|
7 Ways to Stay Healthy during Trial
By Noah Wick
Your trial is on the calendar and approaching all too fast. The closer you get, the more it seems there is to do, and the “more behind" you seem to get. You may lie awake into the early hours, mulling over and over in your mind the mountains of evidence and issues that you need to get down to clear and simple for the jury. What about your expert witness - will he hold up under cross? How will you deal with that bad answer your client dropped in deposition? And what could/should you do to better prepare your client for trial? What will your opening statement sound like to the jury? All of these questions are part of the experience that every lawyer goes through, no matter how many times you have been there before. The stress, anxiety and long hours begin to take their toll, sapping the energy right out of you. Of course, you want to be in your best form for your client – at the top of your game – so that you will be able to win this case.
With all of the things that you must think about, manage, and consider as you prepare for and present your case in trial, one of the most important things that must NOT be overlooked is your health!
Instead of stressing, use these health tips to help yourself and your client.
- Start off each day with positive attitude
A positive attitude leads to happiness and success and can change your whole life. When faced with a challenge, envisioning your own success can lead to success itself.
TIP: Try using some humor to keep you and your client positive during those particularly tough times during trial.
- Feed your body with small meals throughout the day
You’ve heard it over and over again: eat smaller, healthier meals every 2 to 3 hours. Well, it just so happens to be true! If you “trick” your body into thinking you will be fed every few hours, it will tell itself to use what it needs and expel everything else. This ultimately means increase fat burning and less fat storage. Plus, by feeding yourself throughout the day, you will feel and look healthier which enables you to focus on your client’s needs and not your empty stomach.
TIP: Try preparing 3 or 4 meals to bring to work with you. If this seems to be a lot of cooking, make large batches for the week and freeze them for future use. Also, bring a power bar and water in case your lunch is replaced by working or preparing witnesses.
- Drink plenty of water
Water is an essential nutrient. All chemical reactions in the body depend upon it. It has multiple positive effects such as combating ailments, reducing hunger and enhancing fat loss. On top of all that, studies show that increased water intake may lessen the signs of aging. Given our current health climate and your need to “stay in the game” it is essential that you drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of catching a cold or flu.
TIP: In order to meet the 8 to 12 glasses recommended a day, considering carrying a water bottle with you and choose water instead of soda. Within weeks, you’ll be sure to notice a difference in how you feel and look.
- Take power naps
Power naps are a great way to give yourself a shot of physical and mental energy in the middle of your day. Sometimes, even with a good night’s sleep, your body still needs a rest in the middle of the day. Twenty to thirty minutes is the ideal length for a power nap because your body does not have the chance to fall into any kind of deep sleep. This will allow you to wake up feeling energized and ready for that afternoon deposition.
TIP: Schedule your power naps for “down” times during the day. If you’re eating more frequently throughout the day (see #2), you may be able to squeeze your power nap in during your lunch hour.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day
Exercising for at least thirty minutes a day is both physically and mentally beneficial. Exercise, in addition to its well known physical benefits, releases endorphins. Endorphins are what give your system that extra boost in confidence, stamina, and mental acuity.
TIP: Try taking a brisk walk during the day to help with concentration or plan your day with a gym workout in the morning, lunch or after work. All options have their own separate benefits.
- Take a daily multi-vitamin
Vitamins are vital for the body to function properly. Each of the 13 essential vitamins (A, C, D, E, K, B12, and the 7 B-complex vitamins) provides the regulation of a crucial function. Humans acquire a majority of the vitamins our body needs from food and when there is a deficiency, we are in danger of becoming seriously ill. Vitamin supplementation can lessen ailments caused by vitamin deficiency, sometimes miraculously. Taking care of yourself is what adds to those increments of advantage you need in trial.
TIP: Bring your multivitamin to work and have it with your lunch. This is one of the best times to take it and can easily become routine.
- Reduce Stress
No matter how calm and relaxed you are as a person, it's very easy to succumb to stress throughout your day; especially while preparing for trial. The problem is that stress does not help the situation, it actually prevents you from being productive and trying your case successfully. You feel it and the jury can see it. Ultimately, stress is built up by the feeling of not being well prepared. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”
TIP: Hire a trial consulting firm to prepare your witnesses, select your jury and assist you with developing your overall case strategy. With the proper planning you can eliminate unnecessary stress and increase your trial performance.
Overall, you may be a Super Lawyer but you are not super human. By following these 7 Ways to Stay Healthy and taking care of yourself, you are, in the end, taking care of your client as well. A healthy lawyer is a strong lawyer and even the strongest lawyer needs help from time to time. In that case, partner with a trial consultant on your next trial. From intake to judgment, highly experienced consultants can support you throughout the entire process including strategic, graphics and in-court technology. Let our resources help you gain those small advantages throughout the trial that lead you to a winning performance.
Noah Wick is the Director of Marketing and Business Development for Prolumina, a trial consulting firm in Seattle, WA. In 2009, he became the first Testicular Cancer Survivor to compete nationally in Natural Bodybuilding shows. Please direct comments or questions to him at 206-622-6700 or nwick@prolumina.net.
|
Print this page 
Email
vCard
Profile