The Big Release
Everybody has some form of stress, some people just know how to hide it. In this industry we all like to think that we are immune to stress because we are the "big swinging dicks"...for lack of a better term. It doesn't matter what you position is; IB analyst, trader, equity research associate, partner at a hedge fund, we all have very stressful, high profile jobs.
You see some people around the office and think, man, they are always on their A game, they never look bummed out, they never complain. They have a secret, and it's called a stress release. It can be simple like hoping on Sporcle for 5 minutes, or complicated like hitting the shooting range on your precious lunch break. Mine, personally, is getting a shoe shine. It's like my own personal $5 shrink.
If I'm about to blow up at work i stand up, walk to the elevator, go downstairs, walk out the front door, and across the street to the hotel. I sit in the chair and chat with the man I see at least once a week, He knows my name, what kind of shoes I prefer, the company I work for, my job description"the easy version", and the vacations I have scheduled. We chat about anything, he shines my shoes, I give him $5 plus tip, and I head back to work. It's 15 minutes, and no one knows I was even gone. I come back to my desk refreshed, and most importantly, it keeps me from making costly mistakes.
Just interested......what types of things have you done to keep from blowing up?
Typically to de-stress I'll head over to a nice brick-oven pizza place that's right across from my office and get a few slices. Usually I eat very healthy so this is kind of like splurging and helps me relax in a weird kind of way.
In the office, I'll typically go chat with the other analysts on the other side of the building. It's a great destresser and change of scenery.
I'll do 30-40 pushups, and grab a diet coke from the vending machine. Helps clear my head and wakes me up a bit.
I will also think about why I am in this profession, and what my life could look like in 5-10 years. It sounds cliche, but thinking "hot wife + nice house + 7 figures in the bank, by age 30" is a strong motivating factor.
No matter how stressful my job is, I have to remember I am damn lucky to have a job. People are getting axed all over, and a lot of them are smarter/more competent than myself.
How can you name your thread 'The Big Release' without mentioning the most obvious destresser of all time?
Getting a straight shave is pretty damn awesome, after too many hours in the pen. I would imagine if you're senior enough, and can step out to an Asian rub and tug that would be best.
That's what the title of this thread seems to imply.
Well, I feel stupid for giving a serious answer.
I'll give a serious one too - swimming laps. It's great exercise, clears your head, and is a great way to totally separate yourself from anyone else.
I'm a fan of the midnight run, nothing relieves stress like sprinting until you can barely breath. Trust me, you won't be thinking about what you fucked up/how badly the deal is going, if only for a few minutes.
I read in Fortune that Jamie Dimon likes boxing and music.
I plan imaginary vacations that I never get to take. Luckily, imagining going is relaxing enough without actually dropping five grand and being gone two weeks.
Really intense circuit workouts. They make you too tired to go insane. PM me if you want a good one for this. Takes about 20 min, shower in 10 and you're back at your desk in 30.
Leg day.
I surprised that IP hasn't mentioned his marathon fasts.
The midnight (or if necessary, the 1AM or 2AM) run. Nothing, in this world or the next, is better than the midnight run.
Take your headphones off in central park, and listen deeply to the overwhelming quiet envelop you once you're floating along the west side of the park. Come back, stretch, and either go to bed or get back to cranking.
Either way, you are at peace with the world and yourself.
Well, that doesn't seem particularly safe...
It isn't dangerous if you stick on the main loop. Very well lit and there are multiple police patrols you will see on your run. This isn't the central park of the 80's. This also implies you are a male and are generally fit enough to at least crank out a run of the main loop (6.02 miles). Give it a try sometime - you won't regret it.
right after i finish my morning yogurt and coffee
30 minute power walk usually works. If not, chain smoke 5 to 6 cigs will do.
During the day I am all about the shoe shine too. Gives me an excuse to step out of the office, sit down, and do nothing for 10 minutes. Plus it's cheaper than Starbucks.
I go to the gym every day during lunch...deadlift day is the best
I play on intramural sports teams a few times a week. Gives me something to look forward to and also gives me a workout without actually feeling like I'm working out.
Sometimes when I need to de-stress, I go to a local bar after work (~6-7pm) and just chat with the staff or other folks at the bar. It's a great way to meet interesting people, particularly those who don't work in the finance. Nothing ruins leisure time more than talking about deals with co-workers...
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