Elias Yazbeck credits a number of personal wellness habits — and many hours of studying — for helping him make it successfully to his last semester of law school.
The 27-year-old University of Texas Austin alum worked for several years in finance before making the decision to go to law school. During his time at UT, his favorite activity was a regular group bike ride through campus and the surrounding area. It was started by a student group on campus and became something he looked forward to every week.
In law school at South Texas, Yazbeck has found he must intentionally carve out personal time to maintain his physical and mental health while serving as articles editor for the South Texas Law Review, managing student editor of the Texas Bar Construction Law Journal and president of the Real Estate and Construction Law Society.
“You accept going into law school that most of your time will be spent studying and reading,” Yazbeck said. “The first year was pretty brute force. But going in with the right expectations and being mindful of your needs can help you stay balanced.” Yazbeck’s focus as a 1L earned him recognition as a prestigious Presidential Fellow.
Countless studies have confirmed that more complicated psychological and emotional needs cannot be met if essential bodily needs are not addressed, and Yazbeck’s self-care regimen focuses on the basics.
“I keep it simple; a consistent routine is the goal,” he said. For Yazbeck, that means working out at the Tellepsen Family Downtown Houston YMCA at least three times per week. Sometimes he goes solo, but other days he works out with a friend for added accountability and social interaction. “That’s my time to let the poison out,” he said.
Elias Yazbeck credits a number of personal wellness habits — and many hours of studying — for helping him make it successfully to his last semester of law school.
He also has participated in the monthly jogs hosted by President and Dean Michael F. Barry. In addition, he limits his caffeine intake and stays off most social media.
“I don’t have an Instagram or TikTok account,” he said. “I used to, in college, but I decided to opt out. That’s part of self-compassion, I think: realizing you don’t need to impress anyone.”
While Yazbeck thinks a strong circle of friends is important, he said that sometimes simplifying your social calendar can be helpful, too. “Constant social stimulation is common in undergrad. But in law school, you really need to spend more time on yourself. It feels good to be well.”
Nearing the end of his law school career, Yazbeck is focused on his future. “I look forward to working in commercial litigation here in Houston after graduating in May.”
