It is no secret that the accounting profession can be taxing. As the year draws to a close, we gear up and recharge for the upcoming “Busy Season.” While our firm has worked diligently to smooth out the workload, there can still be times when long working days and strict deadlines are necessary to meet the needs of our clients. But it is also a time when our skills shine the brightest and we come together as a team to tackle these challenges head-on.
With this in mind, and the aim of setting ourselves up for a great season, it is crucial to remember the value of self-care. Eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep and maintaining a positive mindset are essential to navigating this period successfully. In this blog, I will share how these healthy practices have shaped my day to day as an accounting professional.
Adequate Nutrition
What we eat impacts our memory, thinking skills and overall mental and physical health. Do not fall into the trap of “forgetting” about lunch because you’re too busy. Taking a lunch break is important to give your brain a rest and fuel your body. Does eating at your desk count? Not really. So, please step away from your desk, get some steps in and give your eyes a break from staring at a screen. Plus, who does not love a little lunchtime with colleagues?
Exercise
Exercise helps me reduce stress, improve my mood and boost my overall energy and productivity. I know that during these times, I am not always able to exercise every day. But by setting realistic goals, I have a higher likelihood of achieving them and in doing so, maintain the motivation to keep healthy habits. I often tell my colleagues that morning exercise is my cup of coffee!
Sleep
Getting enough sleep keeps me in a good mood! Lack of sleep prevents clear thinking and proper focus. If you are close to “figuring something out” late at night, it might be best to put a pin in it and revisit it with rested eyes and a fresh perspective the next morning. Recognize when you may be staying physically present just for the sake of it and aim to optimize the quality of your time rather than just the quantity.
Positive Mindset
At times, work can feel challenging. Take a moment to breathe and remember how much you have improved since last year. We often get caught up in the immediate moment and can be hard on ourselves, which does not help us move in the right direction. Cultivate a positive mindset by practicing gratitude, setting realistic goals and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small. Think about a recent success—how did it make you feel?
I recommend that you treat these four core healthy practices as important personal deliverables (in addition to all the tax and work deliverables), because if you do not focus on them early, time may eventually pay you back.
Cheers to a great new year!
