Tips To Make Going Through A Trial Less Stressful
Limit Your Intake Of Coffee, Alcohol, And Nicotine
Nicotine and caffeine both have stimulant properties that can make you feel more stressed out during a trial. Consuming high levels of caffeine can increase the likelihood of experiencing panic attacks. Since your anxiety levels are probably already quite high, the last thing that you need is something that is going to make you feel more anxious. Alcohol, on the other hand, acts as a depressant. This can make it more difficult to control your emotions and reactions in court. To avoid any problems, the best advice is to cut back on caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol during your trial. It goes without saying that you should never drink alcohol before going to court. Not only can showing up intoxicated affect the outcome of your case but it also could lead to additional charges against you.
Get Enough Sleep
When you are dealing with a lot of stress in your life, sleep doesn’t come easily – especially when facing criminal charges. Despite that, the amount of sleep that you get can have a direct impact on your stress levels. Sadly, most people facing trial lay awake at night, worrying about how things are going to go or how they are going to answer particular questions. If you fall into this category, you may not be sleeping as much as you should. The best way to avoid problems is by finding ways to relax before bed. Try going to bed at the same time each night. Getting into a routine like this will make it easier to fall asleep. You should also focus on relaxing activities during the hours leading up to bed. This will give your body and your mind a chance to calm down before you try to fall asleep.
Get Exercise And Practice Meditation
Exercise is extremely beneficial when it comes to fighting stress. Plan time each day to work out, whether that means going for a swim, taking a walk, jogging around the block, doing yoga, or riding a bike. Getting more active will help you combat anxiety and depression, relieving stress as a result. If you are unable to exercise for some reason, turn to meditation instead. Simply sit quietly with your eyes closed, doing your best to clear your mind. Try not to think about your worries. Instead, stay focused on the present moment by paying attention to your breathing and listening to the sounds around you.
Focus On Healthy Eating
Poor dietary habits can dramatically increase your stress. More than that, they can also put your health at risk. Choosing healthy foods and making sure you are eating a balanced diet is the best way to minimize anxiety-related symptoms before a trial. According to an August 2015 issue of “Stress”, the neural circuits in your brain responsible for mood, motivation, and emotion can be affected by the nutrients that you eat. Consuming foods that are rich in vitamin E, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids can make a big difference in your ability to handle stress and your health in general. Before heading to the courtroom, eat something healthy and light to minimize your anxiety.
Discuss Your Worries With Someone You Trust
Before your trial, you may find yourself obsessively worrying about your case. Quite often a car accident can see you up against someone who lied about the accident, read Herron’s blog about what to do in these circumstances. Although you may not feel like talking about these worries, sharing them with someone else can be beneficial. If you bottle them up inside, it can increase your anxiety. The simple act of talking about them with a trusted person can relieve stress, providing a welcome distraction before court.
Try Journaling
One of the most beneficial ways to manage stress is through journaling. Consider keeping a journal where you write about your worries leading up to your trial. Journaling about your experience in the courtroom can also help you keep a clear head. For instance, if your first day in court didn’t go well because of nerves, write down what happened and how you can better manage your stress the next time you go to court. Before your next court date, take a look back at your journal to remind yourself of how you want to behave differently. Journaling can help you develop effective stress management techniques so that you can perform better at trial.
Facing criminal charges in court can not only be frightening but it also can raise a number of other emotions including shame, low self-worth, anger, anxiety, and stress. No matter how worried you are, it is important to get a grip on your emotions. The last thing that you want is to have a panic attack in court. Learning how to manage stress effectively during the trial will help you stay calm in court, which can make the experience a lot easier. It also can change the way that the judge and jury view you. Your lawyer will have an easier time defending you if you are calm than if you are anxious and overwrought.
