Tag: work-life balance

  • Staying Healthy as a Solicitor: How I Balance Fitness with a Stationary Job

    Staying Healthy as a Solicitor: How I Balance Fitness with a Stationary Job

    As you can probably guess, being a solicitor often means long hours at a desk, endless emails, and the occasional existential crisis over a poorly drafted contract or crying havoc and slipping the dogs of war over poorly drafted special conditions included in a contract to make your life more difficult. It’s a career that demands mental stamina, but what about physical health? Staying fit in a job where movement is mostly limited to pacing during phone calls (or dramatically standing up to make a point in a meeting) can be a challenge. As I get older and realise that trying to maintain some kind of work/health balance is important, here is what works for me. Needless to say, that what will and may work for you could differ – so take this with a pinch of salt.

    Swimming: My 6.30 AM Sanity Check

    Four days a week, before the emails start piling up, I hit the pool for a 45-minute swim. Why swimming? Because it’s a full-body workout that doesn’t destroy my joints (unlike my last attempt at running, which ended in an undignified limp). It also forces me to disconnect – no phone, no emails, just me, the water, and a deep regret that I didn’t sleep longer. Added to that – I simply enjoy it – I remind myself of the male version of Gloria the Hippo swimming up and down the pool. 😂

    Swimming has become my non-negotiable. It wakes me up, gets my body moving, and gives me a mental edge for the day ahead. There is something about gliding through the water that makes dealing with the day ahead and deadlines just a little bit easier.

    Protein Drinks: Fuel Without the Fuss

    Lawyering is time-consuming, and meal prep often feels like an impossible dream. Enter my solution for breakfast – a protein drink such as Huel Black Edition – a protein-packed drink with the added nutrients I need and acts as my nutritional safety net. It’s quick, keeps me full, and stops me from reaching for yet another coffee-and-biscuit combo. I also use other protein drinks and yoghurts and the reason I mention Huel is simply that a bottle is sitting beside me as I write this. (No sponsorship – yet! Although a few freebies would be appreciated if anyone from Huel by some miracle actually spot this lol). Anyway, use what you like and enjoy and can stick to.

    With long client meetings and court deadlines, having a protein drink on hand means I don’t have to rely on whatever questionable sandwich has been ordered in or that I pick up at a shop close to the office. It keeps my energy levels stable and helps with post-swim recovery. Plus, it spares me from posing the question at 12noon – “What should I eat?” A decision which has to be made and that plagues every busy professional.

    Staying Active in a Desk-Bound Job

    Even with a morning swim, being glued to a desk for hours isn’t great for my health (or posture). So, I make small adjustments:

    1. Walking Calls – If I don’t need to be in front of my screen, I walk while I talk. It also helps me think for some reason and keep any rage that stems from the call on check.
    2. Stretch Breaks – The legal profession is already stiff enough; no need for my back to join in.
    3. Standing Desk Moments – Occasionally, I pretend I’m a high-powered litigator arguing a case, while just responding to emails standing up. Bearing in mind I am a Conveyancing and Private Client solicitor.

    Why It Works for Me

    This routine isn’t about becoming a fitness guru or preparing for the Olympics, it’s about sustainability. By swimming and fuelling my body properly, I feel sharper, more focused, and less likely to burn out. It’s about balance, and as a solicitor, I know that balance is everything.

    So, if you’re in a job that keeps you at a desk all day, find what works for you. Whether it’s swimming, protein drinks, or just taking the stairs instead of the lift – every little bit helps. And trust me, your future self (and your spine) will thank you.

    What do you do to stay healthy in a stationary job? Let me know in the comments!

    Hopefully, what I have learned the hard way, someone will use to their own advantage and avoid the pit falls I have experience.

    ⚖️ Solicitor by day | 🚢 Cruising the seas and navigating the law | Sharing legal tips & travel tales | 📲 Follow my journey on Instagram | Threads | TikTok | BlueSky |

  • Back to the Grind: A Solicitor’s Guide to Post-Holiday Blues

    Returning to work after a relaxing holiday can be a bittersweet experience. While it’s great to be back in familiar surroundings, and back to routine, the transition can often be challenging. Solicitors, in particular, face unique pressures and stresses as they dive back into their demanding workloads. In this post, I want to highlight some common hurdles I and other colleagues have encountered and offer practical tips to help you overcome the post-holiday blues and transition smoothly back into your professional life.

    Common Challenges for Solicitors Returning to Work

    • Overwhelming Workload: This is one that I dread and the daunting feeling starts to mount on the day before I go back to work. The thought of returning to a backlog of emails, court case updates, and client meetings can be daunting. This sudden influx of tasks can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
    • Difficulty Focusing: After weeks of relaxation, it can be difficult to concentrate and maintain productivity. Distractions and a lack of motivation may hinder your ability to focus on your work.
    • Jet Lag and Fatigue: For those who traveled to different time zones, jet lag can take a toll on your energy levels and concentration. This physical fatigue can make it challenging to adjust to regular work hours.
    • Emotional Letdown: The transition from a carefree vacation to the demands of work can cause emotional letdown. This can lead to feelings of sadness, frustration, or even burnout.

    Tips for a Smooth Transition

    1. Plan Ahead: Before you leave for vacation, take the time to organise your workload and delegate tasks whenever possible. This will help reduce the stress of returning to a mountain of work.
    2. Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t expect to be immediately productive upon your return. Allow yourself some time to adjust to your regular routine.
    3. Prioritise and Delegate: Once you’re back at work, prioritise your tasks and delegate whenever possible. Focus on completing the most urgent and important tasks first.
    4. Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care: Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise and always take your full lunch break. Use it to chat with colleagues and get away from your screen and desk. The temptation will be to work through lunch, but believe me, you need to take that break!
    5. Seek Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, in particular, if there are urgent tasks that need done and there is a time frame in which they done. Do not suffer in silence and let things slide.

    This is by no means an exhaustive list, but just some of the things I have found. Perhaps these can help you and I am always keen to hear from you! Email or contact me through social media!

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