The accounting industry has always been known for continuously changing tax laws and requirements. But in the last couple of years, accountants have faced many challenges in how and what data we need to track, who we need to submit the information to, and how to understand them and the effects on the financial statements.
There have been new programs established to help employers maintain their workforce throughout the ever-changing business climate we’ve all experienced in 2021 and 2022 to date.
We also had tax deduction changes such as the 50% meal deduction being a 100% meal deduction for food that companies purchase from a restaurant in 2021 and 2022. Many restaurants have been forced to close in the last two years due to COVID restrictions and a lack of customers. The idea is to promote using restaurant purchases for meetings and employee functions to encourage restaurants to remain in business and keep the workforce employed.
These are just a few noted changes, but keep in mind the accounting field is always changing with the rest of us. While these programs help everyone overall, accountants often struggle with the stress of trying to keep up with the changes. One of the best ways to handle this stress is to stay organized because eventually without it, you’ll become overwhelmed.
Here are several practices I try to do regularly to help ease this stress that can be applied to everyone, not just accountants.
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthily
- Develop good sleeping habits
- Practice mindfulness
- Take a break from your desk as needed to clear your thoughts
- Take vacation time, even if it’s just a day or two to recharge
- Listen to music or read a book (probably my favorite)
- Talk it out rather than letting the stress build-up
- Rely on outside sources for help
Further, the importance of work-life balance supported by a company culture and core values that promote your well-being cannot be understated. This is an environment promoted every day at Marcus Paint.
So, be good to yourself, cut yourself some slack, and remember to breathe.
We’re all in this together!