Taking Care of Yourself

It is important that you take good care of yourself in order to live a long and happy life. You need to be physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy as well to succeed in law school. How does a law student (or lawyer) take care of his/her health while pursing a law degree or a busy law practice?

First, as my mother always says "you are what you eat." Good nutrition is essential to a healthy mind and body. You shouldn't eat pizza, fast food, and ice cream every night - once in a while maybe. Fruits and vegetables should be somewhere in your diet. A nice apple or a salad for example. Your body will thank you.

Second, you should do some type of exercise a few times a week. Not only does exercise help you to maintain the appropriate weight, it also helps you to feel better and think clearly. Take a break and go for a walk. I swim and do yoga most mornings. It helps me to relax and get ready for a challenging day.

Next, find something you really enjoy and do it once in a while. Despite the other things you are doing in life, always make time to have some fun. What is it that you really enjoy? Reading? Read something other than a casebook!! How about an absolutely silly movie? When I was in law school the major films were Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn and Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi. Nothing like a good science fiction/fantasy story to take your mind off of Torts and Contracts if only for a couple of hours. Actually, I saw each several times.

Finally, build or maintain close relationships with friends or family. It is wonderful to have people to spend time with who care about you and have nothing to do with the law or law school. If you are from a family of lawyers, they will understand your need to talk about something other than the law.

Take care of yourself.