Through the past few posts, I talked a lot about my experiences and input on being a law student, going through 1L, and being South Asian in law.
The best way I thought we could wrap up my law school series was with my most meaningful takeaways through talking about my favorite topic: your mental health and well-being!
1. Remember Your Purpose!
To start off, take a moment to think about why you are where you are. Fully comprehend what pushed you towards law school, what inspired you to become a lawyer, and what is motivating you to succeed as a law student. You entered this arena for a reason, and it is so essential to never lose sight of that focus. Keep your perspective and values at the forefront of every move you make. Dispel those myths about (some) lawyers not having a conscience–because we have them and for most of us, that conscience is what pushed us towards the legal field!
2. Don’t Succumb to the System!
While keeping your priorities straight, do not feel the need to fall victim to a system that has its roots in a time where old white males ruled and had final say in every step we took (sounds oddly familiar).
We have our flaws, but our country has made strides in the ways we think, learn and behave during our everyday lives. With changing circumstances, we continue to leap forward in an ever-changing world that produces remarkable pieces of innovation. However, the legal system is relatively set in its traditional ways. A lot of the things we do or say are done or said because “that’s just how it has always been.”
I admit, there has been A LOT of improvement as times have changed–such as an increase in minority and women representation. However, there are many important aspects of life that the legal education/ career system continues to ignore–such as the mental health, well-being, and different backgrounds of its students and professionals.
Students are expected to be at the top of their class, get amazing firm jobs, write onto a respected journal, join extra-curricular activities, have amazing cold calls, go to a bunch of networking events, the list goes on and on.
But the reality of it is: there have to be students at the bottom half of the class, some students prefer government or non-profit jobs, a few students don’t care to be editing and doing busy work that consumes their semesters, other students may prefer to gain the experience they need from jobs or other non law school activities, most students don’t have amazing cold calls and do better on exams or in other settings, many students do not enjoy socializing with people they do not know in [usually] superficial ways for hours, the list goes on and on.
And most importantly, law students have lives outside of law school: families, friends, significant others, children, jobs, other responsibilities, social lives, etc.
At first I thought I had to do EVERYTHING because that’s what “successful” and “all” law students do. And I quickly got over that. Some people genuinely want to–and actually do–do all the things listed in the “expectations” paragraph (which is fantastic!).
However, I pretty much don’t do any of them because they don’t align with who I am or what I want to gain out of my educational experience (which is also fantastic!). At the same time, I know it’s unrealistic for myself to do all of those things without sacrificing sleep and my well-being–two things I prioritize above any of those aforementioned activities!
3. Prioritize Your Well-Being!
If I haven’t already said it enough: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE remember you come first–your brain, your heart, your body, your health, and your well-being. Law school, room for improvement, and career opportunities are not going anywhere.
But for some reason, students and professionals (usually the highest percentage within the legal field) feel pressured into losing themselves in order to succeed academically or professionally. Please don’t do that. You want to live longer and more importantly, you want to live a more fulfilling life.
So don’t *only do what those emails or lectures say is best for law students or lawyers. Listen to your own body’s needs and do what’s best for you. That’s honestly the only way you’re going to be able to perform well for others.
4. Utilize the Resources at Your Disposal!
One of the best strategies you can use to prioritize your well-being is to take advantage of the resources that are provided to you–faculty, staff, peers, health resources, academic accommodations, mentors, etc. If you are diagnosed with a health condition that impairs your daily activities, check out your school’s disability resources center. There is likely a solution to help level the playing field for you so that you are not limited by one of your health concerns.
Even if you’re not diagnosed with any conditions, if you’re a normal human–you go through life and are hit with situations that are sometimes out of your control. Whether you’re dealing with personal dilemmas, losses of loved ones, family/friendship/relationship struggles, problems at your job, or are just overwhelmed with the pressures of school–your spiraling stressors can cloud or essentially impair your ability to think, behave or act as you normally would.
As a normal stress response, we all deal with a small level of anxiety (which is different from a mental health condition such as anxiety disorders!). In situations like the ones mentioned above, these anxious thoughts, other stress responses and your emotions may need to be given extra attention. Take time to listen to what your body needs and fuel it with the right resources!
If it’s something very serious and disruptive to your learning, some professors or other staff may understand your needs and make some type of temporary accommodation to help you get back on track.
5. Be Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable!
For many of us, a big part of law school involves entering a completely different world with completely different people. Because it’s such an unknown environment, it can be difficult (especially for introverts) to step out of their comfort zone.
However, this is a new and exciting time in your life and you need to seize every opportunity that you genuinely want to pursue (because unfortunately this profession kind of involves a little bit of knowing people and making connections).
So if you don’t like networking as much–go out to happy hours or receptions. If you don’t like researching or writing–take classes or join activities to develop those skills. In any case, go to seminars, workshops, or events where you can hear and learn from professionals who can become your mentors in the field.
Don’t be risk-adverse like lawyers are known to be–and take that leap of faith! Following that small feeling in your gut will (if anything) help you gain the confidence that may be shattering when your mind tells you that you’re too shy, dumb or unable to do something different.
6. Understand Your Boundaries!
That being said, although it’s important to take those risks, it’s as (or even more) important to know your boundaries. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable in new scenarios–but at the same time don’t step too far away from your comfort zone that it affects your well-being.
If you decide to go to a job fair, only get to a couple of tables, and call it a day (or leave before even approaching anyone)–then that’s okay!! Be proud of the small steps you take to improve your confidence and comfort levels.
However, never feel like you need to go to class, attend all the networking events happening, go to club meetings, and do your readings for the day all in one go. Take your time, ease into it, and slowly put yourself in these new situations that would ordinarily freak you out. Treat it like a marathon rather than a race–because you’ll be doing this for the rest of your life, and you don’t want to drain yourself out socially, mentally or physically by trying to accomplish everything all at once!
7. Take Mental Health Days!
You take vacation days, you call off for weddings, you call in sick when you have a fever–so why not take the mental health days your body needs?
If you haven’t gotten to your readings for the day and need to sleep–use one of your passes for class! If you feel like you’re socially exhausted, skip out on the networking events. If you are mentally drained, take a break from school and do what makes you happy. If your mind and body are telling you that you are not okay, realize that it’s okay to not be okay–and take the time you need to relax and recharge.
Your body needs a sufficient amount of sleep, nutrition, exercise, meditation, love and care. Your school or job is one part of your life and in order to succeed professionally, you need to succeed personally.
No matter how much you hate it or how miserable you may be, 1L will likely fly by! Don’t forget to remember the important things in life, do the things you love, and maintain a balance in life along the way!
