I need help
Barristers inherently face very specific challenges on a daily basis. If you need some help click on support to find contact details and advice on seeking support.
The professional lives of clerks and chambers’ staff include many potential stressors. If you don’t know how to broach an issue, want advice on your options.
These resources have been designed specifically for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.
Resources
Guidance on how to introduce wellbeing policies and initiatives and on tackling a wellbeing issue in chambers.
Examples of successful wellbeing initiatives adopted by chambers, Specialist Bar Associations and the Inns of Court.
Support
Who to talk to, how to get help in coping with the pressures and demands of life at the Bar.
Who to talk to and how to get help, resources are for clerks and staff themselves.
Support for students and pupils
Who to talk to and how to get help for those who have completed their BPTC and for pupils up to tenancy.
The confidential 24/7 helpline with access to counselling for barristers, pupils, clerks and chambers’ staff.
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Sleep appears to have some key physiological and psychological purposes.
Poor quality, reduced sleep cycles, or lack of sleep is likely to result in poor performance. Whilst occasional bouts of bad sleep are part of a busy working life, we should all take steps to prevent this becoming the norm.
Primarily, sleep allows our bodies and minds recovery time. It also strengthens neural connections in the brain that form memories and process thinking.
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Conversely, connections that no longer serve a purpose for us are pruned. Increasing evidence suggests that the brain also clears itself of protein and lipid waste when we sleep and this may indicate that sleep protects us from early cognitive decline (such as dementia- related conditions).
Why do we sleep?
Tips for improved sleep
Enhancing our health, wellbeing and performance through good quality sleep can be achieved through practical steps:
Don’t break your back – opt for low intensity exercise such as pilates or yoga. Avoid cardiovascular exercise for up to 3 hours before bed.
Switch off – reduce the use of TV, phones or smart devices for at least 30 minutes before bed. The light from these devices interrupts the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol – try to avoid after midday. Although alcohol promotes GABA (a neurotransmitter involved in managing stress and anxiety), it only achieves this for a very short period before it then starts depleting, causing sleep problems, anxiety and nervousness.
Nutrients – eat foods rich in tryptophan which converts to serotonin, the raw material for the sleep hormone melatonin e.g. Oatcakes with tuna; white meat such as chicken or turkey; protein smoothies; nuts and seeds; or natural yogurt.
Regular routine – try to establish a regular routine in the early years of practice.
Unwind – find a method that works for you. This may be listening to talking therapy, a meditation podcast or writing out your thoughts on paper.
Stop smoking – smokers can take up to twice as long to fall asleep as non-smokers. This is quickly remedied after giving up smoking (A Pennsylvania State University study showed that the time taken to fall asleep was reduced by a third within only 2 days of giving up smoking).
If the problem persists after trying these tips, consider visiting your GP for more specialist help.
Download information pack
If you would find it easier to read this content as a document, please download it here.
The information and resource packs above are designed to help you during a very specific period in your training to become a barrister. If you want to provide feedback on these resources, or to get involved in promoting wellbeing amongst those in a similar position to yourself please get in touch.
Training to become a barrister is pressured and demanding. Intensive competition for limited pupillages (and when in pupillage for tenancy or employment) can make collegiate relationships difficult. This website aims to provide you with the knowledge to manage those stressors, make emotionally informed, wise decisions and hopefully thrive in your chosen profession.
A simple expression that sums up wellbeing is ‘travelling well’
2 in 3 barristers feel that showing signs of stress equals weakness