Small things can make a difference.
Burnout and dreading your job can be a real thing in law, especially as a lawyer.
The last thing anyone wants is to study really hard for something only to realise that their job, the thing they spend the most time on, is dreadful.
I’ll admit I was almost heading towards that path! That’s why I stopped searching for things that made me “more productive”. Instead, I started searching for things that made me happier… at work.
Now, while being a lawyer can be stressful at times, it’s not something I dread every single day. Even though it can be challenging, there are small things that make me happy during work.
And I’ll share this list with you.
Let’s get into this.
1 – Having a morning routine
During your workday, you are attending to the requests of multiple people. That’s why it’s important to do something for yourself, the very first thing in your day.
My morning routine starts early, with reading, skincare, a morning walk, and a bunch of other habits that help me feel ready for the day.
Your morning routine doesn’t need to be extravagant or have multiple steps. Even just a few things that help you feel ready for the day, with less stress, and not chaotic.
RELATED: How to Build a Productive Morning Routine
2 – Getting dressed (whether working in the office or in the city)
Getting dressed is a simple way to romanticize a simple (or chaotic) workday.
When you get dressed, you can feel like you are in a TV show or movie, and suddenly your work day doesn’t seem so mundane.
I don’t know what it is, but there is something about dressing up and putting in extra effort that makes you feel productive. And this also includes when you are working from home.
When I am dressed in PJs or clothes I’ve slept in when working from home, my productivity levels decrease significantly. But just one outfit change boosts it in an instant.
3 – Going to the office > working from home
While working from home can be super convenient, sometimes there are more benefits to being in the office instead.
For me, while I do enjoy the occasional work-from-home day, I prefer being in the office because it eliminates all the distractions I have at home, and it also helps me romanticise the work day even more.
If you prefer working from home, that is still good as well! Just remember that if you need a productivity boost or you feel like you get easily distracted, maybe working in the office will be better.
RELATED: 7 Time Saving Tips for Productivity
4 – Moving your body
When you are working in a law firm, you are sitting down the majority of the day.
That’s why, don’t forget to move your body. Whether that’d be a quick 15-minute walk or a full-blown workout. Don’t forget the movement.
Exercise helps you be productive as well!
5 – Coffee (TBH)
Okay, maybe this doesn’t apply to everyone because not everybody is a coffee drinker.
Lately, trying out different coffee places around Melbourne has been a hobby that keeps me motivated throughout my workday.
For you, maybe it’s not coffee, maybe it’s a little treat that gives you a little bit of happiness during your workday. Find something that gives you a little joy, and incorporate it into your workday.
RELATED: Week in My Life as a Lawyer
6 – Romanticizing lunch breaks
Don’t forget to take your lunch breaks. Not just take your lunch break, but romanticize the experience.
Again, you don’t have to be extravagant with it, even simple things you can romanticize, like when you are eating your lunch, or taking a quick walk around.
I like planning my lunch breaks ahead of time, so I have something to look forward to during my work day. It also helps me make sure that I don’t take a really late lunch.
7 – Having something fun to look forward to after work
Life isn’t about living for the weekend, and in my opinion, it can be really sad to live like that. That’s why, don’t just look forward to the weekend, look forward to the things you do after work.
Just like what was mentioned previously, you don’t need to go extravagant. Even if you just have something simple planned, like watching your favorite TV show or cooking your favorite meal can be exciting.
Make those plans after work so you don’t look back at your life and realise that all you did was work.
To Wrap Up
These are some of the things you can do that can make your workday a little better:
- Morning routine
- Getting dressed
- Going to the office
- Moving your body
- Coffee
- Romanticize lunch breaks
- Have something exciting to look forward to after work
Doing any of these things can make a difference to your workday, especially if you are a lawyer.
When you work in a law firm, you could be attending to multiple people’s requests, just don’t forget to do things for yourself.
-Lauren 🙂
P.S I suggest reading these blog posts next:
- 4 Tips and Advice for New Lawyers
- 5 Self-Care Habits That Will Change Your Life
- How I Make Time For Myself as a Lawyer
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, this is Lauren! I’m a lawyer from Melbourne, Australia.
I failed 8 classes when I was in law school, got 3 High Distinctions in my last semester, and now I’m a lawyer. I know how overwhelming law school can feel.
That’s why I have created this little space for aspiring lawyers on my blog!
About laurenbarri.com: I create content on all things personal development, productivity, self-care, and habits! There is also a law to lawyer hub specifically for those who want to be lawyers and thrive in law school.
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