Burnt out and busted

Ok, I will admit it. I am feeling stressed. The feeling of constant deadlines looming over me like a dark cloud is wearing me down.

Being real for a moment, the job of a bookkeeper or an accountant is not for the faint of heart. With deadlines constantly creeping up on you like a stealthy ninja, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and burnt out, especially when you have a massive workload to tackle before you slip away on a well-deserved holiday. I keep reminding myself that I just have to make it through the next two weeks then I get to switch off, but I am finding the head down and carry on strategy challenging. So, I googled for a few ideas on how I can “Just keep swimming.” Here are the top five tried-and-tested strategies Google suggested to keep my spirits high and my motivation soaring. I’ll try anything once!

1. Break It Down, Baby: When you are staring down a mountain of tasks taller than Mount Everest, it is essential to break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Instead of focusing on the overwhelming sixty BAS to complete this month, tackle one at a time, like a brave warrior facing each enemy on the battlefield. Before you know it, you will have conquered the entire mountain, one step at a time.

2. Time to Prioritize: Not all tasks are created equal, my friends. It is time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and declutter your to-do list by prioritizing the most critical tasks first. Identify the high-priority deadlines and focus your energy on tackling them first. This probably means I shouldn’t have written a blog first thing on a Monday morning and should have focussed on something more time critical, but I am nothing if I am not a world champion procrastinator.

3. Embrace the Power of Breaks: Repeat after me: breaks are not a luxury; they are a necessity. In the fast-paced world of finance, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to give your brain a breather. But taking regular breaks to recharge your batteries is essential for maintaining productivity and preventing burnout. So, go ahead, take that coffee break, go for a walk, or indulge in a quick dance party in your office. My go-to dance starter is “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire. I can’t not groove when I hear that tune.

4. Reach Out for Support: You are not alone in this, my fellow number ninjas. When the going gets tough, do not be afraid to reach out to your peers, your assistant, or your long-suffering hubby for support. Whether you need assistance with a tricky problem or just a listening ear, your peeps can be valuable allies in the battle against burnout.

5. Frost yourself: Last but not least, do not forget to reward yourself for all your hard work and dedication. Whether it is a fancy new pair of shoes, a relaxing massage, or your favourite cake, find ways to treat yourself and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. You deserve it.

So, there are Google’s top tips for keeping our spirits high. It feels like I have written this blog before. I think I have felt more overwhelmed this year than at any other time. I do not know if that is industry-wide or if it is just me in this little practice, but I will definitely take some time while I am away to assess how things can change for the better. I have always loved this job but there are days now when I question “Why”? But that is a whole other longer conversation that I do not have time for today, even being a champion procrastinator. So, for the next two weeks I will do what it takes to conquer any challenge that comes my way and tackle those deadlines like a boss. Because bookkeepers are rock stars in the world of finance, and I cannot let down the team. Just please, let there be a time warp and bring on that well-deserved break quickly. Stay ‘Appy!