Sabbath Forum

[jml8756]

I once heard a law professor say that the best piece of advice he would give to incoming law students would be to take a Sabbath. This doesn't necessarily have to have religious significance; it's just the principle of setting one day of the week aside for rest. Do whatever you need to do for the other six days so that you can have one day where you don't read, study, outline, or do anything law school related. The professor said that for the students he knew who did this, it had an amazing effect on their emotional, physical, and mental health throughout law school.

Are there any current law students here who do this or know anyone who does this? I'm just curious as to whether it's doable and if it works. Any thoughts?

[eberl032]

It sounds like good practical advise. I say one thing though:

I found that in UG I worked harder and performed better when I had more to do. 14 credits never kept me busy enough and I started slacking off with free time. Rather, a 21 credit semester with 2 clubs, and Mock Trial was so overwhelming, yet I always seem to get 4.0 or close to on those over burdening semesters. Just my thoughts.

[kalvano]

I do it in the working world. Doing sales and working 60-70 hours a week, you have to have some time to sit and relax. Turn off your phone, computer, and just not do anything.

Very valuable advice.

[Knock]

I once heard a law professor say that the best piece of advice he would give to incoming law students would be to take a Sabbath. This doesn't necessarily have to have religious significance; it's just the principle of setting one day of the week aside for rest. Do whatever you need to do for the other six days so that you can have one day where you don't read, study, outline, or do anything law school related. The professor said that for the students he knew who did this, it had an amazing effect on their emotional, physical, and mental health throughout law school.

Are there any current law students here who do this or know anyone who does this? I'm just curious as to whether it's doable and if it works. Any thoughts?

Personally, I'd prefer to just do a little bit less and do it everyday rather than completely take a day off and not get any work done. Or just take a half day once or twice a week and get something done.

[ZXCVBNM]

I take the whole weekend off and work very hard during the week and it paid off first semester. As finals get closer I start doing more and more work on sundays but saturday is untouchable. I think it keeps you sane and when you approach the material it isn't so repetitive. I highly recommend this.