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Feeling like you're constantly sprinting from one deadline to the next with no time to catch your breath? You're not alone. In this episode, I share my journey from burnout to balance through a surprisingly simple practice: the deliberate creation of "white space" on my calendar.

As lawyers, we're conditioned to believe that success requires non-stop work. I spent years powering through without breaks until exhaustion forced me to reconsider this approach. What began as an experiment with five-minute pauses between meetings evolved into a transformative practice that's enhanced both my productivity and wellbeing.

These intentional pauses—what I call grace periods—aren't just about rest. Science confirms that our brains need recovery time to process information, spark creativity, and perform at their best. Whether it's a quick walk, a moment of meditation, or simply stepping away from your screen, these micro-breaks can dramatically improve your focus, patience, and problem-solving abilities.

Despite knowing the benefits, I still sometimes battle guilt when taking breaks during quieter periods. But some of the wisest advice I've received in my career was to "take advantage of slow times"—because when the intensity returns (and it always does), you'll regret not having recharged when you had the chance.

Ready to transform your workday? Start by adding just one 10-minute protected break to your schedule. Treat it with the same importance as any client meeting. Over time, you'll likely discover these pauses aren't luxuries but necessities for sustainable success in our demanding profession. Because you don't have to choose between wellbeing and ambition—with the right boundaries and habits, you can thrive in both.

Find out more at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilystedman/.