It’s no secret that money is a huge contributor of stress to people, and tax season just seems to shine a great big spotlight on the issue. Money takes center stage at tax time, even if you’ve been able to brush it under the rug up until this point. This stress is multiplied significantly if you are an Accountant or Bookkeeper.
Accountants Tally Up the Stress
Does tax season mean late nights in the office followed by a McDonald’s run? As deadlines approach, do you start to develop a twitch in one eye? These are signs that you may need to take steps to manage your stress.
• It may be painful initially, but by starting your day earlier instead of later and by getting in some form of physical activity after your long day, you may find yourself sleeping better and feeling less stressed during the day. Fitness and proper eating are better ways of handling stress than eating snacks and drinking alcohol.
• The stress of tax season can contribute to a high burnout rate. Many accountants drink too much coffee to stay alert during the day and then use melatonin or some other sleep aid to get to sleep at night. This may cause you to become irritable and anxious and suffer from headaches, colds, upset stomachs, and sore muscles.
• Drink more water to stay hydrated and eat an apple to give you a boost as opposed to that third cup of coffee. Apples contain no caffeine but instead, have about 13 grams of natural sugar. These sugars provoke a similar response to caffeine because vitamins from the apple are released slowly throughout the body, making you feel more awake. No jolts, mood swings, anxiety, jitters or the dreaded crash.
• Try meditation or going for a massage. There are many great mediation apps out there like ‘Calm’ and ‘Headspace’. Some massage therapists are mobile and can come to your home!
• Don’t skip breakfast or work through lunch just because you’re busy. You’ll get fatigued or starved and end up filling the void with junk food. Instead, try filling up at regular intervals on foods like fruit, nuts, yogurt, or hard-boiled eggs. They’re healthy and easy to pack.
• Try doing some stretches at your desk or go for a 5-minute walk every 30 minutes.
So, try to keep those stress levels down by eating well, relaxing well and being active!