Esteemed Lawyer and Senior Partner Diana Thomas on How to Manage Stress in High-Pressure Careers

Published On : 11/18/2024

Managing stress is essential to maintaining mental well-being and long-term productivity for those in high-pressure careers like law, finance, or executive roles. Diana Thomas, senior partner at Floissac, DuBoulay, & Thomas in St. Lucia, shares tips for sustaining a successful, balanced career.

Diana has more than twenty years of experience managing complex legal matters. She understands the pressures of a demanding workload firsthand. Explore her insights on effectively managing stress without sacrificing professional growth and performance.

Prioritize Physical and Mental Health

Diana advises prioritizing physical and mental health and incorporating daily practices that support well-being. “Starting the day with even a short walk or yoga session can do wonders for clearing your mind before the demands of work begin,” she says. Regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and even short breaks during the workday can benefit the body and mind.

Furthermore, staying hydrated and eating balanced meals throughout the day can significantly improve your ability to manage stressful situations effectively.

Find a Balance Between Work and Personal Life

In high-stress careers, it’s easy to feel the pull to be constantly available to clients, partners, and colleagues. However, it’s also important to create time for family, friends, and downtime.

Diana notes, “Making sure that I get a good night’s rest and spend quality time with my family and friends not only strengthens my relationships with them but also provides the mental recharge I need to deliver value to my clients.” Creating a balanced separation fosters long-term productivity and clarity in personal and professional spheres.

Practice Delegation and Team Collaboration

Feeling overwhelmed by handling everything solo can lead to burnout. Diana Thomas emphasizes the importance of delegation for leaders: “Sharing tasks with capable team members eases your burden and empowers others, building trust. It’s a win-win!”

Boost team efficiency and let leaders focus on strategic tasks by dividing responsibilities. A clear division of roles can prevent the stress of taking on too much.

Focus on What You Can Control

Many factors in high-pressure careers are beyond control. Diana suggests focusing energy on areas where you have influence. “Redirecting energy to tasks or issues within your control rather than dwelling on what you can’t change can reduce stress and lead to better outcomes,” she explains.

Keeping a list of manageable priorities can help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed by things outside your control.

Regularly Disconnect from Technology

The constant barrage of notifications and emails can create a sense of urgency that fuels stress. Diana recommends scheduling tech-free time, especially during weekends or after work hours. By disconnecting from devices, professionals can recharge and return to work feeling refreshed and focused.

About Diana Thomas

Diana Thomas, a leading attorney in St Lucia, is an esteemed senior partner and co-head of the Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Department at Floissac, DuBoulay, & Thomas. With over twenty years of legal experience across multiple practice areas, Diana Thomas has established herself as a leader in the field, consistently ranking in Chambers and Partners for her unparalleled skillset and expertise.

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