Worries on Wall Street: Coping With Stress in a Corporate World

Climbing the corporate ladder may have been your dream for years, and now you are in the thick of it. You are earning promotions and yielding results in your industry. While this hard work comes with financial security and other perks, it can also bring its share of stress. As you endure daily commutes, long hours, and tight deadlines, you might be desperate for some relief from this tension.

Fortunately, you have ways to manage your stress and continue to succeed in the corporate world. This guide will provide some tangible strategies to stay organized, cope with conflict, and feel less stressed in and out of the office.

Set Professional Boundaries.

When you are trying to build your career, you might be tempted to make yourself available 24 hours a day. You might find yourself answering emails at all hours and leaving social events to take phone calls. But just because you can be available all of the time, doesn’t mean you have to be. Setting professional boundaries can help you be more present overall, leaving work at work. These boundaries might include not answering emails after 7 p.m. or not taking calls on the weekends. Whatever your boundaries, sticking to them can help you feel more at ease and in control over your time.

Avoid Multitasking at all Costs.

Your to-do list might feel never-ending, and you might be tempted to tackle many items at once. However, multitasking can easily leave you overwhelmed, and it is simply ineffective. Do your best to tackle one task at a time, tuning out distractions. You might find that your mind is more at ease, and you are able to be more productive. And checking off one item at a time can feel more satisfying than stressful.

Get Moving.

How you spend your time after work can affect your emotions at work. Research shows that exercise plays a role in reducing stress, so you can benefit by moving your body as much as possible. Take a run in the park, ride your bike, or start a weightlifting regimen. As you move, your mind will release endorphins and lift your mood. You can also blow off steam from the day and arrive home feeling more relaxed.

Prioritize Sleep.

Stress might be making it difficult to catch enough z’s at night. However, sleep deprivation can lead to a host of other health issues such as high blood pressure. By taking steps to improve your sleep hygiene, you can improve your stress levels and overall health. Be sure to turn off all electronics starting about an hour before bed and create a restful environment in your bedroom. Create bedtime rituals like journaling and reading to help you unwind. Consciously try to reduce your stress levels to get to sleep more quickly.

Take a Break.

No matter how much you need to do in the day, try to take a break. Even just eating your lunch outside or going for a 15-minute walk can make a significant difference. Fresh air and a moment to think can clear your mind enough to approach your work more effectively. If possible, put away your electronics during this break. Write down your thoughts, take mindful breaths, and enjoy the sites and sounds of the city.

See a Therapist.

Remember that you never need to tackle your stress on your own. A therapist can provide some specific solutions to help you feel less overwhelmed and set healthy professional boundaries. If you work on Wall Street in the Financial District, look for therapists in Manhattan who are close to your office. Whether you see your therapist once a week, biweekly, or as needed, these appointments can help you gain peace of mind.

Working a corporate job can be challenging, but you don’t need to let it take over your life. By taking steps to reduce your stress levels and manage your mental health, you can feel your best and grow professionally. As you develop your own stress-management techniques, remember that the process requires trial and error. You will eventually find the perfect strategies for you and reclaim your professional life.