4 minute read
Wellbeing and the Sole Practitioner
Working as a sole practitioner can be extremely rewarding and enjoyable, and many thrive working on their own. However it is not without it’s challenges. It can be isolating, having no-one to bounce ideas off or chat to about work means it can often feel overwhelming. There is the financial burden resting on your shoulders which can cause huge stress, especially if you cannot work due to illness, or a family illness or bereavement. It is vital that sole practitioners are tuned into their mental health and wellbeing, and aware of some of ways in which their work can affect them. It is important to look after your day to day wellbeing so that when problems arise, you are better equipped to deal with them. It is also important to have a support network you can turn to for help, this could be friends, family, other professionals or LawCare. LawCare is an independent charity which has been supporting lawyers for over 20 years and offers emotional support from people with experience in life in the law via a helpline, webchat, email and a peer support programme. At LawCare we are often contacted by lawyers who struggle with overthinking, unable to sleep properly because they go over and over their work in their head. We get calls from lawyers who are struggling to cope with their workload and are drinking too much every evening. We get emails from lawyers who are experiencing extreme anxiety and imposter syndrome. We speak with lawyers working with vulnerable or traumatised clients which is really affecting their own wellbeing. We also hear from lawyers who have made mistakes and are worried about disciplinary action. Does any of this sound familiar?
In addition to this we often see certain personality traits in lawyers: an analytical mind, impatience, extremely driven, perfectionism, a constant feeling a sense of urgency, and overly self-critical. These can all be very useful in the workplace but destructive in your private life. Often lawyers find it hard to admit they are having a difficult time and not coping for fear of showing weakness.
WARNING SIGNS
• Trouble sleeping: A vicious circle: worries about work lead to lack of sleep, which makes it difficult to perform well at work.
• Physical changes: Headaches, skin complaints, frequent colds, aching muscles, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, digestive problems.
• Drinking and smoking: Turning to drinking and smoking to cope with the demands of work.
• Eating: Comfort eating or skipping meals.
• Mood swings: Feeling irritated and frustrated, angry one minute and feel fine the next. Panic, fear, and uneasiness. Not being able to stay calm and still
TIPS FOR LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF
Exercise
Do whatever you like as long as you get moving. Exercise makes it difficult to overthink as you need to concentrate on the physical activity itself and the melatonin, serotonin and endorphin boost will help to combat negative thoughts.
Eat well and drink in moderation Eating a balanced diet improves wellbeing. It is important to eat regularly which can be difficult if you’re busy at work, so buy a nutritious lunch on your way in or keep healthy snacks in your drawer, or set a reminder to go out for lunch. Make sure you drink alcohol in moderation, whilst it can be tempting to drown your sorrows if you are having a difficult time this will just make you feel worse the next day.
Be Mindful Research shows that regular mindfulness improves your concentration, decision-making and working memory. It reduces stress, lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, and reduces anxiety and depression
Take a Break Sitting at your desk for long periods is counter productive. Getting up from your desk for a brisk walk or a stretch for ten minutes can improve your focus and concentration.
Keep in touch Human are tribal, we need other people and this is even more important it you are largely working on your own. Seeing friends and family, or having a chat on the phone can give you a lift when you are feeling down.
Share how you feel We all know the phrases ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ or ‘it’s good to talk’ but the benefits in talking about how you are feeling go far beyond this. We all need someone to talk to about personal matters without judgement and in confidence. When we are in a difficult situation we lose our problem-solving abilities, it can be impossible to focus and it can seem overwhelming to choose what action to take. Sometimes a listening ear and a nudge in the right direction is all we need to move on.
For some it’s not as easy as talking to a friend or family member. LawCare is happy to talk to you about whatever you are going through. You can phone our free, confidential helpline and talk to another lawyer who’s been there on 0800 279 6888. You can also access webchat, email support and additional resources at www.lawcare.org.uk
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