For lawyers, the boundary between work and personal life can often feel blurred. Emails continue to pour in, deadlines loom, and the pressure to perform rarely subsides, especially during the end-of-year rush. Without a deliberate way to “switch off,” many roll into the holiday break feeling drained and then struggle to find a way to become rejuvenated.

But here’s the thing: if you don’t truly switch off, you’ll struggle to come back refreshed and ready to tackle the next year. Over the years, we’ve worked with countless lawyers to help them find ways to compartmentalize work and allow themselves the time and space to recharge. One approach we often recommend—and have used ourselves—is Dr. Adam Fraser’s concept of The Third Space.

What Is The Third Space?

The Third Space is the gap between one activity and the next. It’s about how you transition from lawyer mode to life mode so you can truly be present and let go of the day. Dr. Fraser describes this as a three-step process: Reflect, Rest, and Reset. And for us as lawyers, this concept is incredibly practical.

Think of the end of your workday. How often do you leave the office, laptop bag in hand (or just shut your laptop if you’re working from home), and immediately start stewing over the one thing you didn’t finish or the email you should have sent? That mental baggage follows you into your evening, whether it’s dinner with family, catching up with friends, or trying to unwind with Netflix.

The Third Space gives you a tool to intentionally shift gears and leave work at work.

How to Use The Third Space as a Lawyer

Here’s how we recommend you use The Third Space, especially as the year comes to an end:

1. Reflect: Before you shut down for the day, take a few minutes to reflect on what you accomplished. Even if it feels like you didn’t get through everything, acknowledge what you did get done and give yourself credit. This step is powerful for clearing mental clutter.
2. Rest: Transition from work mode by doing something that helps you decompress. For some of our clients, it’s as simple as a short walk, a few deep breaths, or listening to a favorite playlist during their commute. Others prefer something more physical, like a quick run or stretching routine. Find what works for you.
3. Reset: Set your intention for what comes next. If you’re walking into family time, decide to be fully present. If you’re heading to an event, focus on the connections you want to make. The key is to remind yourself that work is done for the day and this is your time to switch off.

Why This Works

We’ve seen this approach help lawyers step out of work stress and into their personal lives with a greater sense of ease and control. One client shared how their evening walks became a sacred ritual for clearing their mind. Another used deep breathing during their commute to mentally “close the door” on work before walking into their home.

It works because it’s simple, practical, and doesn’t take a lot of time. You don’t need to carve out hours for self-care (we know how unrealistic that can feel). Instead, The Third Space is about being intentional with the small moments of transition in your day.

Make It Your End-of-Year Strategy

As the year winds down, we encourage you to try this. Use The Third Space as a way to mentally finish work each day—and especially when you close your laptop for the last time this year. Reflect on what you’ve achieved, rest and reset, and give yourself permission to truly switch off. You’ve earned it.

Here’s to a holiday break that leaves you energised and ready for 2025!