Tax season is an intense period for finance professionals, bringing long hours, tight deadlines, and high-pressure situations. For employees in roles such as accountants, tax advisors, and financial analysts, this time of year can feel overwhelming. For job seekers, entering the finance field during tax season can be especially daunting, with many positions requiring high levels of focus and expertise. Understanding how to manage stress effectively is crucial for maintaining both professional performance and personal well-being.

Here are some strategies that can help finance professionals, as well as job seekers, handle the stress and demands that come with tax season.

1. Plan Ahead and Prioritize Tasks

The key to surviving tax season without feeling overwhelmed is good planning. Begin by creating a clear schedule with daily and weekly goals. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Prioritize based on deadlines and the complexity of the work. For finance professionals, this might mean identifying clients who require immediate attention or focusing on urgent filings. For job seekers, planning ahead for application deadlines, interviews, and skill development can help keep things on track during this busy period.

2. Avoid the Trap of Multitasking

In high-pressure environments, it can be tempting to juggle multiple tasks at once to get everything done quickly. However, research shows that multitasking often leads to more mistakes and lower productivity. Instead, focus on one task at a time. For example, dedicate uninterrupted time to completing tax returns, reviewing financial statements, or preparing reports. By concentrating on a single task, finance professionals can improve the quality of their work and reduce the chances of errors that might add to stress. Job seekers can apply the same approach by concentrating fully on one application or interview preparation at a time, ensuring better results.

3. Take Breaks and Recharge

Tax season is intense, but taking short breaks throughout the day is essential for maintaining mental clarity and focus. Stepping away from the desk, even for a few minutes, can help prevent burnout and provide a mental reset. Incorporating quick walks, stretching, or even short mindfulness exercises can help recharge your energy and clear your mind. For job seekers, taking breaks from the job search is just as important. Instead of working non-stop on applications, take time for a hobby or relaxation, which can boost overall productivity and mood.

4. Delegate and Seek Support

Delegation is a valuable skill during tax season, especially in team settings. Finance professionals who manage multiple clients or large workloads should delegate tasks to capable colleagues when possible. For example, junior team members can take on routine tasks like data entry or initial document collection, freeing up more experienced professionals for complex work. For job seekers, delegating the task of finding resources or networking to mentors or peers can help make the process more manageable.

It’s also important to lean on others for emotional and practical support. Whether it’s asking for help from a colleague, seeking guidance from a mentor, or talking to friends or family, having a support network can reduce the pressure and help relieve stress.

5. Set Realistic Expectations

During tax season, it’s easy to overestimate how much work can be done in a single day. Setting realistic, achievable goals can help maintain motivation and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. For finance professionals, tracking progress on a daily or weekly basis can help break down the enormity of the workload. For job seekers, realistic expectations about how many applications can be submitted in a day or how long the job search process will take are crucial to avoiding unnecessary frustration.

6. Practice Self-Care

It’s easy to neglect personal well-being during busy times like tax season, but maintaining good physical and mental health is essential for staying productive and reducing stress. Prioritize adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity. Even though it might seem like there’s no time, taking care of yourself should always be a top priority. For finance professionals, keeping stress levels under control is vital for avoiding burnout, while for job seekers, self-care ensures they can stay focused and energized throughout the search.

7. Use Technology to Stay Organized

Leveraging tools and technology can streamline processes, save time, and reduce errors. For finance employees, tax software, project management tools, and cloud storage systems can help keep client information organized and accessible. Scheduling software can ensure deadlines are met without missing any critical appointments or meetings. For job seekers, using tools to track applications and deadlines can help maintain a structured approach to the search. Technology can also assist in automating routine tasks, allowing for more focus on high-priority activities.

8. Maintain a Positive Mindset

Tax season can feel like a never-ending whirlwind, but maintaining a positive attitude can go a long way in managing stress. It’s helpful to remind yourself that this busy period will eventually pass. Celebrating small wins along the way, such as completing a difficult task or meeting a deadline, can boost morale and maintain momentum. Job seekers can keep a positive outlook by remembering that persistence pays off and that each application, interview, and networking effort brings them closer to their goals.

Tax season doesn’t have to be synonymous with stress and overwhelm. By adopting time management strategies, prioritizing self-care, and leaning on support from colleagues and loved ones, finance professionals can navigate this challenging time with more ease and confidence. Job seekers can also benefit from applying the same principles to stay organized, focused, and resilient as they search for opportunities in the finance industry. Managing stress during tax season is not only about getting through the busy period but also about maintaining balance, well-being, and long-term career success.