Browsing online today, I came across several articles on the Ontario Lawyers’ Assistance Program about work/life balance. I would like to share some of the insights found there with my readers.

Apparently, these are the major stress factors for lawyers:

• the need to “win,” whether in courts, at work, or at home.
• the need to be in control, whether controlling the cases, the office, or personal life.
• tight deadlines, including closing deadlines (real estate) and filing deadlines (litigation), and client demands.
• overworking, or being overloaded – Many lawyers do not know how to say no, either to clients or superiors.
• not eating or sleeping properly – This relates to the tight deadlines and overworking. When you spend so much time working, you let go of taking care of yourself.
• inappropriate forms of stress relief – This includes excessive drinking, smoking, and lack of exercise.
• perfectionism – Many lawyers have high expectations of themselves, whether at work, at home, or at the courthouse.
• financial pressure -  Some lawyers, especially new calls, live beyond their means to match their colleagues’ lifestyles; overspending leads to financial pressure.

What can you (as a lawyer or a loved one) do to help? I suggest the following:

• Set out clear priorities. Are billable hours/ income more important than watching your children grow up?
• Take time off. Turn off your Blackberry (or computer, email, etc.) at home. Most things that come in on a Friday afternoon can wait until Monday morning.
• Keep your own perspective. You are not your client. No matter how entrenched your client is with the litigation/case, you have a duty to your client and yourself to stay cool-headed and objective.
• Eat properly. You feel better when you eat properly. This is a physiological fact.
• Exercise. This is a very real and effective way to channel your stress into positive energy.
• Lean to say no. It’s as simple as that.