If you are a returning visitor to this site, then you may already know we are all about wellness here at RF Legal Support. In fact, way before the inception of RF Legal Support, our founder worked as a pharmacy technician for many years. While she saw the many side effects of big pharma (you see what we did there?) she also noticed her (very young) pharmacist was very lack about recommending supplements to patients. Natural supplements have many benefits. We won’t go into a deep diatribe about all of the benefits in this post, we’ll save that for another day but for now, let’s just work our way into acknowledging that there are benefits. Oh and by the way, If you are new, welcome.
Paralegals work long hours. We are dealing with many deadlines and in constant contact with people. If you work in a law firm, you are likely familiar with the concept of when one person gets sick, the whole office gets sick. And lets be honest, the fast-paced world of the legal field, especially for paralegals, can be overwhelming. We often forget that stress will compromise our immune system or become so busy that we forget to eat and run our body into a state of survival. It’s no surprise that we are dealing with so much and stress is often a part of the job. When stress levels rise, it’s easy to feel physically drained and mentally foggy. Luckily, we have done some reach on certain supplements that can support your health during these stressful seasons and help keep you at your best—both in the office and at home.
Here’s a rundown of supplements that may help paralegals stay calm, focused, and energized when the pressure is on.
1. Ashwagandha – Your Stress-Busting Herb
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Adaptogens are natural substances that help your body adapt to stress and restore balance. Studies show that ashwagandha can lower cortisol (the “stress hormone”) levels and promote a sense of calm.
- Why Paralegals Need It: High stress can lead to burnout, and ashwagandha can help manage these levels, allowing you to stay calm and composed during intense cases or deadlines.
- How to Take It: You can take it in powder form (mix into smoothies or tea), capsules, or liquid extract.
2.Ginseng – Energy and Cognitive Function
Ginseng is an adaptogen that helps improve mental clarity, focus, and energy levels. It’s known for its ability to reduce fatigue, enhance concentration, and even improve physical performance.
- Why Paralegals Need It: If you’re facing long hours or have a heavy workload, ginseng can help you stay alert and focused throughout the day. It’s especially helpful when mental fatigue sets in.
- How to Take It: Ginseng is available in capsule, tablet, or tea form.
3. Turkey Tail Mushroom – Immune Support and Stress Reduction
Turkey Tail is a medicinal mushroom known for its immune-boosting properties. It contains compounds that support your immune system and may help reduce inflammation in the body. It also contains antioxidants that can help the body combat stress-induced oxidative damage.
- How to Take It: Turkey Tail supplements are available in capsules or as a powdered extract that can be added to smoothies or teas.
- Why Paralegals Need It: During stressful times, a strong immune system is vital to avoid burnout or illness. Turkey Tail may help you stay healthy and combat stress more effectively.
4. Vitamin B Complex – Energy and Mood Support
Vitamin B complex supplements are made up of a group of vitamins that are crucial for energy production and mental clarity. These include B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, B12, folate, and biotin. Vitamin B deficiencies are common during stressful periods and can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and brain fog.
- Why Paralegals Need It: The B vitamins support your adrenal glands, which can become depleted from constant stress, and help your body handle physical and mental stress more effectively.
- How to Take It: B complex supplements come in capsules, tablets, or liquid form.
5. Zinc – Immune and Mood Support
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a key role in immune function, cognitive function, and mood regulation. During stressful seasons, the body’s zinc levels can deplete, making it harder to fight illness and stress.
- Why Paralegals Need It: Zinc helps maintain cognitive function and supports immune health, which is especially important during periods of high stress when your body may be more vulnerable to illness.
- How to Take It: Zinc is available in tablet, capsule, or lozenge form.
6. Rhodiola Rosea – Energy and Stress Reduction
Rhodiola Rosea is another adaptogen known for its ability to reduce stress and combat fatigue. It enhances your body’s resistance to stress, helping you perform at your best during stressful work periods. Rhodiola also supports better cognitive function, which is essential when you’re trying to stay sharp while managing multiple cases.
- Why Paralegals Need It: If you’re facing tight deadlines or complex legal challenges, Rhodiola helps you stay energized and focused, without feeling physically or mentally drained.
- How to Take It: Rhodiola is commonly available in capsule or tablet form.
7. Probiotics – Gut Health and Stress Management
The connection between gut health and mental health is real. Probiotics, the “good” bacteria, play a significant role in digestion and overall immune function, but they also help manage your mood. A healthy gut can positively impact the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood.
- Why Paralegals Need It: Stress can wreak havoc on digestion, causing bloating, indigestion, and discomfort. Probiotics help keep your gut in balance, supporting both physical health and mental clarity.
- How to Take It: You can take probiotic supplements or consume fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut.
8. Vitamin D – Combat Seasonal Stress
Vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” and it plays a role in immune system function and mood regulation. During the colder months, when you might not be spending as much time outdoors, vitamin D levels can drop, potentially leading to fatigue or the “winter blues.”
- Why Paralegals Need It: A lack of vitamin D can affect your mood and energy levels. It’s especially important if you work long hours indoors during winter.
- How to Take It: Vitamin D supplements (preferably D3) are available in capsules or liquid form.
Final Thoughts
While no supplement can replace a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep, they can certainly support your physical and mental well-being during stressful periods. As a freelance paralegal, you’re balancing client expectations, deadlines, and your personal life, all of which can lead to stress. Incorporating some of these supplements into your routine can help you manage stress better, stay focused, and feel more energized—allowing you to give your best to your clients and your business.
Before adding any supplement to your regimen, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
What supplements help you get through your busy season? Let us know in the comments!