Maintaining Mental Health and Wellbeing During ‘Audit Busy Season’
Maintaining mental health and minimising burnout in the workplace can be a challenge for many, particularly those in demanding industries. The audit busy season can be a time of increased stress and pressure as individuals strive to meet deadlines. However, neglecting one's physical and mental health during this time can have significant negative impact, not only on the individual but also on their colleagues and clients around them, whether working at home or in the office.
In this article, we look at some effective strategies for maintaining physical and mental health and managing stress in the audit busy season.
The Importance of Mental Health
Mental health is crucial to maintain your well-being and achieve your full potential in the workplace. As we spend a significant amount of time at work, the work environment can have a profound impact on mental health. It is essential for us to prioritise our mental health in the workplace and seek support if needed.
By prioritising mental health we can improve our productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Taking steps such as practising self-care, seeking support from colleagues or mental health professionals, and creating a healthy work-life balance can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout. It is essential for you to communicate your mental health needs with those around you including your employer, and look for a supportive work environment that prioritises well-being.
Prioritising Self Care
One of the most effective strategies for managing stress and maintaining physical and mental health is to prioritise self-care activities. Exercise and meditation, in particular, have been shown to reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Finding time to engage in these activities can be challenging, particularly at busy times. One way to incorporate self-care into a busy workday is to take short breaks, for example making a cup of tea, taking a two-minute break to stretch or take a quick walk can have significant benefits for physical and mental health.
Improving Nutrition
Improving nutrition is an effective way for employees to manage stress and maintain their energy levels during difficult times at work. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help employees feel more alert, focused, and energised, which can improve their overall performance and productivity. Additionally, good nutrition can help combat the negative effects of stress on the body, such as inflammation and weakened immune function.
To improve their nutrition at work, employees can take simple steps such as packing healthy snacks and meals, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding sugary and processed foods. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the nutrients needed to support physical and mental health..
Prioritising Sleep Hygiene
A critical, but often overlooked, aspect of mental and physical health is sleep hygiene – the practices that ensure good quality sleep. Lack of proper sleep can lead to increased stress levels, reduced concentration, and even burnout. Establish a regular sleep schedule, aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Consistency in your sleep and wake times can support your body's internal clock, promoting better sleep quality.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal your body that it's time to sleep. This can include reading, meditating, or any calming activity that helps you unwind. Remember, sleep is as important as nutrition and exercise in maintaining your overall wellbeing, particularly during stressful periods such as the audit busy season.
Time Management
Effective time management is another crucial strategy for managing stress and maintaining work-life balance. This is particularly important during the busy season when individuals may feel overwhelmed by the amount of work they need to complete. Setting achievable goals and prioritising tasks can help individuals to feel more in control of their workload and reduce the feeling of stress and anxiety.
Setting Realistic Deadlines
Implementing realistic deadlines reduces unnecessary pressure and supports a healthy work-life balance. Consider the actual capacity and resources available before setting deadlines. Unattainable timelines only lead to stress and reduced quality of work.
Minimising Distractions
Addressing the issue of constant distractions, particularly desk phones, can significantly improve productivity. Consider setting specific hours for phone calls or turning the phone to silent mode during peak productivity periods. Each interruption can take up to 23 minutes to regain complete focus. With hundreds of notifications throughout the day this can account for hours of lost time.
Utilising digital wellbeing tools can limit distractions and enhance focus. Digital tools, like website blockers or app timers, can help in minimising distractions from your phone or computer, making it easier to stay on task.
Work Life Balance at LNP Audit + Assurance
LNP Audit + Assurance is dedicated to providing exceptional service to our clients, and support to our employees. We are always looking for talented individuals to join our team. If you have a passion for accounting and audit, and are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, then LNP Audit + Assurance may be the perfect fit for you. With a commitment to ongoing training and development, as well as a supportive and collaborative work environment, we offer a range of opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you would like to join the team at LNP Audit + Assurance, get in touch today to learn more about our Firm and current job opportunities.