After a long day of briefs, arguments and client meetings, attorneys might be tempted to go home and relax on the couch. But according to mental health experts, spending evenings in front of the television might not be that relaxing for those who want to fully escape the pressures of work. Instead, lawyers should practice “active relaxation,” or outside-of-work activities that require a person’s full focus. While moving from the stresses of work to an activity that requires mental tenacity might seem like a counterintuitive relaxation technique, Terry Harrell, executive director of the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, said active relaxation is much more beneficial to attorneys than mindlessly watching TV. That’s because activities such as watching TV or laying in a backyard hammock can allow an attorney’s mind to wander back to the office, where piles of work or challenging cases are awaiting attention, Harrell told a group of attorneys gathered at the Indiana State Bar Association Solo and Small Firm Conference on June 3. In order to preserve their mental health, attorneys must be able to fully remove their thoughts from the office, Harrell said, which is where active relaxation techniques come into play.Read More
