Feeling overwhelmed? The 4 C’s to taking a break.

I’ve talked to so many people this week who are feeling overwhelmed or out of control. Organized people are locking themselves out of offices and homes, wearing their yoga shorts inside out to the gym (yup), forgetting to pick up children, running late for everything - you get the picture. The last phone call I took before starting this post was someone who’d double-booked two calls at the same time. The last email I read said “this week is ‘run as if my pants were on fire’ week!” I got stressed out just thinking about that one.

So- what does this all mean? Well, to me it means take a break! First, you need to be sure you won’t spend it worrying about all that stuff you’re taking a break from.  I offer you The 4 C’s to Taking a Break:

1. Calendar the time – whether you’re taking tomorrow off or taking the entire week after next off, block it out on your calendar. Pretend you’re in court, or having a baby, or doing anything that isn’t optional.
2. Change the status of everything on your “to do” list – this is how you got here in the first place, isn’t it? First, Dump everything that you don’t have to do. Be ruthless. Nice to have items are off the list. Then, Delegate anything you can. If you’re a solo lawyer, you’re not off the hook; this includes lawn mowing, house cleaning and babysitting. Outsourcing counts. Next, Defer or Delay tasks by putting them on your calendar. Get them off your to-do list, off your mind and onto your calendar! Last, Do what you have to. There shouldn’t be anything but true urgent/important activities left.
3. Check in with anyone who needs to know – and everyone doesn’t have to know. If there’s a legitimate reason for someone to contact you on your break, make sure they can do so.
4. Check out of the office – forward the phone, turn out the lights, close the door, leave the premises, make a clean break. If you MUST call in to check messages or check emails (not recommended) then do it 1-2 times a day. Be only as available as you must be. Avoid being available.

Pay attention to how you feel and take a break when you need one. Sometimes a little time off is all you need to get back to your best game. Could be the best thing you can do to increase your bottom line this week.

Note: If you’re truly unable to take a real break right now, take a music break. Choose music that makes you happy, energized, or relaxed, and use it to help you change how you feel.

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Tagged as: burnout strategies, lawyers taking breaks, stress management