Trial Magazine
Question of the Month
What’s your strategy for avoiding burnout?
December 2024I engage in a creative activity like writing or performing music. This activates the parts of my brain that need to relax and helps me feel connected to myself and others.
Katie Hubbard, Spiros Law, Champaign, IL
Physical activity, especially with a friend, and making sleep a priority help my mood and give me a clearer perspective each day.
Kelley Bogusevic, Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, Houston, TX
Learning to delegate has made all the difference. It can free up to a whole day for me, which I like to spend out of the office. Having this time away from the day-to-day practice of law restores me, and I am a better lawyer and leader as a result.
Laura Yaeger, Yaeger Law, St. Petersburg, FL
Spending intentional time with family and friends is a good reminder of why I do the things that can put me on the brink of burnout, and thus, gets me in a better place. Also, writing thank you notes and other messages of gratitude to friends, teammates, colleagues, and clients helps me maintain a more positive mindset and feel refreshed and more balanced.
Jared Silberzahn, The Law Office of Jared Silberzahn, Towson, MD
To do what works for me—which is a morning run. It gets my brain going before everyone gets up, and I find it gets me organized and allows me to get my game face on to tackle the day.
Kristen Beightol, Edwards Beightol, Raleigh, NC
I try to completely unplug for a few hours over the weekend and spend time in nature or with family and friends!
Kathryn Avila, Nigh Goldenberg Raso & Vaughn, Pensacola, FL
Exercise. Especially lifting weights, running, walking, and swimming. Working out helps me sleep and takes my mind off work. The pain of a “hard leg day” is the best recipe to forget about work stress.
David Stern, ASK, St. Paul, MN
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