A Law School Student’s Guide to Stress and Burnout

Understanding Stress and Burnout

Stress and burnout among law students isn't just anecdotal; it's well-documented. A study published in the Journal of Legal Education suggests that law students experience higher levels of stress compared to other educational disciplines, which can persist into their professional careers.

The benefit of developing the 'lawyer brain'—a term referring to the analytical and critical thinking prowess developed in law school—does not come without a cost. This heightened state of constant analysis makes it difficult to disengage and relax, which may lead to chronic stress and burnout.

Practical Self-Care Strategies

Fortunately, there are simple, actionable ways to manage this stress and build healthy habits and lifelong strategies for coping with whatever life or your legal career throws at you.

Exercise and Eat Right

Exercise isn't just good for the body. It also improves mental endurance. Aerobic exercises like jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening, and dancing have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression. Berkeley Law emphasizes the importance of physical movement, whether walking, yoga, or more vigorous activities, for mental and physical health. The same is true of nutrition. A nutrient-rich diet, low in sugar, helps maintain energy levels critical for the long hours of study law school students endure.

Try Mindfulness and Meditation

Research suggests that practicing mindfulness and meditation can increase gray matter in areas of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and decrease stress-related hormones. Building a supportive social network is another way to help regulate your emotions. Engaging with positive social influences helps maintain a healthy perspective and reduces the feelings of isolation that can come with the competitive environment of law school.

Know When to Say “No”

Knowing when to say "no" helps eliminate unnecessary stressors so you can focus on what truly serves your path to becoming a lawyer. Help your friends and family understand that your "naysaying" is temporary, not personal. This doesn’t mean you have to blow off your social life for three years, but it does mean you should commit to a routine.

But Don't Forget to Relax

It's important to say no, but not to everything all the time. 'Me time' is also non-negotiable. It allows you to reconnect with yourself, away from

Make sure your goals are measurable so you can track your progress and stay motivated. They also need to be achievable. Overreaching can lead to frustration and burnout. Your goals should be relevant to your ultimate aim of excelling in law school and becoming a lawyer. Lastly, set clear timelines. This will keep you focused, organized, and on track, breaking down the path to becoming a lawyer into manageable steps that lead to success in both your academic and personal life.

Have a Law School Blueprint

Navigating law school stress effectively hinges on having a solid plan and utilizing free comprehensive resources like Themis's Law School Essentials (LSE). A structured plan, informed by LSE's organized materials and guidance, can alleviate the anxiety of the unknown and provide a clear roadmap for your studies. This not only reduces stress by making your workload more manageable but also enhances learning efficiency, leaving room for crucial self-care practices.

Don't be Afraid to Seek Help

It's important to acknowledge that sometimes self-care and stress management techniques may not be enough, and seeking professional help is okay. Law schools often have resources such as counseling services, academic advisors, and wellness programs designed to support students facing overwhelming stress or burnout. Here are some resources to consider:

Know Your Resources — Familiarize yourself with the mental health services your school offers. Many law schools provide access to counseling and psychological services as part of tuition or at a reduced cost.

Reach Out — If you’re experiencing symptoms of burnout or prolonged stress that interfere with your daily functioning, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. It's a sign of strength, not weakness, to ask for help.

Stay Connected — Maintain open communication with your support system—friends, family, mentors. They can offer encouragement, perspective, and sometimes even direct assistance or intervention.

Remember, seeking help is part of managing stress and preventing burnout. It's an investment in your future self and your career in the legal profession.