Stress Management for Master of Legal Studies Students: Tips for Maintaining Balance and Focus
Eager to advance your legal understanding in a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program? If so, there's a good chance you already have a career and other obligations to juggle with your graduate studies, which can create some stress and even burnout. The good news? Completing an MLS degree program doesn't have to be so overwhelming. The key is to not only choose the right program for your needs, but to prepare for the challenges of graduate school with some proactive stress management tips.
Why Graduate School Is a Unique Source of Stress
How stressful is law school, anyway? Although returning to school for an MLS degree can be a great way to sharpen your industry-specific legal knowledge and set yourself up for career advancement, it can also be a significant source of stress for a number of reasons.
Balancing Graduate Studies With a Full-Time Career
For starters, many students enrolling in graduate school are looking to improve their prospects in their current careers. Suppose you're already working full-time or even part-time in a job that's important to you. In that case, the added time commitment and responsibility of a graduate degree program can strain your busy schedule.
Navigating Legal Concepts Without a JD Background
Likewise, because a Master of Legal Studies is a law-adjacent program, some students may struggle with understanding complex legal concepts, especially if they don't have any formal background in law. Some of the topics and concepts covered in an MLS program may be challenging without a background in the law, especially if they're not taught in a way that's accessible.
Managing Remote or Hybrid Learning Formats
Some MLS programs may be offered online or in a hybrid format, which can be convenient from a scheduling perspective. However, taking MLS courses online can also present its own unique challenges. This is especially true for those who aren't confident using computers/technology or have never taken an online class.
Recognizing the Signs of Overload and Burnout
One of the best pieces of advice for handling stress for students is to simply recognize the signs that you're being stretched too thin.
Emotional and Physical Symptoms Common Among Working Students
In addition to feeling anxious and tired, some students experiencing stress while in school may have physical symptoms. Some examples of symptoms to watch out for include:
- Digestive issues
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- Spikes in blood pressure and/or heart rate
The Hidden Stress of Career Transitions and Expectations
Many professionals leverage the knowledge and skills gained in an MLS program to transition into more advanced roles in their careers. Although this can be exciting, it can also come with some additional stress, especially regarding the high expectations and extra responsibility that can come with these roles.
Knowing When to Pause, Reset or Seek Support
In a perfect world, you'd enroll full-time in your graduate degree program and graduate as quickly as possible. That said, this isn't always the reality. In some cases, students may need to be open to the idea of taking a pause in their studies to preserve their mental health and well-being. There's no shame in having to do this or leaning on your support system when things become too much.
Wellness Habits That Support Academic and Professional Success
When navigating the question of “How stressful is law school?” it’s crucial to develop healthy habits that support your academic and professional success. To that end, what proactive steps can you take to support your physical and mental health while in graduate school?
Establishing Healthy Sleep and Work Boundaries
Getting enough sleep can make all the difference in your physical and mental function, so setting healthy boundaries between work/school and rest time is critical. According to the National Institutes of Health, adults need anywhere from seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
Incorporating Movement and Mindfulness Into Busy Schedules
While it may seem like you won't have any extra time in your schedule for exercise or meditation, making these non-negotiable can pay off in improved physical and mental health. Even just a few minutes of meditation and physical activity that gets your heart pumping each day can make a huge difference, so look for creative ways to work it into your schedule whenever possible.
Creating Daily Routines That Foster Focus and Energy
It may take some time to get into the swing of juggling graduate school with your other responsibilities. However, once you find that routine that works for you, stick with it. Maintaining a sense of routine and predictability helps keep stress at bay while fostering better focus on what matters most.
Academic Strategies to Stay on Track Without Burning Out
A little strategizing and planning can go a long way toward keeping your studies on track without derailing your professional or personal life, so keep this advice for handling stress for students in mind.
Mastering Time Management for Working Professionals
Improving your time management skills is one of the best things you can do in preparation for an MLS program. Explore tried-and-true time management strategies like the Pomodoro Method or the Eisenhower Matrix to determine what will work best for you.
