We all know that being a young lawyer is stressful. And we all know that's even an understatement. We also know that there are endless articles, tips and suggestions for how to manage stress: Meditation. Yoga. More endorphins. Less screen-time. Self-care. Less coffee. Essential Oils. Morning Routines.

But what actually works? And what are young lawyers in Philadelphia doing to manage their stress and combat the day-to-day anxieties that come with our profession. We can read article after article on how to reduce stress, but the truth is that what works is often very individualized and sometimes even quirky. To find out what actually works, we asked some of Philly's young lawyers.

Here's what they said:

Karate

One associate said he has been practicing karate since childhood. And it makes sense something that has been a lifelong activity would be a great distraction from the office and courtroom. Having a hobby that pre-dates our professional lives is a great distraction because it is entirely separate from workplace worry and the professional lives we have created for ourselves. He said, “When I am very stressed out, I head to the gym for a couple of rounds of sparring with members of Philadelphia's sport karate team. The workouts provide a very comfortable environment for me.” Here, unlike behind a desk, he finds that he has more control and autonomy. “In the ring, I move at the pace and speed I would like to move at. I have control over what is going on, and the energy is very high. I can be unapologetically aggressive or I can take it slow and just enjoy the workout. Having that control always leaves me feeling refreshed and balanced.” But at least he's honest, because we know we all have moments in work and out of work that knock us off our feet—“until I get hit really hard—then I feel challenged and off-balance!”

Step Away From the Desk

It's no surprise that quickly slipping out of your office, even for a brief moment, can make a big difference during highly stressful periods of your day. One young lawyer said that she can “de-stress by just getting away from my work environment.” And stepping away doesn't have to be an hour-long lunch either. Something as simple as grabbing a pack of gum at Wawa, taking a walk around the block, or actually sitting at a table at LaColombe for just five or 10 minutes sipping an iced coffee before heading back to the office can do wonders. And for some, it still rings true that mom knows best. “Making a quick phone call to my mother is a great distraction. Just taking a timeout to refocus always improves my stress levels.”

Organize and Tidy Up

Studies show that an organized workspace improves productivity. For some, the process of attaining that organized space reduces stress. One associate said that taking time, even as little as half an hour, to organize or clean his office or apartment is a great way to relieve stress. It makes sense, too. The result is not only a more pleasing space to work and live, but you will feel a sense of accomplishment in completing a nonwork-related task. It is also easier to concentrate when your surroundings are less overwhelming and free of clutter. And don't stop there! He also said that “as odd as it sounds, I also find polishing my shoes to be a great way of relieving stress.”

Meditation

For some, the trendy practice of meditating works wonders. And the benefits can be felt in a matter of minutes. One associate takes advantage of six-minute guided meditations that can be done anywhere quiet. She said that “just sitting, breathing and clearing my mind allows me to refocus. It's very calming and energizing.” Meditation can be useful both in the middle of a busy day and also at night as a way to wind down before falling asleep. And when even five minutes seems like too much, five deep breaths can help, too!

Mixing Activity and Socializing

A lot of stress-relieving tactics focus on being alone, but many people feel more energized and comfortable when surrounded by others. Being with others can also serve as a distraction as it requires you to refocus your attention on someone else and away from yourself and your work. One young partner said that finding commonality outside of the office with both colleagues and clients has immensely helped him minimize stress. For him, that commonality is golf. “I love to play golf. I play every chance I get. I find any day on the golf course is better than a day at the office, no matter how bad I play.” And, this affinity for the course is a popular one. “Many co-workers and clients feel the same way, and my love of the game has helped me advance relationships with co-workers as well as develop new clients.” Of course if trying to network and develop business on the golf course is just going to cause more stress and anxiety, maybe just give any family member a call—that invite would be really appreciated, too!

Don't Stress About Not Stressing!

With all the talk about the dangers of stress and the necessity of minimizing our life's stressors, it is critically important to keep it all in perspective. Keep the focus on you and what works best for you. Another young lawyer explained the frustration of trying to find the “best” method: “I fell into the trap of trying to force myself to meditate and downloaded all sorts of meditation apps trying to reduce my stress, but I ended up feeling worse in the long run when I realized how infrequently I was using these tools. Since then, I have found what works for me changes frequently, and sometimes depends on factors outside of my control. Embracing this mindset has helped reduce my stress levels. One week, I will try to commit to only recreationally reading a book on the commute, and not checking emails or the internet. The next week, I will commit to not checking my email until I get into the office. Sometimes, I specifically load up one day of the week as a clean-up day and commit to working a few hours longer on just that one day to make the rest of the week less stressful.”

Finding the best technique for you is all about trial and error. He went on to say, “If something works, then it might make its way into a long-term routine. If something does not work, I give up on it and move on. Trying a variety of different tactics for much shorter periods makes me feel less guilty about ignoring other strategies or habits that do not work for me. It is a lot less about specifically doing one thing consistently to reduce stress, and more about trying to embrace an adaptive mindset.” Great advice!

Other common activities that young lawyers engage in to relieve stress include working out, reading, cooking, meal prepping, organizing, listening to podcasts, planning trips and vacations, playing with or walking their dogs, painting their nails, coloring, and of course … Netflix.

The YL Editorial Board members: Leigh Ann Benson, Rachel Dichter, Scott Finger, Sarah Goodman, Thomas Gushue, Kevin Harden, Jae Kim, Kandis Kovalsky, Bethany Nikitenko, Rob Stanko, chairman; Jeffrey Stanton, Shohin Vance and Meredith Wooters