Finding Your Balance: Financial Aid Professionals Share Their Self-Care Strategies
By Tim Maggio, Community Manager
Walking. Running. Caffeine. Getting away from the desk. Fresh air. These are just a few of the ways NASFAA community members try to combat work stress.
In our online Slack community, it's not uncommon to see memes about feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. The challenges our community has faced this past year have been significant.
While it's important to acknowledge our feelings, it's equally important to recognize the signs of burnout, practice self-care, and find ways to protect your mental health.
According to a Healthline article, "5 Signs You’re Headed Toward Burnout — And How to Stop It," burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. The five signs Healthline identified are:
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Exhaustion
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Feelings of dread or lack of motivation
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Difficulty sleeping
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Inconsistent appetite
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Cynicism and irritability (feeling negative or resentful)
If you relate to these symptoms, it's important to know you're not alone. The American Psychological Association's annual Work and Well-being survey shows that a majority of working adults experience similar levels of stress and its associated negative impacts.
Unfortunately, the financial aid profession is not immune to this. A report released earlier this year by the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) and NASFAA found that more than half of financial aid professionals may be seeking new employment this year.
However, there are strategies we can incorporate into our lives to combat burnout. The experts at Healthline suggest limiting screen time, practicing self-care, taking breaks, seeking mental health support, and being open to change.
With that in mind, we asked our community how they incorporate self-care and recharge.
Boundaries and Caffeine
Rebeccah Dominguez, financial aid manager at Capitol Beauty School, said, "I set very strong boundaries when it comes to work, especially based on past experiences. My nights and weekends belong to myself, my husband, and our rabbit, and I prioritize that time. I'm also a very outdoorsy person and make sure to take trips throughout the year and find ways to get outside whenever possible."
Boundaries and caffeine can also be helpful tools. Nathan Lohr, FAAC® director of financial aid at Wabash College, shared that he has learned he can do anything with the right amount of caffeine, but also emphasized setting boundaries.
"I've learned the importance of intentional disengagement at night,” he said. “While it's challenging, telling myself that I'm not going to check my email or open my laptop after I'm home for the day, it’s one of the most liberating experiences I've ever had.”
Exercise and Sleep
Lee Bray, FAAC® director of financial aid at Pitt Community College, said, "I recently started running, which I'm not naturally inclined to do. My sister signed me up for a sprint triathlon, so I had to start training. Surprisingly, I've found it enjoyable. On the days I run, I can focus more at work, and my mood is significantly improved. I've started running daily and can't wait to get out the door."
Sometimes, finding effective self-care strategies requires experimentation. Jessica Sabourin, executive director at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, said sleep, unplugging from electronics, running, and taking walks around campus are helpful for her.
Sabourin acknowledged that disconnecting can be difficult but emphasized that it's possible and important to remember that work will still be there tomorrow.
Getting Away from the Desk
Zach Christian, deputy director at the South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission, said, "When the workload feels overwhelming, I try to step away from my office for a few minutes. Even a brief break to refill my water bottle can help clear my mind and allow me to regroup and refocus."
Amanda Trawick, financial aid counselor at Utah Valley University, shared that going on walks during breaks or at lunch, when time allows, has been beneficial. “It’s great to step away from everything and not have to think,” Trawick said.
Matt Falduto, FAAC® senior director of financial aid at Kirkwood Community College, said, "I make sure to walk around campus every day. Getting outside in the fresh air and away from my desk has been really important."
Check your benefits
Anastacia Dillon, FAAC® associate vice president for financial aid at Lewis and Clark College, recently learned that her health insurance allows free access to a mobile app focused on stress relief and meditation.
“When I get overwhelmed, I take 15 minutes to do one of the exercises/meditations. It really helps reset on tough days,” Dillon said.
Beck Gusler, director of financial aid compliance at Wentworth Institute of Technology, also utilizes health insurance benefits, which can include mental health advocates who are able to set you up with a therapist. The advocates will call doctor offices to ensure insurance will be accepted, and they will set up your first appointment.
“I struggle with asking for help and tend to brute force my way through things by working harder. Working with a therapist on coping skills for work/stress and my job transition has really helped me out,” Gusler said.
Personal Projects
Kara Cain, FAAC® assistant director for student eligibility and verification at the University of the Cumberlands, shared her favorite outlets to cope with stress. "When stress levels are high, I escape into my fantasy world and focus on writing personal projects,” she said. “Humor is also a helpful coping mechanism for me."
Julie Scott, business technology and data analyst at Wichita State University, and others in our community reminded us that self-care can also involve our community, colleagues, and friends. "One of my mood-boosters is taking a few minutes to send an encouraging note to a student or colleague," Julie shared.
While our community members offered a variety of self-care strategies, one common theme emerged: slowing down and taking breaks whenever possible.
Publication Date: 9/4/2024
Gabriela G | 9/4/2024 1:48:12 PM
Great article! Taking time to care for yourself is essential. We often give so much to others that we forget to prioritize our own well-being.
Tanya J | 9/4/2024 11:20:25 AM
Nice article, and really good suggestions. Walking always helps me, and boundaries for certain!
Michelle C | 9/4/2024 10:8:57 AM
Appreciate the focus on healthy options and I'll leave it at that (wink!)
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