Jogging and yoga help curb anxiety - for judges too

"MULTIMEDIA: The Herald spoke to 22 judges from the NSW Supreme, District and Local Courts about their profession for the series "Behind the Bench". Here, photographer Brendan Esposito's portraits take you inside the unique life of a judge. Narrated by Legal Affairs reporter Joel Gibson.

For better or worse they have largely resisted the encroachments of human resources managers and taken responsibility for pastoral care on themselves.

''I don't see why judges would be any different statistically to the general community and that would include relatively manageable ailments such as anxiety and depression,'' Judge Richard Cogswell says. To keep stress at bay he practises Christian meditation for half an hour twice daily. ''I do it on planes, trains, in cars,'' he says.

Judge Helen Murrell practises yoga. Justice Ruth McColl is a keen cyclist. Others report jogging, swimming or regular gym visits. Justice Peter Young finds escape in his model bus collection. He grew up near a bus-stop and says '' I've always been interested in timetables and buses''.

The Chief Magistrate and his deputies make a point of speaking one-on-one to each of their flock at least once a year. ''The health of members of this court is paramount,'' says Judge Graeme Henson. ''I chant it almost like a mantra to them, health first, family first, work second.''

Full article: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/nsw/jogging-and-yoga-help-curb-anxiety-2...