How to Study Law and Survive

Pursuing a law degree is not a walk in the park and nobody said it's going to be easy. No, that is an understatement. Imagine getting a one-way ticket to hell on a daily basis. Studying to be a lawyer makes natural childbirth a much more viable option because it’s over before you even realize it.

Survival becomes even more difficult when you try ripping yourself apart by studying and having a full time job. If you are in this situation, psych yourself for the arduous task ahead, as it gets better until you finally earn that law degree. Even without much time left in your hands to devote full time to your books, try to keep your sanity, have some laughs and take a look at these fun ways to help you survive. Who knows, these might help.

Rule No. 1 – Don’t try to be Edward Cullen (a.k.a vampire)

Law school mortality rate is already high as it is, don’t be a casualty by becoming an insomniac. With tons of case laws to read, there are days when sleeping eight hours each night is no longer an option. However, poring over all the assigned casework all night won’t make you a bit smarter than your seat mate. The body is supposed to be resting at this time of the day. Forcing study when one is already sleepy may be counter-productive. So give yourself a break and allow your body it’s much needed rest. Don't even think of skipping sleep either, even vampires sleep. Sleep deprivation is associated with a number of health risks such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, colon and breast cancer. You still have a day job to attend to and you risk not functioning effectively at work when you are too sleepy to do anything.

Grab every opportunity to do catnaps. Catnaps or power naps give your body its much needed energy boost. Instead of using those 15-minute coffee breaks to smoke cigarette or go somewhere, try catnapping. More points if you can do it while standing. A friend of mine has this amazing talent to dose off even in mid-sentence every time he leans on anything sturdy.

Rule No. 3 – Sleeping with eyes open

Some people have this uncanny talent of sleeping with their eyes open. You’ll never know when this skill would come handy. Dozing off in class is not uncommon, but if you can do so while keeping your peepers open and get away with it, you’re in a league of your own. Be sure not to get caught though and get enough sleep next time.

Rule No. 4 – Learn to time-bend

Time is gold, but under your circumstances, it is even more precious, like diamond perhaps? So, make use of your lunch break or any other break wisely. That extra hour can be very useful when you need to catch up on some readings. Eat your lunch in 5 minutes, catnap for 15, and you still have 40 minutes left to pore over your outline. Eat in your desk if you can, and plus points if you can eat while reading. At home, if you're used to spending 15 minutes in the shower, cut that into 5 minutes. You may envy other full time law students but give yourself a pat in the back, because with your time-bending talent, you may be studying more effectively than them.

Does the sound of your own voice freak you out? If you are a working law student, try to record laws, or even your own outlines using an iPod or any other recording device that allows playback at a more appropriate time. Instead of listening to your favorite tunes, listen to these recorded treasures while working out or in your car, on your way to work, school, or while you're stuck in traffic.

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