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How to Deal With Stress During a Lawsuit

The stress of a lawsuit can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. And while you can’t always do something about the case, you can control how you respond, physically and emotionally.

5 Ways to Neutralize Lawsuit Stress

The stress of a lawsuit weighs heavy on both parties. This includes the plaintiff (particularly when there’s an injury or financial injustice at play) and the individual being sued. Depending on which side you’re on, you may experience any of the following:

• Isolation. It can feel like nobody else in the world is going through what you’re going through. And in some cases, you might even feel shunned by other people, including friends, colleagues, or neighbors. 

• Emotional weight. Emotions like anger, tension, and frustration can cause you to experience major mood swings and even varying levels of anxiety and depression. 

• Fatigue. As you cope with the emotional weight and stress of a lawsuit, you may experience changes in your appetite, concentration, and even libido. This can lead to physical and emotional fatigue. 

Every lawsuit is unique, but don’t be surprised if you experience a wide range of emotions. Thankfully, there are ways to neutralize this stress and manage the complexities of the situation.

Hire a Good Attorney

Make sure you’re tackling this lawsuit head-on. Stress typically sends people into “retreat mode,” but that may be the worst thing you can do.

“People often try to sit back and hope for the best, but you have to be very proactive,” Hancock Injury Attorneys explains. “The other side is working hard to push the outcome in their direction. Resting on your laurels is never an option in a lawsuit.”

The first step to being proactive is to hire a good attorney. You want someone who is experienced and poised. Choose an attorney who is aggressive and tenacious, but also calm and cool under pressure. 

Get Daily Exercise

While your mind might be telling you to hide in bed all day, your body needs/craves physical activity. In fact, getting daily exercise is one of the best things you can do for stress relief.

“Physical activity may help bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins,” Mayo Clinic explains. “Although this function is often referred to as a runner’s high, any aerobic activity, such as a rousing game of tennis or a nature hike, can contribute to this same feeling.”

Regular exercise, even if it’s just 30 minutes per day, gets your blood pumping and improves your mood. It gives you a greater sense of control over your body.

Eat Healthy

When it comes to the relationship between stress and food, most people view it in a negative light. Binge-eating and unhealthy diets are some of the first things people cling to in these situations. But did you know that you can also eat your way out of stress by choosing very specific foods that lower cortisol levels in the bloodstream?

While you don’t necessarily have to follow a specific diet, the Mediterranean Diet is actually one of the best for reducing stress.  That’s because fish, poultry, fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and whole grains all have cortisol-lowering effects. They also tend to be anti-inflammatory in nature, which is also good when you’re feeling stressed.

Stay Away From Social Media

Do yourself a favor and get off social media. While these platforms have their place, they’re overwhelmingly negative and toxic. And if your lawsuit is a high-profile case in your community or industry, it’s possible that you’ll see things you don’t like. 

Furthermore, your stress and emotions could get the best of you, which may cause you to post something that compromises the integrity of your case. This is why it’s best to just stay away!

Spend Time With the Right People

You become the combination of the people you spend the most time with. If you spend time with people who are negative, stressed, and toxic, you’ll embrace this same identity. On the other hand, if you spend time with people who are positive and encouraging, you’ll embrace this same optimistic outlook.

Adding it All Up

Stress is a natural part of going through a lawsuit. The challenge you face is neutralizing the negative side effects so that you can remain healthy and focused. 

Use these articles to carve out healthy habits over the next several months!