Dear Lucy,

This too shall pass but you need to recognize that-

1) Learn to make friends – go out sometimes – ironically, the 80-20 principle actually works – my productivity doubled when i was working lesser hours on work adding some minutes of pure fun. Why? Because i felt super happy and then happier to work – i stopped doing the silly “oh i am not working, i am bad” kind of thinking which made me chronically stressed, exhausted.

You really got to consciously reduce that internal pressure cooker – write in your diary, dance a bit, call a friend for a few minutes, plan a few hours of fun with old friends on the weekend – you just need a small change and that can lead to big results. If possible, when your co-workers asks you “what are you doing this weekend?” – smile and say “lots of college work but it will be fun to go see that movie or eat at that new restaurant” – eventually ask them if possible – the more you can bond with your co-workers, work stops being a pain in the ass despite being stressful. I realize it sounds contrary to your introverted needs but i will get to how to cope with the energy decline and the need to escape on the weekend –

2) When you get some time alone, try to fill those few minutes with something that nourishes your soul – not just lying down and thinking “Oh man, i took too much…oh God, school will start soon, what the hell will i do” – instead, go take a walk, listen to relaxing music, watch encouraging ted talks, some silly TV show – instead of using your alone time to brood, try to use it to replenish your reserves. I suggest you try some guided meditation or yoga.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJ1KaT6cLVw

3) There is no place to reach and then be happy – Please for the love of God, get that thought out of your head! You can only be happy if you cultivate a happy mind – if you keep relying on conditions and circumstances to fulfill you, nothing will ever feel enough – you’ll go to law school and think, once i get a great job, i will totally be happy. Then you get the job, you slave off and still dont change your ways, start thinking “once i become partner, then i will be happy” – when u eventually do make partner, you start thinking “once i get that house, that thing i want, then i will be happy” – Do you see my point?

Happiness is all around around you. You need to learn to detach for 2 mins and then stare at the walls around you, look outside the window – realize that the world is so much bigger than law school or a job – break into a smile that you are someone who is working hard and is serious about her life, then remember one happy memory where you felt proud of yourself.

Learn from this present experience – you are able to work really hard when needed but at the same time, dont try to chew more than what you can swallow. Otherwise, you will eventually feel sick and throw up.

You really got learn to let it go – plan better, put the occasional fun event to cheer you up – believe me, for your sanity, it is needed. Learn the art of balance – learn to be happy

– Moon