It is easy to get anxious when you are a part of litigation---you are fighting about something in an unfamiliar environment--a courtoom.   And no matter how many episodes of Law & Order you have seen, nothing can prepare you adequately for the real thing.     In all likelihood, your family is involved and it is not a pleasant experience.

This is one thing I find myself telling my clients all of the time---calm down!   Take time out to do things for your physical and emotional well-being.   If you have custody of children, do not let the stress of the litigation affect you so much that the children notice it.    Children are very intuitive and will pick up on your emotional state.     You need to be strong for them.    Everything will work out.   If the person you are involved in the lawsuit with is doing crazy things, document everything for court.    Stay off of Facebook!

If you find yourself getting really anxious during litigation, start doing things everyday to alleviate your stress--do what is in your comfort zone.   Here are some suggestions of things you can do:

• try to go to bed around the same time and get at least 7 hours of sleep a night
• exercise
• do yoga
• meditate
• pray
• find a support group so you can talk about things on your mind
• take a few deep, calming breaths
• listen to calming music
• watch a comedy show or movie
• eat healthier foods---stay away from fried foods, sweets, fats and sugars--these types of food can definitely have a negative effect on your emotions, no matter how good they may taste!  :)

If things start to feel really out of control, you may even want to consider going to see a counselor so that you can work things out with a professional that is trained to help you.

If you haven't been yet, check out the Main Street Farmer's Market in Chattanooga.   There are about 15 vendors, and they have fresh produce, beautiful flowers, meat and chicken and tons of cool stuff.   

I went this past Wednesday and enjoyed seeing vendors from  Tenneesse and Georgia.   Fresh produce is just better than what you will get at a local grocery store.     I am making fresh oven-roasted new potatoes and black beans and rice with fresh tomato and peppers tonight.   If you haven't been there, check it out.   Every Wednesday from 4-6PM.