As summer is officially over, it’s time to embrace autumn and the colder weather and focus more on lawyer health. Wellness considerations are perhaps more important than ever, as many legal professionals continue to work from home and help an increasing number of clients looking for help during the pandemic.

Here are tips for self-care and wellness for lawyers as we’re coming to the end of the year.

Find new things to do in nature

Even though the weather is getting icier, that doesn’t mean you can’t find things to do outside in nature. Fun fall activities like visiting an apple orchard or sipping tea on a patio can be the perfect way to enjoy the changing colors of the trees and the crisp autumn sun. Don’t let yourself fall into indoors-only habits just because it’s a bit chillier outside. Your mind and body will thank you if you keep it moving and take in fresh air.

Start a new hobby outside of work

Autumn is a great time to pick up a new interest or hobby. When you’re not at work or spending time with friends and family, start a new project or take a class in an area you’ve never explored before. Beginning something new will help you destress after work and find feelings of accomplishment outside of your law practice.

Schedule time away

Aside from taking your lunch break every day and going on vacation, schedule some personal days in your calendar that are solely for you to focus on self-care and stress relief. Use these days to take a long walk or bike ride, read a book, or have a home spa day where you only do things you enjoy. Then, when you come back to work, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on your cases.

Plan social events with staff

We’re all a little less social these days, and your staff members may be feeling the effects of not working in an office every day. Make sure you’re scheduling regular check-ins with them, and plan activities after work like virtual happy hours or game nights. These events give you all the chance to socialize and unwind while supporting team building for the practice.

Get extra help

If you’ve been swamped at work, there’s never anything wrong with starting to delegate more of your tasks. Free up your time to focus on other important things in your life and at work by outsourcing case management tasks. Hire a virtual paralegal on a case-by-case basis with Paralegal as a Service from NextChapter, where you’re connected with experienced legal professionals who are ready and willing to take on your cases from remote locations. This way you can get rid of some of your daily stress and have peace of mind that tasks are being completed efficiently and effectively.

Fall is the perfect season to focus on self-care, and these wellness tips for legal professionals will help you stay on track while avoiding a lot of stress.