Our lives are constantly impacted by change and we experience daily challenges that influence our wellbeing. Building resilience through various actions and activities is crucial in navigating these changes and challenging situations. Resilience is our superpower against stress and upheavals, it enables you to effectively cope with new environments and correlates with better mental wellbeing. Resilience is vital, in ensuring a balanced and fulfilling life while maintaining physical and psychological safety amid life's uncertainties.
The following resources will help with understanding your relationship with resilience:
Wellbeing and positive mental health: Does being a lawyer help?
Watch this free online webinar to hear a panel of speakers discuss why lawyers are susceptible to mental health problems.
Being Resilient in a Tough Job Market: Why Mindset Matters More Than Ever
This session looks at how a positive mindset and resilience can be essential tools for a competitive job market.
Fit for Law - Online courses
Fit for Law is a cross-jurisdictional free learning resource on emotional competence and professional resilience.
Resilience building activities
On this page you will find a reflective activity about wellbeing and resilience as well as links to other guidance.
Trauma Informed Training
We’ve collaborated with Scottish Government and other stakeholders to develop trauma informed training for solicitors
Focusing on the below areas can also help contribute to positive emotional and physical wellbeing:
Cultivating positive relationships and managing emotions proactively contribute to positive social and emotional wellbeing. Building resilience, fostering connections, and practicing self-care are key aspects of a healthier, balanced life.
Talking is the key to social and emotional wellbeing. In our webinar How can talking about wellbeing at work feel more normal? Our panel explores why it can feel like a difficult conversation and covers themes like psychological safety, juggling work and family, managing stress and overcoming personal challenges while at work.
Talking about your mental health can help you through the bad times. It is not a sign of weakness. Admitting that you are feeling stressed or low and opening up to someone about it is a true sign of strength.
Understandably, in such competitive sector, it may be hard to talk about how you feel at work, however there are many organisations offering confidential support and advice. There is always someone ready to listen and help you.
Time is always at a premium but taking the time to see and speak to friends and family can be a simple way to maintain wellbeing.
Connection fosters wellbeing, providing a sense of belonging and support. Meaningful relationships contribute to emotional resilience, happiness, and overall mental and physical health. There are many ways to connect with others, see our blog on the Power of Connection
Volunteering and giving back to the community has also been proven to improve your overall wellbeing. There are numerous opportunities to fundraise for charities. You could join a board to utilise your professional experience in a different way or just take the time to do something nice for a friend, colleague, or neighbour. Through the Law Society, you can volunteer to mentor a new entrant to the profession. By taking the time to give back, you will feel fulfilled and improve your general wellbeing.
Read more about mentoring opportunities and the Lawscot Foundation on our website.
You can read more on the benefits of mindfulness and practising mindfulness. We also published a blog post on how to manage your stress through mindfulness.
Alternatively, why not listen to a Lifelink podcast?
Engaging in physical activities is pivotal for preventing health issues and promoting overall wellbeing. Exercise boosts immunity, reduces stress, and improves mental health. Regular movement combats chronic diseases, enhances sleep, and fosters a healthier lifestyle. Looking after your physical health is a proactive approach to preventing health issues and promote overall wellbeing.
The following resources will help with aspects of physical wellbeing:
The following resources will help with aspects of addictions:
- Alcohol dependency - How I coped with alcohol dependence
- Affected by the alcohol use of another - Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs
- Drug dependency support - Scottish Drugs Services Directory
- Gambling - Mental Health Foundation
- Gamcare recovery kit
Occupational fulfilment and continuous learning enhance wellbeing. A satisfying job, opportunities for growth, and a supportive work environment contribute to a sense of purpose and overall mental and emotional health.
Our CPD team run regular sessions offering a variety of opportunities to learn more about a wide range of subjects.
We also run several events including wellbeing sessions, conferences and seminars.
For further information please look at our Careers advice and Careers Growth section.
Additional Support
Employment can also bring some wellbeing concerns and here we address some of the support for the more challenging aspects.
Redundancy Guides
For employees and employers including redundancy procedures and entitlements, managing your finances, and finding a new job.