Part 1: Handling the Stress of Success
Everyone deals with stress. It can affect your life no matter how much money you have, how much power you have, or how much success you have. However, research has shown that people with high levels of success and those in important career positions are often more susceptible to stress.
Does that sound familiar? Unfortunately, success often comes with a price. The higher you are on the ladder, the more pressure you may feel to stay there or to keep moving even higher. So, what can you do to handle the stress of success? Let’s dig a little deeper into what might be causing it and how you can manage your stress levels without compromising your lifestyle.
The Pressure and the Stigma
There are a few reasons why successful people are often more prone to stress. First, you might face a lot of pressure to get things “right” in your life. If you have a successful career, a lot might be on your shoulders. Maybe you manage a large group of people. Maybe you work in local government and have important decisions to make. Whatever the case, that kind of pressure can lead to a lot of stress. It becomes even worse when high expectations are associated with your line of work.
You’re also often your own worst enemy when it comes to having high levels of success. Maybe you deal with “imposter syndrome” and think you’re not good enough for your career. Or, you might be quick to criticize everything you do, assuming you could have done it better. Finally, there tends to be a stigma surrounding people in powerful positions. They don’t often talk about mental health or stress as often as others. Why? They’re worried it might be viewed as a sign of weakness. While nothing could be further from the truth, it makes it difficult for successful people to open up and feel like they can trust others with their emotions.
Practicing Self-Care
So, what can you do if you’re struggling with stress?
Keep in mind that success doesn’t mean you have to burn yourself out. Self-care is one of the best ways to combat stress, and it doesn’t necessarily have to take a lot of time each day. Find small things to work into your daily routine that benefit your well-being and help you relax. Som easy ideas include:
Exercising
Eating healthy meals
Prioritizing sleep
Journaling
Even a few minutes of self-care each day can make a big difference in your stress levels.
Lean On Your Support System
You’ve probably heard the saying, “it’s lonely at the top,” but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re starting to feel overwhelmed by stress, lean on the people in your life who care most about you. It’s okay to talk about your feelings, to rely on friends and family for support, and to ask for help when you need it. You might be surprised to see how quickly the people in your life step up to the plate to help you when you’re in need.
If you’re worried that the stress of success has become too overwhelming, it might be time to consider seeking out professional help, too. Working with a mental health professional is a great way to not only get to the root cause of your stress but to learn safe, healthy, and effective ways to manage it.
Success can be a great thing. But it doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your mental health. If you’re struggling, contact a mental health provider to get support.
Contact us today to learn more about counseling services in D.C. and Maryland.