For those of you in the finance/accounting fields, you're in the weeds right now with work. With all of the year-end things that need to be tied up, you're fitting twice the amount of work into your workday and it's extremely taxing on your mental health, physical health, and relationships.
Like anything, you can only be the best version of yourself if you're taking care of yourself. You can only provide quality service if you're feeling alright and taking care of yourself. This hectic season will come to an end.
Communicate with those closest to you. Let friends and family know that you're in your busy season at work, and that it takes everything out of you. They'll understand why you're not quick to respond to texts or eager to get together after work. Setting these expectations in advance can help mitigate any hard feelings.
Get comfortable not being "caught up". For the anxious type, having unread emails and unopened inquiries is unsettling. It's hard to sign off at night knowing you're already behind for tomorrow. But there is simply no way to be caught up every day. Remind yourself that clients (should) understand you're busy and that you truly are doing your best.
Continue to take your work breaks. Even if you're 17 emails behind. Even if you have 18 items in your cue. For your sanity and your productivity, take a break, even if it's 5 minutes, to shut your brain off and just exist, just breathe.
Create a happy morning routine. Instead of waking up and heading straight to work, wake up early enough to set yourself up for a good mental health day. Maybe that's waking up in time for a full self-care routine, to make your bed and put dishes away so you don't have to think about the work you need to do after work, or to read and journal to calm your mind before the storm that is work.
Go for walks outside. Movement is the key to good physical and mental health. Always. Better yet, get outside into the fresh air and natural light. It might seem counterintuitive to leave your overflowing inbox for a quick walk, but your mental health will thank you (and you'll be more productive upon return).
Prioritize quality sleep. Sleep is always important, even more so when you know you have demanding days ahead. Sleep will help you be a more patient, kind, and effective person/employee. If you're not allowing yourself to recover, you will not be at your best.
Follow a relaxing nighttime routine. Whatever makes you feel at peace and to mitigate anxiety upon waking, do it. Clean up and prepare for the next day so that you can go to bed knowing you're well-prepared for tomorrow. Read and journal by candle light before bed to get your body and mind ready for sleep.
Plan a vacation. It can be a beach resort vacation with your best friends or simply a planned PTO day to spend by yourself doing absolutely nothing when it's all over. Having something to look forward to is like the light at the end of the tunnel.
Additional ideas: work from home if possible, create an inspiring (and not overwhelming) work environment, cuddle your pet, eat foods that make your body feel good, meal prep, have things to look forward to that aren't work-related after work and/or on weekends.
-Mandi.
Let me help you! Apply for coaching by sending an email to fitbymandi@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram (@fit.bymandi). SO excited to help you become the healthiest and happiest you!
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