How can you survive stress? Is there a way to find real work/life balance? How can I be present for my family and friends?
CSMFO News asked leaders of CSMFO for their tips to keeping a healthy perspective to moderating the pressures and stresses of work and finding joy in life. We are grateful to have received so many candid and useful tips that we have filled up 6 articles worth. In this Part IV, we are proud to feature the following four CSMFO leaders : Yolanda Rodriguez, MPA, CSMFO Recognition Committee Vice Chair, Director of Finance and Administrative Svc. (Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District); Vanessa L. Portillo, CSMFO Chapter Chair Central Valley Chapter, Deputy Finance Director (City of Lathrop); Alert Preciado, CSMFO Administration Committee Vice-Chair & Chapter Vice-Chair Sacramento Valley, Accounting Supervisor (Citrus Heights Water District); and Ernie Reyna, CSMFO Board Member & Board Liaison to the Communication Committee, Finance Director/City Treasurer (City of Eastvale)
We hope that you continue to find inspiration from this series, including our prior featured articles: September 11, 2019; August 19, 2019; or August 14, 2019.
What is your strategy to recharge yourself professional after a tough or exhausting time?
Yolanda Rodriguez
At work I will leave my office and get fresh air during lunch, sometimes just picking up a Caramel Ice Coffee from McDonalds does the job and listening to smooth jazz on my way back to work.
In the evenings during the week, I weaned myself from work by limiting the number of days I will read work-related articles or catch up on work. I’ve added exercising 3 days a week. When I’m unable to find time for a work out, I will go for a longer walk with my dog. I also try to squeeze in a happy show, laughter always feels good to me.
During the weekend my husband and I enjoy hiking. We’re trying to go to different sites and explore. Breathing and appreciating the outdoors and mother nature brings me back to a relaxing place and a refills by energy level. As Finance officers we spend a lot of time indoors, so making sure I’m getting my dose of natural Vitamin D is essential for me.
Vanessa L. Portillo
Mental disconnects – I try reading a positive article or listening to an audiobook during my lunch. If I am pressed in time, just a quick browse at cute/funny dog videos on Instagram clear my brain. Sounds weird but it works for me!
Alert Preciado
When I’ve had a tough or exhausting time, one of the ways I recharge is by finding a tranquil place in order to take in the peacefulness. Usually my go-to option for this is my garden. I go out and inspect the plants and trees, one by one, hunting bugs, or looking for signs that something needs some TLC. While I’m out there, I enjoy the sun, listen to the birds, watch bees buzzing around, and otherwise focus on the moment. After a half hour of tending to the garden, watering, or weeding, I’m good to go.
Ernie Reyna
My strategy to recharge is as follows: first, when vacation is not an option, I seek out co-workers that can make me laugh. I find that laughter can cure any form of stress and is a great way to decompress. And if that doesn’t seem to work, happy hour is always a great option as well. ???? Lastly, if it is an option, a nice long vacation is always helpful in taking my mind off a tough or exhausting situation.
How do you keep balanced during those times?
Yolanda Rodriguez
I literally had to make a decision to prioritize my self-care and leave work at work. I use all my self-balancing strategies to remain balanced, including reading for fun, exercise, get fresh air, drink a gallon of water a day, eat clean foods as much as possible and develop a grateful attitude (write down what I am grateful for always helps) – count my blessings.
Vanessa L. Portillo
Exercise keeps me sane! It’s part of my everyday morning routine. After a tough workout, I feel recharged, motivated, and ready to conquer.
Alert Preciado
During tough times, I think that the most important way I stay balanced is to remain calm. As the old British WWII poster said, “Keep calm and carry on.” I think that a calm head is best for being able to stay on track. When I’m having trouble maintaining the calm, a quick 15-minute walk to clear my head does wonders. I use this time to defragment and organize my thoughts, to prioritize tasks, and to map out the rest of my day into a plan of attack.
Ernie Reyna
I keep balanced and focused by taking a break to go for a brisk walk. I find walking helps me to re-center and get back into the grind.
Carol Williams is a Senior Accountant at the City of Ontario, an Adjunct Professor at Chaffey College, and a member of the CSMFO Communication Committee. Carol enjoys inspiring people to achieve their personal and career goals and fulfills this by teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Chaffey College. Carol is a certified coach for The John Maxwell Team. Carol has over 20 years of leadership experience in local government and banking industry, and is currently in the MPA – Leadership Program at California State University San Bernardino.
