Lawyers: Take a Break
The law is a demanding field. Whether you’re an attorney or a legal professional, you’ve probably worked after hours taking client calls, responding to emails, finishing up petitions before the end of the month… and the list goes on. It’s hard to disconnect, as many lawyers think they always have to be plugged in. While this can be helpful to clients, never unplugging will start to take its toll. With smartphones and more mobility in our digital age, you have access to your email in your pocket. While this is a positive most of the time, this can lead to you constantly checking email and never really taking a break from work.
  • legal
  • tech
Meredith Boe
Published on Nov 01, 2019

 

The law is a demanding field. Whether you’re an attorney or a legal professional, you’ve probably worked after hours taking client calls, responding to emails, finishing up petitions before the end of the month… and the list goes on. It’s hard to disconnect, as many lawyers think they always have to be plugged in. While this can be helpful to clients, never unplugging will start to take its toll. With smartphones and more mobility in our digital age, you have access to your email in your pocket. While this is a positive most of the time, this can lead to you constantly checking email and never really taking a break from work.

 

Everyone needs a break. Put the phone down, unplug, and allow for time away to become more refreshed and motivated. This will help you perform your services more efficiently, and will improve the quality and quantity of work that gets done at your law firm. It sounds easier than it is, right? So how do you actually take a break?

 

How to Take a Break

To get the time away you desperately need, take control. Schedule a day off from work so that everyone knows you’ll be away. Put in on the calendar, and no matter how busy you are, follow through. This day off means no checking or responding to emails, or even opening your laptop for work.

 

Here are more tips for actually staying away from work.

 

Digital detox.

A detox may sound pretty extreme, but it’s really the easiest way to make sure you stay away from screens for the whole day. Instead of checking your computer, read a book, go exercise outside, or be active in some way.

 

Some kits can help you stay away from screens. We recommend the Pinch Provisions Digital Detox Kit, which has a range of items that help you stay away from all your gadgets, including a sleep mask, a tech timer, and digital detox tips.

 

Do a partial disconnect.

Sometimes relaxing doesn’t mean foregoing all screens. If part of forgetting work means catching up on social media or watching your favorite Netflix show, try temporarily deleting your email app on your phone or computer, or any other work-related platforms and apps.

 

Doing a partial disconnect will allow you to enjoy technology without the temptation to start working.

 

Tell staff not to contact you

Another smart idea to get an actual break is to communicate to your coworkers that you’ll be away. Set up an automatic response on your email account that alerts everyone to your day off. Tell your team to only call your personal cell phone number if there’s an emergency (and be clear about what an actual emergency would be).

 

If necessary, you can also let clients know that you’ll be away for a day, but that you’ll contact them as soon as you’re back. This ensures that they won’t be texting or calling you with questions.

 

Plan an activity

Another way to stay clear of work is to plan an activity, even something simple like going to see a movie or going shopping. When your mind can be busy with a fun outing, you won’t be as likely to check your email or phone all day long.

 

Taking a break from work is a must for lawyers. Even if it’s just for one day, you owe it to yourself, and your clients, to take time away so you can return level-headed and ready to tackle anything.