“They wanna know how many rhymes have I ripped and wrecked, But researchers never found all the pieces yet”. Any hip hop heads in the building? If so, you get the reference to Eric B & Rakim. If not, no sweat. This post is really about not stressing BUT music, Is one way of managing daily stress. Whether you’re a Radiohead junky, Nas junky or hey maybe even both. Music seems capable of pumping us up before an important moment, calming us down when we’re upset, and just about anything in between.    

As paralegals, I know stress can sometimes become a daily part of our days, months, years and lets face it…our lives. We’re managing other people’s calendars, dealing with a million questions (sometimes all at once), making sure everything we touch is “perfect”.  It’s cool to freak to the beat of daily life (another Eric B & Rakim reference) but we can’t let it overcome us. Stress, especially in the legal field, can result in some serious health conditions such as anxiety, depression, high blood pressure and even a weakened immune system. No one has time for that.

I feel it’s important  to “stay on target and I refuse to miss”.  Meaning, a non-negotiable goal in my life, is to not stress . Even with working in the legal industry, I made the decision that managing my stress was on the top of my priority list. But how you ask? We’ll for sure, music plays a big role but I also incorporate other relievers such as:

Getting More Sleep: I strive to rest as much as I can whenever possible. I know we are in a grind culture but I have always opted for rest. When you are well rested you are better able to handle the ups and downs the day might through you and we all know a day in a law office is as unpredictable as it comes. I mean, they don’t make a bunch of legal shows for no reason.

Exercise: Get into a regular exercise routine. Remember, exercising does not mean you have to do something you dread. You can do something fun, like dancing, zumba, a short jog or walk around the neighborhood, play with the dog or whatever feels good. The point is for you to move.

 Laugh: I love when you get a good belly laugh. Not only does it feel great, but you can also move it into the “exercise category”. C’mon, who doesn’t love a 2 for 1 deal???. Laughing has a unique way of relieving tension and adjusting your attitude for the day.

Take a Break: Some days you have discovery responses due, complaints to draft, settlement agreements to adjust and let me tell you, stopping in the middle of any one document can be hard to do. However, giving yourself permission to take a break is needed. Sometimes you have to switch gears in order to focus. I know that sounds counterproductive but trust me it works. Sometimes this very act helps you readjust your thinking and therefore gives you a different perspective. Something may seem overwhelming at first, stop, take a break, focus on something completely different and then come back to the task. Remember, “Don’t Sweat the Technique”.