Staying Healthy During Tax Season: A Guide for CPAs
Tax season is an intense time for CPAs, particularly for those running small firms. The long hours, tight deadlines, and constant demands from clients can quickly lead to burnout if you’re not proactive about your well-being. As professionals, we prioritize serving our clients, but it’s equally important to prioritize our health. Here’s a guide to staying healthy and maintaining your energy during the busy months of tax season.
1. Prioritize Sleep
It can be tempting to burn the midnight oil to get through your workload, but consistent sleep deprivation will eventually catch up with you. Lack of sleep impacts your cognitive function, decision-making, and immune system, all of which are critical during tax season. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night and establish a consistent bedtime routine to help your body unwind.
Tips for Better Sleep:
- Set an alarm to remind yourself to start winding down each evening.
- Avoid caffeine or heavy meals close to bedtime.
- Create a relaxing pre-sleep routine, such as reading or meditating.
2. Stay Active
When you’re sitting at a desk for extended periods, it’s easy to neglect physical activity. Regular exercise boosts your mood, reduces stress, and helps you stay alert. Even short bursts of movement throughout the day can make a difference.
Simple Ways to Incorporate Activity:
- Take 5-10 minute stretch breaks every hour.
- Go for a brisk walk during your lunch break or between client calls.
- Use a standing desk or alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
3. Eat Nutritious Meals and Stay Hydrated
During tax season, many CPAs fall into the trap of relying on caffeine, takeout, and quick snacks to fuel their long hours. However, poor nutrition can leave you feeling sluggish and affect your focus. Plan meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients to keep your energy steady throughout the day.
Healthy Eating Tips:
- Prep healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and yogurt to keep at your desk.
- Choose balanced meals with lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water consistently; limit sugary drinks and excessive caffeine.
4. Manage Stress Effectively
Tax season is inherently stressful, but how you respond to that stress can make a big difference in your health. Incorporating stress management techniques into your routine can help you stay calm, focused, and productive.
Techniques for Managing Stress:
- Practice mindfulness or meditation for a few minutes each day.
- Use deep-breathing exercises to help center yourself during particularly hectic moments.
- Talk with fellow NCCPAP members to share challenges and lighten the mental load.
5. Set Boundaries
One of the biggest challenges during tax season is the feeling that you need to be available 24/7. However, overextending yourself can lead to burnout. Set clear boundaries with clients and your team to protect your time and energy.
Tips for Boundary Setting:
- Establish office hours and stick to them.
- Use email autoresponders or voicemail to manage client expectations for response times.
- Delegate tasks to your team or consider outsourcing routine work to free up your time for higher-priority tasks.
6. Build a Support System
You’re not alone during tax season. Surround yourself with supportive colleagues, friends, and family who understand the demands of your profession. Lean on fellow NCCPAP members for encouragement, advice, or even just a listening ear when the workload feels overwhelming.
Ways to Build Support:
- Schedule regular check-ins with your team to share progress and challenges.
- Stay connected with other CPA colleagues through NCCPAP webinars, emails and discussion board posts.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it, whether it’s from staff, peers, or family.
7. Celebrate Small Wins
It’s easy to focus on the mountain of work still ahead, but taking time to recognize your accomplishments can keep morale high. Celebrate completing difficult returns, meeting deadlines, or simply making it through a particularly long day.
Ideas for Celebrating:
- Treat yourself to a favorite snack or activity after a big milestone.
- Share successes with your team to foster camaraderie.
- Remind yourself of the bigger picture: your work is helping clients and their businesses thrive.
Final Thoughts
As small CPA firm owners, we often put our clients and businesses first, but your health is your most important asset. A healthy CPA is a more effective CPA—better equipped to handle the challenges of tax season with focus, resilience, and a clear mind. By making your well-being a priority, you’ll not only survive tax season but come out stronger on the other side.
Take care of yourself—you’ve got this!