Stress can have a seriously negative impact on your health, both mentally and physically. For example, high levels of stress can cause fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, chest pain, and even sleep problems.
To stay healthy, it’s important to be conscious of and manage your stress levels to the best of your ability. Although, sometimes that’s easier said than done, especially when your circumstances are out of your control – like when you’re facing criminal charges. However, there are tricks you can learn to control your stress and maintain peace of mind throughout the process.
Get a good criminal defense attorney fast
Since the court system is confusing and complex, the first thing you’ll want to do is get a reputable attorney as fast as possible. Don’t wait or downplay your finances to accept a public defender if you truly can afford an attorney. There’s nothing wrong with having a public defender if that’s your only option, but if you can hire the attorney of your choice, do it fast.
Having an attorney will relieve your anxiety, stress, and worry in and out of the courtroom. Your lawyer will handle your defense; you don’t have to do anything but show up to your required appointments, including your hearings, and follow instructions. They will make the process less confusing and will tell you what to expect. They’ll also make sure all your paperwork gets filed properly so there are no delays or problems.
It’s normal to experience stress and anxiety when facing criminal charges, but if you’re more prone to anxiety than others, an attorney you trust will be a lifeline.
Actively cultivate your ability to stay calm
There’s no better time to start cultivating the ability to remain calm than when you’re under pressure. Anyone can feel calm when nothing is happening, but the true test is to reach that state when things are seemingly falling apart all around you. You’ll only ever truly develop this skill under pressure.
Use your situation as an opportunity to learn various mindfulness techniques and practices, like meditation and being present. It’s actually quite easy to learn, but it takes practice. For instance, start by finding a quiet place to practice deep breathing. Focus on your breath the entire time as you inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. It may seem too simple, but just breathing can considerably reduce your stress.
Another good tool to practice is mindfulness meditation. If you don’t like meditating in silence, use a guided meditation that takes you through a series of peaceful visualizations or a simple session that guides you through breathing deeply and relaxing your entire body, one muscle or body part at a time.
People who have the ability to remain calm under pressure have trained themselves not to react in the moment and instead, they take their time to assess situations, people, and emotions. With some practice, you can do the same.
Focus on what you can control
When facing criminal charges, there are plenty of things you can’t control, like how the judge or jury will perceive your situation, the penalties you’ll face, and how your situation might disrupt your employment. If you think about these things too much, it will only increase your stress.
To keep your peace of mind, focus on what you can control instead. For instance, keep a calm demeanor at all times to create a positive impression in court. If you foresee any specific problems or needs at home, handle them now because you may not get the chance later. You can’t control the outcome of your case, but you can control how you handle your responsibilities and your general way of being throughout your case.
Let your lawyer defend you in court
Throughout your time in court, whether or not you go to trial, you’re going to hear people say things that may not be true or that don’t match your perspective. This can be an extremely stressful experience, but those people have the right to speak, too.
Don’t worry about what others say in the courtroom and don’t speak out of turn no matter how bad something sounds. You don’t want to be held in contempt of court; that will just add mountains to your existing stress.
It’s your lawyer’s job to defend you, so let them do their job. They will do everything in their power to provide you with the best possible defense, so trust their expertise and remind yourself that you’re in good hands.