Combatting Law School Burnout: Tips to Recharge

Ah yes, you’re a few weeks into the semester and just when you thought you got your routine down pat – you start to feel drained. Depleted of all energy and counting down every hour until you get to sleep again. Maybe you’re not there yet, but I certainly am, which is why I wanted to make this post: to remind you and me that feeling burn out during law school is normal and there are ways to combat it!

We’ve All Been There

Every human, law student or not, knows what it’s like to feel burnt out. But law students in particular are known to be put through a rigorous curriculum that tests not only knowledge, but perseverance. And while you may want to just pretend like everything’s fine and your building to-do list isn’t affecting you, I think there’s power in vulnerability and acknowledging your burnout is better for yourself and overall morale within a law school.

People tend to relax a little bit when they realize that others are in the same boat as them. And not in a “misery loves company” sort of way (although, kinda), but more so in that they don’t feel as alone. This can be a thin line though. If you’re constantly talking about how tired you are, how much you have to do, and why your life sucks at the moment, you might find yourself living in a self-fulfilling prophecy. Even in the absolute depths of your burnout despair, try to recognize the small things that are going well, and remain grateful for the opportunities you have that are causing you to be sooo busy!

Take a Step Back, Rework Your Routine

The first I like to do when I’m feeling drained from law school is to reassess my schedule and try to alter things where I can. I’m in the midst of doing this right now, and while there isn’t a ton of wiggle room, I have noticed a few things:

1. I’ve been spending too much time on the weekends not in school mode, so I should try to allocate a few extra hours towards homework so I can focus more on my face-to-face obligations during the week
2. I’ve started to just run to the store for a few things at a time rather than keeping up with my one big shopping trip/week, which wastes a lot of time (and money…)

That reflection ^ only took me about 5 minutes. And now I have a better idea of what’s working and what’s not. So, I’ll take those changes, try them out for a few weeks, and check back in later. That’s all it takes. Nothing monumental; small, realistic changes that might make a world of a difference.

I do want to note that many law students struggle with mental health, and those struggles become a lot less ignorable when times get busy. If you struggle with anything in that capacity, then my quick little 5 minute reflection may not be all that’s needed. Reach out to your advisors, your family, your friends, or anyone else that can help you or direct you to those who can help you. Always feel free to send me an email: elayna@lawstudentbalance.com.

Have Some Fun!

Last weekend, I went to a tailgate for my undergrad’s football team. I probably should have spent the afternoon working on my journal assignment, but I knew I needed to have some fun and see my friends. To avoid stressing out all day about what I could be doing, I made sure to do extra on Friday so that I could really just enjoy the present.

I’ve talked about it many times, but your calendar is not, and should not be, a fixed document. Sure, it needs structure, but you should also be able to move things around a bit when you know you’re on the brink of burnout. If you don’t have the luxury of taking an entire day off the tailgate like me, see if you can take a night to go out with some friends. Or maybe squeeze in a nice dinner out with your significant other. Or bake some fall-themed treat and watch a movie! The way you choose to have fun is your business, but make sure you’re prioritizing time for yourself just as much as you are for every other thing you’re involved in.

Law school is not meant to be easy, but it doesn’t have to be dreadful. 3 years is a long time to be stuck in a state of misery. You need to be able to recognize when you’re starting to slip and take the steps you need to find your footing. And when it happens again, because it will, you’ll be a little more prepared.