As Gabbies (short term for government accountants, budget officers, treasurers, state auditors and public finance pips), we are often tasked with the responsibility of managing financial tasks that require a high level of precision, attention to detail, and patience.
The demanding nature of our job can lead to high levels of stress, especially during peak periods like tax season, financial statements and reports preparation, responding to audit observation memorandums, attending to court cases, etc.
However, it’s essential to remember that stress management is not only possible but also beneficial to our overall health and productivity. The following tips and strategies can be incredibly helpful for managing stress as Gabbies.
Understanding Stress: What is Stress?
Before delving into stress management strategies, it’s important to understand what stress is. Stress is a normal physiological response to perceived harmful situations, whether they’re real or not. Although a certain level of stress can enhance our performance in challenging situations, too much stress, especially chronic stress, can have damaging effects on our mental and physical health. As Gabbies often face high-pressure situations, managing stress effectively becomes crucial.
In this article, we delve into ten (10) key strategies to manage or minimize stress specially in highly demanding situations innate in our highly demanding job.
1. Prioritize and Organize
One of the major sources of stress for Gabbies is the feeling of being overwhelmed with numerous tasks and deadlines. By prioritizing and organizing your tasks efficiently, you can alleviate this stress significantly.
Start by identifying the tasks that are urgent and important, and focus on completing them first. Use tools like planners, to-do lists, or digital applications that can help streamline your tasks. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable parts to avoid feeling overwhelmed. A well-organized workflow not only helps reduce stress but also enhances productivity and efficiency.
2. Take Regular Breaks
Despite the busy schedule, do not forget to take regular breaks. Working for long hours without rest can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
Short breaks, even five to ten minutes, can help refresh your mind and reduce stress. Use this time to stretch, take a quick walk, or even do a short mindfulness exercise. Remember that taking care of your mental health is not a luxury but a necessity.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for stress management. They involve focusing your attention and eliminating the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind. Even a few minutes of daily practice can help reduce stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation.
Mindfulness also helps you stay focused on the present, preventing stress from future uncertainties and past mistakes. There are numerous resources available online, including guided meditation videos and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs which you can use for free.
4. Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Your physical health plays a significant role in managing stress. Regular physical activity boosts your endorphin levels, often referred to as ‘feel-good hormones’, which naturally elevate your mood and act as natural stress-relievers. Aim to incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your daily routine. It’s best to do this in the morning to jumpstart your body’s energy.
Additionally, pay attention to your diet. Consuming too much caffeine or sugary foods can increase your stress levels. Opt for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
5. Seek Support When Needed
There’s no shame in seeking help when things feel too overwhelming. Reach out to your colleagues, friends, or family members and share your feelings with them. They can provide a fresh perspective, advice, or simply a listening ear.
Professional help is always available if you’re finding it difficult to manage stress. Therapists and counselors are trained professionals who can provide you with effective coping strategies and a safe space to express your worries and anxieties. Some workplaces also offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that provide resources for mental health support. You may also suggest this to your agency if need be.
6. Set Boundaries
In an increasingly connected world, it can be challenging to separate work from personal life, especially if you’re working from home. While it’s important to be available and responsive, it’s equally crucial to set boundaries.
Define clear working hours and make sure to communicate them to your team. Avoid checking emails or taking work calls during your personal time, unless absolutely necessary. This clear division helps reduce stress and prevents burnout.
7. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Sleep plays an essential role in your physical health and is particularly crucial for stress management. Lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep can exacerbate stress, reduce your problem-solving abilities, and affect your mood.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule, create a restful environment, and establish pre-sleep routines that signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed, as the light emitted can interfere with your body’s internal clock.
8. Utilize Stress Management Tools
There are numerous tools and resources available to help manage stress. These range from mobile apps that guide you through mindfulness exercises, to wearable devices that monitor your heart rate and remind you to take breaks. Consider incorporating these tools into your routine to help manage stress.
9. Develop a Positive Mindset
Maintaining a positive mindset can greatly influence how you handle stress. Try to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as insurmountable problems. Practice gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of your life. This shift in thinking can help you handle stress in a more constructive way.
10. Invest in Continuous Learning
The field of public financial management is continually evolving, and keeping up with the changes can sometimes be stressful. Make a habit of continuous learning – attend workshops, webinars, or courses to stay updated. This not only keeps you at the top of your profession but also equips you with better tools and knowledge to handle work-related challenges.
Follow what works best for you…
Remember, managing stress is not about eliminating all stressors. That’s an impossible task. Stress management is about implementing strategies to help you navigate through stress more effectively. The key is to find what works best for you. It might be a combination of the strategies mentioned above or something entirely different. What’s important is that you actively take steps to manage your stress and maintain a healthy balance in your life.
To Recap
While our profession can be demanding and stressful, there are numerous strategies to manage and mitigate stress. By prioritizing and organizing, taking regular breaks, practicing mindfulness, making healthy lifestyle choices, seeking support, setting boundaries, practicing good sleep hygiene, using stress management tools, cultivating a positive mindset, and investing in continuous learning, you can navigate the challenges of your job with more confidence and less stress.
Remember, stress management is a journey, not a destination. Keep exploring different methods and find what works best for you. You deserve a fulfilling and healthy professional life.
Share to us how you manage stress
Just like what we said, there are entirely different ways to manage stress that’s why we want to know which of the above are you using to manage your stress or if you’re using a different way, share it to us in the comments section below. We’ll be glad to discuss them with you.
