Although there are brilliantly built accounting software applications such as SunSystems that are designed to do the heavy lifting for accounting departments, finance team members are traditionally known to deal with a lot of numbers.
After all, they deal with tasks such as preparing year-end financial reports, forecasting, and managing budgets.
By being at the forefront of bookkeeping activities within the company, finance professionals are responsible for a lot of figures which require them to be very detail-oriented and analytical thinkers.
And the truth? It can get tough at times.
So, as a member of the finance team, what can you do to improve your brain power for working effectively with numbers?
It turns out there are some healthy habits that can help you get tougher with the numbers without trying harder. Let’s get to it:
1. Exercise regularly
Exercising regularly is a great way for people who work long hours to keep fit mentally as well as physically.
Research has found that regular exercise improves memory, concentration, self-confidence and moods. It also gives the body more energy so it’s easier to stay alert during the day and tackle those difficult accounting tasks head-on.
Plus, physical exercises can have a positive impact on stress levels too.
And because exercise reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, it ultimately increases productivity all day long.
2. Get enough sleep
Sleep deprivation can negatively impact memory formation and how fast information is processed. Also, a lack of sleep can impact cognitive performance by a great deal.
On the other hand, research has shown that a good night’s sleep makes people feel less stressed in the morning and improves alertness and productivity throughout the day.
If you feel like your brain power isn’t being harnessed at peak performance when crunching those numbers, it might be time to get enough shut-eye every night.
3. Eat right and eat healthily
Generally speaking, eating healthy food makes you feel better physically and mentally and improves your overall health. This also means you’ll be able to stay active more easily and you’ll have more energy to get through the day.
But there are certain kinds of food that are known to improve brain power.
For example, not only are fish rich in proteins, they provide omega-3 fatty acids. These are healthy fats that give the brain a boost. Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E. Some studies have found this to reduce cognitive decline as you age.
Additionally, not only should you eat well and healthily, you should eat right.
For instance, it’s never a good idea to skip meals, especially breakfast which helps kick start your body each morning. Plus, you won’t crave junk food as much if you eat good breakfasts.
4. Take regular rest breaks
It’s important that you take regular rest breaks throughout the day rather than ploughing on at your desk.
Without this, a decline in employee productivity, mental well-being, and overall work performance may set in. These breaks are advantageous in helping employees de-stress and recharge for the rest of the workday.
Your rest breaks could involve simply relaxing, getting up from the desk to walk around for a few minutes to give your mind a break from concentrating on an activity or even stepping out for physical activity during your long break.
5. Master your peak periods (and do the hardest tasks then)
Almost everyone has their peak period of performance. For example, if you find yourself every day working at your peak in the morning hours without feeling bored or tired, then that’s your peak period.
It makes sense to tackle bigger tasks when you’re at your peak level of performance, rather than waiting for those times when you aren’t.
If you deliberately work for a couple of hours during your peak time, you can maintain your high productivity levels throughout the day.
The caveat is this: because we all have different daily rhythms, find out which three or four daily periods are your natural peak times and schedule the most important tasks at these times – it may be first thing in the morning, mid-morning or later in the afternoon.
Conclusion
To conclude, making small changes to your daily routine can be a great way to improve your brain power for surmounting those tough accounting numbers. Just as important is understanding when your brain performs best so you can schedule meetings and tasks accordingly.
Bonus tip: Use Machines!
A powerful accounting tool such as SunSystems is created to make your life and work easier. The power behind the initiative is in the ability to automate and streamline most of your accounting tasks, thereby freeing your brain to concentrate on more important things.
As a result, you can say goodbye to most of your accounting woes and get that brain power back to focus on the more important things.
To find out how our SunSystems solutions can help you, call us today.