional and paying attention to our breath on a daily is a simple act. It does not require equipment or fancy outfits. You can literally do it as you work. Observe how frequently and intensely you are breathing. Notice your inhalation and exhalation as you are researching a statute or schedule depositions. There are a number of safe and efficient ways to be intentional about your breathing

Know Your Limits

Know when it’s time to take a break. It’s okay to step away from the Brief mid sentence in order to breath and regroup. Don’t push yourself to limits you can not come back from. If you feel a level of high anxiety seek out the attention of a trained professional. Just know It is okay to stop.