Combatting Stress/Combattre le stress

If you try talking to an accountant about work/life balance in March or April of any given year, you can expect to be met with a grimace of disbelief. The pillars of stress management -- maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, sleeping, connecting with friends and family -- become seemingly impossible to observe when work is chaotic for months at a time. While sweeping changes to your habits might be out of the question, small efforts can make a significant difference to mood, productivity, and a sense of wellbeing. The anticipation of unplugging from the noise of a hectic work life can lift spirits and energy levels almost as much as the vacation itself. To-do lists are essential when the tasks to be done get out of control.