Leveraging Asynchronous Coursework and Study Flexibility
Consider enrolling in asynchronous online courses, allowing you to work at your own pace without setting class meeting times. This way, you can fit your studies into your busy schedule, whether first thing in the morning or late at night.
Breaking Down Legal Materials Into Manageable Pieces
The complex coursework of an MLS program may seem overwhelming to those without a strong law background. This is where breaking down your course readings and assignments into smaller, more manageable pieces can make all the difference. Using this strategy, you can improve your own comprehension while avoiding overwhelm.
Mindset Shifts for Confidence in a Legal Academic Environment
Succeeding in an MLS program while juggling other life responsibilities also has a lot to do with mindset, so be prepared to tackle common mindset challenges like impostor syndrome as you embark on this new academic journey.
Reframing Imposter Syndrome in a Multidisciplinary Classroom
For those studying law in a non-lawyer context, it's easy to fall victim to impostor syndrome. Sometimes, you might even feel like you have no business studying law and trying to grasp complex legal concepts. However, by shifting your mindset to self-growth and compassion, you can more objectively understand your place in an MLS program and see the progress you're making towards succeeding in a law-adjacent career.
Defining Your Own Success as an MLS Student
You can also manage your stress as a graduate student by throwing away "traditional" definitions of academic success and forging your own path. Take some time to reflect on what success looks like for you professionally and in an MLS program. Does it mean getting a perfect score on every assignment? Or, should it mean getting as much applicable knowledge and practical skills out of your experience as possible?
Support Systems That Empower Students
Remember that you're never on your MLS journey alone. In addition to your own friends and loved ones, you have your peers and academic resources to fall back on.
Connecting With Peers in Professional and Academic Settings
Even in an online program, it's possible to build relationships with your peers and other professionals in an academic setting. In doing so, not only can you grow your professional network, but you can also have a group of peers to commiserate with as you complete your program.
Building Relationships With Faculty and Career Advisors
Be sure to take advantage of the resources available through your school, too. Any reputable college or university should offer dedicated career advising, faculty support and other academic/professional services to help you get the most out of your program.
Using Employer Support or Tuition Assistance Programs Strategically
Stressed about paying for school? Be sure to explore potential tuition assistance programs or other forms of support (including financial aid) to take some of that burden off your shoulders. You already have enough on your plate without having to stress about how you'll cover the costs of advancing your education.
Practical Tools and Resources for Stress Management
By now, hopefully, you're feeling at least a little more confident in your ability to tackle an MLS program while juggling other life responsibilities. As you prepare to embark on this exciting journey, there are a few additional tools and resources worth keeping in mind that may help you minimize stress and better manage your precious time while in school.
Apps and Platforms for Task Management and Mental Wellness
Take advantage of free and paid task management options and mental wellness apps. If you decide to try the Pomodoro Method as a means of managing your time, check out one of the many free Pomodoro timers and apps available online. Likewise, mental health apps like Smiling Mind are ideal for guided meditation and other stress management resources.
Online Libraries, Legal Databases and Study Communities
Get the most out of your academic experience by leveraging your access to online libraries, legal databases and even study communities that may be included as part of your program. At Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law, our Legal Research Center is available for access 24 hours a day, seven days a week for your convenience.
Podcasts and Books Tailored for Legal Studies and Adult Learners
Podcasts and books can be a great way to supplement your class readings/discussions while enhancing your comprehension of complex legal topics. Some great options worth exploring include the Bloomberg Law Podcast, as well as The Law School Toolbox Podcast.
Your Capstone Moment: Staying Grounded While You Level Up
Any time you're trying to balance a graduate-level education with other essential life responsibilities, there will be the potential for added stress and overwhelm. However, with the right wellness habits, academic strategies and support systems in place, you can not just survive but excel in your Master of Legal Studies program.
Still looking for the MLS program that's right for you? At Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law, our MLS program allows students to complete their coursework online and asynchronously for added flexibility and convenience. Meanwhile, this program is offered in eight concentrations, so students can explore the niche most closely related to their career interests and aspirations.
Get in touch to learn more about our online programs and how they can work into your busy schedule. Ready to take the next step? Fill out your application for admission today!
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