Listing of Mental Health Tips
Resource | January 15, 2025
Remote Working Tips
For the last seven years, I’ve been remote working as a freelance lawyer (someone who only works for other lawyers and assists them with their overflow legal work). I am never in the same office as the people who give me work and I rarely meet in person with my team of freelance lawyers at Flex Legal (a freelance lawyer network).
Resource | January 09, 2025
Maintaining limits with alcohol
Limiting alcohol consumption is important in managing personal wellbeing.
Well-being | March 16, 2020
Have a Dedicated Workspace
Try to physically separate “home” from “work”. To find the best dedicated workspace for you, think about how you like to work. Do you need complete silence? Find a quiet corner of the house or apartment and put on your headphones (especially if others are at home too). Or, maybe you need white noise in the background? Perhaps you need to be in a room with a TV on in the background or a radio or the window open, etc. Find a place that works for you (I don’t recommend a bed or couch; they can make you drowsy) and use that place as your dedicated workspace.
Resource | March 16, 2020
Stick to a Schedule
Do you normally arrive at work at 9am? Then open your laptop and start your day at 9am. Keep your end of day consistent with your usually end of day too. When working from home you may find that “work life” blends into “home life”. To avoid this, set a work schedule and stick with it. Take a lunch break away from your dedicated workspace, eat healthy food and step outside for a bit. This helps to clear your head.
Resource | March 16, 2020
Don't be afraid of technology , embrace it
Hopefully, most firms have the technology in place for you to access your files, communicate with opposing counsel and your clients, etc. If not, you need to invest in the technology now.
Resource | March 16, 2020
Set boundaries with the kids
If you have children at home over the next few weeks, some of these tips might not work and life may be a little more challenging. Depending on their age, it’s helpful to set them up with a daily schedule as well, which includes “Mommy/Daddy Work Time”.
Resource | March 16, 2020
Focus on your mental health
The OBA makes it easy for you to stay engaged through LinkedIn groups, online webcasts, and section meetings.
Resource | September 10, 2018
Peer Program
For lawyers struggling with mental health issues, peer support can offer hope and create an environment of understanding.
Resource | August 20, 2018
Your Member Assistance Program (MAP) is Completely Confidential
Guaranteed confidentiality. Get the private advice you need to help resolve problems that may be impacting your work performance, wellness, or behaviour.
Resource | August 20, 2018
Need career advice? Look into Career Smart Counselling
Is career anxiety affecting your mental well-being? Career Smart Counselling can help put lawyers' minds at ease.
Resource | August 20, 2018
Need a helping hand? Try Life Balance Solutions
Plan Smart—Lifestyle and Specialty Counselling is available to assist Ontario lawyers with a wide range of personal and work-related challenges.
Resource | August 20, 2018
Embracing Chance and Playing Well
Changing your response to unexpected personal and professional challenges can transform undesirable circumstances into a positive outcome.
Resource | January 24, 2017
Food for Thought
How can you incorporate healthy eating into your packed schedule? Here are four simple tips to help make a healthy diet more convenient
Resource | November 10, 2016
Health Tips to Benefit Your Body and Mind
Here are four tips to help lawyers establish healthy habits that can improve physical and mental well-being.
Resource | July 05, 2016
Be Productive While Finding Deeply Meaningful Success
Exercising self-compassion can help lawyers avoid the negative effects of burnout and lead more productive lives.
Well-being | July 05, 2016
Managing expectations
Most lawyers aim to please; they want to be useful and effective. To be sure, managing expectations is a major part of the job. Managing time, relationships, demands, expectations and one's own emotional needs is key to a healthy and productive career.
Resource | July 05, 2016
Mental Health Strategies for Lawyers
Personality factors play a role in the professional life of a lawyer and may compromise mental health when they are imported into the workplace. They should always be addressed… and the sooner, the better.
Resource | May 26, 2016
7 Signs You Need a New Mindset
If you identify with any of these signs, adopting a “growth mindset” could change how your life feels and looks for the better.
Resource | June 18, 2015
Mental Illness Mythbusters
Dispelling these five myths can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness in the legal profession.
Resource | June 15, 2015
Live a Healthier Life With Health Smart Coaching
Physical and mental wellness are inextricably linked. Health Smart Coaching can help lawyers improve both with services such as nutritional counselling, smoking cessation and 12 Weeks to Wellness programs.
Resource | May 21, 2015
Overcoming Challenges for Lawyers Seeking Help
Counsellor Rosana Zammit examines the challenges many lawyers face when seeking help for mental health issues, and suggests strategies to overcome them.
Video | May 05, 2015
At-Your-Desk Breathing Exercise
Counsellor Rosana Zammit demonstrates a breathing technique to help lower stress levels.
Resource | May 01, 2015
Enjoy the Benefits of Exercise
Enjoy the benefits of exercise - just five minutes of activity can boost your mood.
Resource | April 28, 2015
Managing Demands
With legal work requiring exactitude and such attention to detail, it is easy for lawyers to lose sight of the importance of monitoring their functioning. Exercising a normal amount of self-care can help lawyers do an even better job at work.
Resource | April 07, 2015
The Perfectionism Trap
Counsellor Rosana Zammit discusses perfectionism and its pros and cons.
Resource | April 01, 2015
Depression: Modes of Coping
Different modes of coping can help different people manage adversity.
Resource | March 26, 2015
Two-week Challenge
Manage stress, thrive at work and achieve a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Take this two-week challenge!
Resource | March 13, 2015
Sadness vs. Depression
Busy lives can sometimes leave you feeling tired and burnt out. But there is a difference between sadness and depression. Know what symptoms to look for and understand when they are something to worry about.
Resource | March 05, 2015
Support is at your fingertips
Access support that is right at your fingertips. Your Member Assistance Program is available online.
Well-being | March 02, 2015
Ask for Help
Talk to those close to you about what to look for at the beginning of a downward depression spiral
Resource | February 19, 2015
Recognize non-substance addictions
Not all addictions are substance-related. Understanding when habits become addictions is part of having a proactive approach to maintaining good health.
Resource | February 11, 2015
Chronic Stress
Counsellor Rosana Zammit helps you understand what chronic stress is, why you should care, and what you can do about it. (Video tip)
Resource | January 19, 2015
Find Healthy Outlets
Lawyers often work in fast-paced, stressful environments. In this video, Dr. Douglas and Dr. Horner discuss healthy outlets to help you cope. (Video tip)
Resource | January 06, 2015
Improve your sleep hygiene
Good sleep hygiene involves routines or habits that promote more restful and restorative sleep. Here is a brief guide to good sleep hygiene
Resource | December 18, 2014
Cope With the Tough Stuff
How do you handle the stress of some of the tragic situations you may come across in your work as a lawyer? You need to be able to pay attention to yourself, recognize your own needs and make sure you are getting help for what you’re going through.
Resource | December 02, 2014
Distinguish habits from addictions
Monitor how easily you can maintain conscious choice over the habit.
If you can control yourself it is a habit; but if you see that the habit controls you, then it is an addiction. Habits are a result of a mental activity but addiction affects mental stability. Addiction adversely affects the power to think, make decisions and also affects behavioural patterns.
Resource | December 01, 2014
Feeling stressed? Burnt out? Get Acquainted with Your Member Assistance Program (MAP)
Sometimes, we all need a hand. As a legal professional, you may face various mental health and wellness challenges related to your personal or work life.
