These are stressful times, indeed. No matter which side of the aisle you’re on politically, no matter how you feel about the various government responses to the pandemic, and no matter how you are personally responding to the pandemic, it feels like we are all in a pressure cooker.
I would argue our national stress levels are through the roof, past the moon, and skyrocketing to the outer limits. Ergo, there’s never been a better time to make the commitment to take better care of ourselves on all fronts: health, finances, spiritual practices, family relations and recreation. Taking better care of myself during these turbulent and uncertain times has helped me focus on things that I have some modicum of control over – which immediately reduces my stress!
I have some control over my daily activities and adding exercise into my daily life really helps reduce my stress levels. I love yoga and rebounding. These are two exercises I can do almost anywhere, I’m unlikely to hurt myself and the exercise is not dependent on the weather. For me, taking more control over my life means taking vitamins and supplements to boost my immune system on a more regular basis. As I get older, I’m realizing that work and career are not the all in all so I’ve made a sustained effort to spend more time with family and friends, engaging in outdoor, healthy recreational activities. Adding a daily prayer/meditation period, for me, has been extremely beneficial; it provides a sense of calmness in my life and helps me keep things in perspective. The good and bad news is: good or bad it ain’t gonna last because everything is temporary. news:
It’s stressful enough going through a lawsuit during normal times, but try going through a lawsuit during the Pandemic where incomes have been lost, businesses have been closed, and child support or alimony payments have stopped. Yikes!
Here are a few tips if you’re going through a stressful lawsuit. First, add an exercise program to your life – what ever activity works for you and hopefully it’s something you enjoy. Make it happen on regular basis. Most of us have sedentary lifestyles and do not get enough regular exercise. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, exercising is not really an option it’s a “must do” – especially as you age out. If you stick to it, you’ll love yourself for it and you’ll feel better as the stress levels come down.
The next tip sounds silly, but it’s for real: read your court mail. This is so important but most people do not take the time to carefully read their legal documents. Try not to read legal documents when you’re in an emotional state as it can effect how you process and comprehend the information. Just seeing a legal envelope in the mail can trigger some people into anxiety and stress. Of course reading your legal mail is very important, unless you do this for a living, pick a time when you’re unlikely to be interrupted, get something to drink – preferably a non-alcoholic beverage – and sit down in a comfortable space to carefully read your legal mail. Read it more than once. Mark your calendar for important court events or due dates and make a list of what you have to do next.
Finally, keep things in perspective. Lawsuits are temporary, although some can last a long time, eventually the lawsuit is over and life goes on. If it’s super stressful, try to compartmentalize the law suit. Set aside certain limited time blocks to work on the lawsuit when you are relaxed and can work without interruptions. If you need to vent, pick a confidant that will listen to your woes and offer wise counsel and after the venting put the whole thing on shelf.
Take things one step at a time and always leave open the door to settling the case. The parties are free to settle disputes on their own terms right up until the Court rules.