Brain fog and feeling overwhelmed in HF land
Hey guys,
Been doing this for a few years. as my book size and # of positions has gone up, so has my stress and difficulty sleeping. I can also feel myself getting unhealthier. This is clearly no sustainable in the LT, and I dread to think of the day where I'm in a deep draw and it gets worse. To all the experienced analysts and PMs out there, how do you guys deal with the stress and seemingly inevitable health problems?
Managing stress and maintaining health in high-pressure environments like hedge funds is crucial for long-term sustainability. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are actionable strategies to help you combat brain fog, stress, and health challenges:
1. Prioritize Physical Health
2. Mental Health Practices
3. Stress Management Techniques
4. Workplace Strategies
5. Perspective and Balance
By implementing these strategies, you can better manage the demands of your role while safeguarding your health and well-being.
Sources: Handling Stress / Burnout in Private Equity, What is that Analyst skill set everyone is talking about exactly?, How much damage has banking done to your life?, How I stay Healthy in Investment Banking, What do you do when you're overworked? My anxiety is up the roof
A few thoughts..
1. Take time off. Obviously you cant quite do that in the middle of earnings or during important conferences. But there are quieter times where you can step away.
2. Exercise consistently and spend extra for the convenience. You need to make it easy for yourself to go on a consistent basis.
3. Find ideas with duration. If you are consistently playing for very near term binary events, your life will be tougher.
4. Focus on the process not the outcome. If you have a good rigid process, the p&l will come over time and you can learn to detach yourself from day to day outcomes.
This job is very hard and there aren't really easy solutions. If it gets too tough, another good option is to take advantage of the non compete periods..
I would add that if book size is stressing you out, force yourself to think in terms of percentages as opposed to absolute $.
It's easier for the brain to process a 20bps loss than a $2mill loss. Same with position sizing.
After you make enough money and hit your “target” you’ll probably feel less stressed too.
Also, you just have to come to grips that a lot of stuff isn’t in your control. Just do what you can and accept there’s always something you can’t get to / predict.
Unfortunately, if you can’t handle it, nothing wrong with finding a less stressful job. Nothing is worth your health suffering.
I think you need to shift your mindset. Maybe read some Buddhist texts (seriously). I recommend the Dhammapada to start. I've studied them and they will tell you that Life is suffering. Accept that but also understand that all things - the suffering, the drawdowns, the career, the bank account, even life in this world - are impermanent.
I understand the irony of a being a Buddhist HF guy. I enjoy both the work and the money. The key distinction is that I'm not as attached to them as you seem to be. If I lost my job tomorrow, I would find something new and move on with my life. Being employed in this company/industry is an impermanent state after all.
Anyways, I'm mostly emotionless all day managing my book. Stress level of this job doesn't even register. The only sensations I feel are curiosity when researching something cool and satisfaction when I'm right and make money. Makes me better at my job I would think. Have had drawdowns but have never had a down year.
What happens when you have a down year
How do you process and react to it
If you feel satisfaction in making money how do you not feel opposite pain when losing
It seems a stretch to say emotionless trading
I’m mostly emotionless. Yes there’s a temporary sting when something goes the wrong way but it’s very fleeting after the surprise has worn off.
Thank you for the book recommendation. I’ve purchased it!
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