What Lawyers Can Learn From Tennis Pros

By now I'm sure you have heard about Naomi Osaka, the #1 ranked women's tennis player. She withdrew from the French Open after the organization reprimanded her for not complying with press requirements. Rather than put her own mental health at risk, she simply withdrew. Ms. Osaka has been open about her own mental health struggles and works very hard to stay healthy. It's an important topic that is finally getting more attention.

What's most important about this event is that someone who is well respected with a very high level of visibility stood up for their mental health. That makes it easier for others to do it too. So, what can we learn from this particular tennis pro?

Talk About Your Feelings

Talking helps you cope with those issues that can stay stuck in your mind. It can be a minor thing or it can be a bigger issue. The trick is to talk it out so you can let it go.

When someone listens to you, it also gives them the confidence to open up, too. And the more people feel supported and listened to, the better their mental health.

It can be difficult to put your thoughts in words. Unlike most legal issues, word count and verbosity are actually great. Use as many words as you need to get it out. And don't be afraid to express emotions. If the issue makes you mad, it's ok to be mad. Sad? Same. Whatever it is. There are no wrong feelings. Even if they aren't popular. Be sure to find someone you trust to share your thoughts with. Make it clear they are 'in the vault' and not to be shared if that makes you feel more comfortable.

If it feels awkward at the start, that's ok. Give it some time. Feeling comfortable talking about your feelings can take some time. 

Not sure whom to talk to just yet? Not ready? Try meditation. Taking even a few moments to take a deep breath, closing your eyes, helps.

Get Moving

Exercise releases these great natural chemicals by the name of dopamine and endorphins. Ever heard of the 'runners high'? That's what they are referring to. Now, I'm not a runner. Just not built for it and after too many falls down the ski hill, my back and knee just can't take it. But I found what I love to do. If I don't get that exercise at least 5 days a week, I feel my stress level rising. Now, sometimes when I have time, I'll work out for 90 minutes. But that's rare. I can always squeeze in 20 to 30 minutes. So don't think it has to be a big time consumer. But it is critical to find what you love to do.

If it's a walk around the block, great. Take the stairs instead of an elevator if it's a reasonable option. Park your car a bit further away to get even a little bit longer of a walk. You get the idea. Build in regular movement breaks where it makes sense. Even better, find a friend to work out with.

Eat And Drink Well

We are all busy. And eating well can be a challenge when you are crunched for time. Find some healthier options for your food choices throughout the day. You can get a salad at McDonald's, too, you know. Now, that doesn't mean you have to do it every meal, every day. But be sure to incorporate some healthy food choices, too. I keep an apple and an orange in my bag to snack on during the day. Consider good old water to drink instead of carbonated or sweet beverages. 

When it comes to alcoholic beverages, less is more. It sure is easy to come home from a stressful day and have a glass of something. And after that, it's easy to have that second glass. And doing that nightly won't help your mental health. Pick and choose when you want to enjoy that glass. And enjoy it! But don't make it a regular habit. More often than not, having that glass is part of a routine. Break the routine and interest in it will dissipate. One option? Go for a walk instead. Grab a friend, spouse, furry friend, whatever. Get outside for a walk and chat. 

Take A Break

I know, easier said than done! Vacations or any time away from work gives you distance and lets you see that reality a bit more clearly. And it reminds you there is a big world out there. So if you can take a few days off, fabulous! Especially after COVID, where it was reported people worked weekends, nights, and longer days during the typical workweek. All that time focused on work without breaks is mentally challenging for everyone.

Can't take a real 'vacation'? Adopt Friday hours where you unplug at noon or 1 pm. Take those 4 or 5 hours off. Get outside if the weather permits. Talk a walk or exercise. Meet a friend. You get the idea. But you really need to disconnect for that time period. Don't keep checking your phone. If it's an emergency, certainly, do what you have to do! But if it can wait, and often times it can, let it wait.

Ask For Help

I'm a big proponent of mental health care. As I tell my children, if you broke your arm, you would rush to the hospital for immediate treatment. Mental health is the same. A dear friend suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. It's so hard to see them suffer. The best thing they did was ask for help. For many individuals, if not most, seeing a trained, licensed therapist is just smart. With telehealth options, you can book a 30-minute call with a professional every other week from the comfort of your own home or office. Or maybe it's just once a month. If you find you don't need that much help, great. Scale it back. But just like getting your regular physical check-ups, mental health needs the same attention.

Taking care of our mental health is critical. Every facet of our lives is affected if we aren't taking care of ourselves. Our relationships with others suffer, including family and clients. But most importantly, we suffer as individuals. And when that happens, we aren't in our best shape to be present for ourselves, our family, and our clients. Take note from Naomi Osaka and others. Stand up for your mental health.