Law school can feel all consuming, mentally, physically and emotionally. It is not just academic training. It is preparation for life as a practicing attorney. The workload is intense, the expectations are high, and the pressure never seems to let up. While there is no way to avoid the challenges entirely, there are practical ways to stay balanced and grounded throughout the semester. Here are five strategies to help you protect your well-being while succeeding in law school.
- Do not procrastinate
Falling behind is one of the fastest ways to feel overwhelmed. Law school moves quickly, and once you are behind, it is incredibly difficult to catch up. Staying on top of your schedule is essential if you want to feel balanced and grounded.
We recommend you create a weekly plan and follow it. Every week you should plan on completing your reading assignments before class, updating your outlines so you are not scrambling during final exams, and working on any legal writing assignments. In fact, it is a good idea to plan to finish writing assignments, such as memos, at least three days before they are due so you have time to review and revise. The difference between feeling panicked and feeling calm often comes down to preparation.
- Prioritize healthy habits
It is easy to put your health on the back burner during law school. You may be tempted to skip meals, eat whatever is quick, avoid exercise, or sacrifice sleep to spend more time studying. These choices may seem productive in the moment, but they will make it harder to stay balanced and grounded in the long run.
Try to build small habits into your routine that support your mental and physical health. Eat nutritious meals. Stay active, even if that just means taking a short walk. Make sleep a priority. These practices will help you think more clearly, learn more efficiently, and stay more resilient under pressure. Making your health a priority now will also help you build good habits for when you become an attorney.
- Lean on your law school classmates
Law school can feel isolating at times. You may feel like no one understands what you are going through. But remember that your classmates are experiencing the same things as you.
Make sure to build relationships with them. Go to class events or join a law school extracurricular activity or club (just one or two, don’t overdo it). Your classmates can be a strong support system, and staying connected to others can help you feel more balanced and grounded throughout the semester.
Keep in mind that your classmates may also become lifelong friends. You might one day work alongside them — or find them on the other side of the courtroom as opposing counsel or even presiding as a judge in your case. That’s another reason why it’s worth investing time in building strong relationships during law school.
- Stay connected to friends and family outside of law school
While it is important to connect with classmates, it is equally important to stay in touch with people who are not in law school. Friends and family outside of the legal world provide a much-needed perspective. They remind you that there is more to life than law school.
Spending time with loved ones allows you to step outside the law school bubble. Whether you talk on the phone, meet up for a meal, or simply spend time together, these relationships will help you feel balanced and grounded. They also remind you that your worth is not defined by grades, cold calls or class rank. These outside connections can help reduce stress, lift your mood, and keep you focused on the bigger picture.
- Make time for rest and joy
Yes, law school is demanding. But taking breaks is important. Whether you enjoy reading for pleasure, watching a favorite show, going for a walk or listening to music, find something that brings you joy and do it regularly. Even a short break can help you reset and come back to your work with a clear mind.
Some law students do not make any time for rest, with the goal of studying more. But what they overlook is that rest is a necessary part of staying focused, energized and mentally healthy. Knowing you have a break is also a great motivator to get things done. We recommend you build in time to rest into your schedule each week.
Staying balanced and grounded in law school is not about being perfect. It is about creating systems that support your well-being while helping you succeed.
