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?

By Carol Williams, Senior Accountant at City of Ontario, Professor, Adjunct-Chaffey College

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 tips, including those featured in this article: Paul A. Melikian, CPFO, CSMFO Chapter Chair, South San Joaquin Valley Chapter, Assistant City Manager (City of Reedley); Rich Lee, CSMFO Board of Director, Finance Director (City of San Mateo); Karla Romero CSMFO Chapter Chair Coachella Valley and Vice-Chair Communications Committee, Finance Director (City of La Quinta); Steve Heide, CSMFO President-Elect, Finance Director (Chino Valley Fire District); and Grace Castaneda, CSMFO Membership Committee Chair, Budget Manager (City of San Mateo).

We hope that you continue to find inspiration from this series, including our prior featured articles: August 19, 2019; or August 14, 2019.

What is your strategy to recharge yourself professionally after a tough or exhausting time?

Paul Melikian
Humor! Mental Health Writer and Advocate Therese Borchard writes: “If you’re laughing, you are not crying, even though they look similar. And that works for me.” After a packed schedule of meetings or deadlines, or otherwise stressful situation, I sometimes sit with my staff or peers in other departments and discuss whatever is going on. Having trusted coworkers weave in personal experiences and advice for a tenuous professional situation can be just what is needed to come to grips with it, develop a plan, and thrive under pressure.

Rich Lee
When I’m feeling burned out and need to recharge, my strategy is simple: Spend time with those I love, and perform music.

Karla Romero
I recharge by stepping away from the office to spend time with loved ones and relive my childhood with my three-year-old son, Titus.

Steve Heide
After a tough day, I look forward to an evening walk around the neighborhood with my wife. If we time it right, we’re able to take in a beautiful sunset while we talk about the trials and tribulations of our day, remembering to focus on the fact that life is good and we’re very blessed. I find this routine is a nice, simple way to put an exclamation point on a full day.

Grace Castaneda
Every year for the past three years, after budget adoption I go to a Giants day game with a group of friends who are also local municipal professionals. It’s organized by Christine Paras (Technology Committee Vice Chair) who hosts a tailgate before the game! Attached pictures show us as a group, Oracle Park, and Craig Boyer (East Bay Chapter Vice Chair, Recognition Committee Senior Advisor) and me meeting up before the game.

How do you keep balanced during those times?

Paul Melikian
I work really hard to maintain my perspective, to remember the bigger picture of what we are trying to accomplish, and not get caught up in the moment and take everything personally. I think we all deal with ‘time-sucker’ issues that if not actively managed, will crowd out valuable resources from meaningful activities. I sometimes ask myself if the issue will matter six months from now, a month, or even in a week. This Too Shall Pass. Also I turn to those confidants and coworkers that I have invested in fostering great working relationships during the good times. In my experience those people will always be there for you.

Rich Lee
Moderation is essential to maintaining a sustainable balance. I’ll admit the calling/family/self/music balance is a constant struggle. I do my best to be present, aware, and shift my focus and energy as necessary to address any issues that surface as a result of imbalance between competing demands.

Karla Romero
During stressful times when I can’t take time off but need a moment to revitalize and gain energy I stretch at my desk for a few minutes while taking some deep relaxing breaths. I also get a massage monthly to avoid tension and force relaxation in my routine (it’s easy to forget when you are loving what you do).

Steve Heide
I’m able to best balance the often hectic pace of life by remembering that everything in life is temporary and I need to take it all in and enjoy the ride.

Grace Castaneda
For me, balance is knowing that the period of long days and nights has its cycles. Knowing that allows me to fully give myself during busy times, and to fully enjoy myself when times are not as busy.

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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.

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