What do you do if your work in financial services is causing excessive stress and imbalance in your life?

1 Recognize the signs

The first step to dealing with stress is to acknowledge that you have a problem and that you need help. Some common signs of stress include fatigue, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, depression, headaches, digestive issues, and loss of interest or motivation. If you experience any of these symptoms, don't ignore them or hope they will go away. They can affect your health, relationships, and productivity. Talk to your doctor, a therapist, or a trusted colleague or friend about how you feel and what you can do to improve your situation.

2 Set boundaries and priorities

One of the main causes of stress in financial services is the lack of control over your time and workload. You may feel that you have to work long hours, take on more tasks, and respond to every request or email as soon as possible. However, this can lead to overwork, exhaustion, and resentment. To avoid this, you need to set boundaries and priorities for yourself and communicate them clearly to others. Learn to say no to unreasonable or unnecessary demands, delegate or outsource tasks that are not essential or that you are not good at, and block out time for your most important and urgent projects. Also, make sure that you have some time for yourself, your family, and your hobbies every day. Don't let work take over your life.

3 Manage your stress

In order to manage stress in a healthy and effective way, even when boundaries and priorities are set, there are several strategies you can use. Breathing exercises can help you relax your body and mind when feeling tense or anxious. Meditation, which involves focusing on a single object, sound, or sensation, is a practice that can reduce stress and improve your mood. Exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress and boost energy - aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise three times a week. Hobbies are also beneficial for expressing yourself, distracting from work, and improving skills and confidence. Make sure to find some time each week to enjoy hobbies without guilt or pressure.

4 Seek support and feedback

You don't have to experience stress and imbalance in financial services alone; you can seek support and feedback from various sources. For example, your manager can help you set realistic goals, provide guidance and resources, and recognize and reward your achievements. Your colleagues can be your allies, mentors, or friends in your work, while your network consists of people outside your work who can offer opportunities, information, or referrals. Additionally, family and friends are the most important source of support and feedback. By taking advantage of these sources, you can cope with stress and find balance in your work and life. This will not only improve your health, happiness, and performance but also make working more enjoyable.