7 Stress Relief Strategies for Paralegals – Q2 2025 Facts & Findings
Written by Peonca S. Grier, CP, FRP, SHRM-CP
As paralegals, we face many challenges when dealing with our workload, clients, attorney expectations, opposing counsels, medical providers, mediators, experts, witnesses, and more. We have daily encounters with people who bring their most difficult problems, want to know their case’s status, or just need a helping hand or an attentive ear. On top of that, we all struggle with keeping up with email correspondence, producing good work products, staying organized, and paying attention to detail. We live in a world of sensory overload, where technology and countless devices constantly pull us into work, even during our downtime. As tasks mount, so does the potential for stress, anxiety, depression, and ultimately burnout.
I have heard from many colleagues who feel that they are unsupported and that their emotional and mental health needs are overlooked. This is common among lawyers and their staff. While some people thrive in fast-paced, crunch-time situations, others take on tremendous stress and feel overwhelmed without an outlet.
We support our attorneys and firms. However, you should focus on what you enjoy in your profession, such as your firm’s culture, seeing your work bestie, training new paralegals and legal staff, or giving extra care and attention to helping clients achieve their desired outcomes.
We are all human and feel the same emotions as the clients we work so hard to help. That means we must learn to identify when to take time for self-care and self-reflection. Self-care is one of the most important things we can do to relieve stress, ensuring we continue to serve our attorneys and clients as best we can.
Here are some tips on relieving stress during your workday, after work, and even on the weekends.
- Use a To-Do List: As hard as it may be to keep a schedule, try creating a daily or weekly to-do list to help prioritize tasks and focus on one thing at a time. Additionally, checking off a to-do list can give you a sense of accomplishment that allows you to end the day without feeling like you did not reach your goals.
- Clean and Organize Your Workspace: Doing this every week can help relieve stress and anxiety and bring a sense of calm to your mind. Consider adjusting the lighting in your workspace, playing relaxing tunes, or bringing in a salt lamp to enhance your mood and improve air quality.
- Get Involved with Your Local Affiliated Association: Meeting like-minded people for social connections and support is an excellent way to decrease stress and anxiety. Volunteering with your local affiliate or a charitable organization to give back to your community can help put things in perspective and provide a sense of accomplishment outside of work.
- Seek Help from a Therapist: Therapy can be very beneficial in helping you find healthy coping mechanisms and the emotional support you may be missing at work. A therapist may also help you deal with vicarious trauma and process emotions that stem from dealing with client problems. Regular therapy can also help prevent burnout by identifying early signs and providing ways to address the symptoms before they overwhelm you.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Doing so with work hours, breaks, and time off can help you find and maintain the ever-elusive work-life balance we all seek. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode after work hours so you can focus on resting and rebuilding for the next day. Protect your peace.
- Connect: Spending time with friends, family, and colleagues doing something that does not involve work is a great way to fight against stress, anxiety, and burnout strategically.
- Get Moving: Exercise can release endorphins, reduce cortisol, and improve sleep. Take a break during the day to go for a short 10-to-15-minute walk when you feel stress or anxiety triggers. You may be surprised how this increases blood flow to your brain, helps you think more clearly, and gives you the push to make it through the day.
I have integrated all these things into my life. Many of my friends, family, and coworkers ask me how I find the time to be involved in so many things, remain positive, and keep my energy levels up (for the most part). I credit it to these tips and coping mechanisms. They have all served me well over the last decade, and I hope you will start by implementing just one of these strategies in your life. Remember, you are no good to others if you do not take care of yourself first.
Peonca Grier, CP, FRP, SHRM-CP, works as a Senior Paralegal in workers’ compensation defense at Dean, Ringers, Morgan & Lawton, PA in Orlando, Florida. Ms. Grier has an associate degree in paralegal studies, a bachelor’s degree in legal studies, and a master’s degree in human resources and management. She became a Certified Paralegal in 2010 and a SHRM Certified Professional in 2021. She has served in various positions within the Central Florida Paralegal Association as well as on the NALA Board of Directors. She currently serves as NALA Vice President.
Email: vicepresident@nala.org
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