It’s not uncommon for CPAs to have 50-plus-hour work weeks during the busy tax season. And just like the strategies you use for your businesses and clients, it’s important to have a busy season burnout strategy.
Tax season is when CPAs need to flex their time management skills and build boundaries. Like putting your oxygen mask on first, you need to take care of yourself to be there successfully for your clients, your team, and your loved ones. Here are some tips on how you can manage this time:
Schedule breaks
Scheduling micro-breaks can boost productivity and help maintain general and physical wellbeing. Take the time to stretch, walk up and down stairs, grab a coffee or snack, or pet your furry pal. No matter how long or short, breaks can help reduce the strain on the body and improve concentration. It’s easy to get in the zone and forget to come up for air, so schedule breaks in your calendar to ensure you take them.
Set boundaries
Setting boundaries takes practice and communicating them helps those around you better understand how to work around your non-negotiables. Effectively communicating with your team, supervisor, and loved ones will help you create a plan to incorporate the social, emotional, and mental needs that bring you joy such as family dinner, school pick-ups, date nights, or evening walks. For people leaders, this is also an area to proactively discuss with your team, especially if you have individuals who aren’t as confident or comfortable voicing their needs.
Prioritize your work
Prioritizing the work week or day can help you complete critical tasks first, alleviating end-of-day stress and pressure. Similarly, batching similar tasks together and reducing multitasking can also increase efficiency. According to a University of California Irvine study, it can take up to 23 minutes to refocus after a distraction.
Incorporate a self-care routine
Having a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce stress, improve concentration, and boost happiness levels. Self-care routines look different for everyone. Discovering what recharges your batteries and how they can fit into your schedule will increase your chances of sticking to a routine to help manage stress and anxiety.
Leverage tech to save time
Leveraging technology and services can help make life a little easier. Automating mundane manual tasks, booking cleaning services, or using healthy meal prep services can free up your capacity to focus on higher-value work and spend more quality time with friends and family.
Celebrate wins
Taking the time, and extra effort, to celebrate your successes can boost self-confidence and build hope and motivation for the future. Humans are naturally built to remember the negative more than the positive. Don’t forget to celebrate successes, no matter how big or small! At the end of the day, self-care isn’t easy. It takes time to build the habits and skills needed to achieve balance when work demands are high. If you struggle with stress management or setting healthy boundaries, you may benefit from meeting with a professional psychologist or taking a course to elevate your skills.
Download and share our handy habit tracker to manage your wellness during the busy season!
CPA Assist provides confidential counselling services and 24/7 crisis support to Alberta and Saskatchewan CPAs, candidates, and their immediate families. To book an appointment through CPA Assist call 1-855-596-4222.