Practices, such as meditation and mindful breathing, help individuals regulate their attention and emotions. This regulation leads to a balanced mental state, allowing for greater cognitive flexibility and creative problem-solving. Cognitive psychology suggests that a calm and focused mind is better equipped to generate innovative ideas. Chronic stress impedes creative thinking by limiting cognitive resources. Mindfulness reduces stress by promoting relaxation and fostering a positive mental state has shown that lower stress levels correlate with higher creative output, as individuals are more open to exploring new ideas and taking risks. Enhancing interpersonal relationships Mindfulness enhances empathy and communication skills, which are crucial for effective teamwork. A theory that puts this into practice and provided evidence-based research is the social exchange theory, positive interactions between colleagues builds trust and cooperation, creating an environment where creative ideas can flourish. By fostering better relationships, mindfulness contributes to a supportive and collaborative workplace culture. A mindful workplace culture encourages openness and reduces fear of judgment, which are essential for creativity. Organisational behaviour theories highlight the importance of a positive organisational culture in promoting innovation. When employees feel safe to express their ideas without fear of criticism, they are more likely to think outside the box and contribute creative solutions. Inclusivity and diversity Mindfulness practices can also promote inclusivity and respect for diversity, further enhancing creativity. By encouraging non-judgmental awareness and acceptance, mindfulness helps create a culture where diverse perspectives are valued. This inclusivity leads to a richer pool of ideas and innovative solutions. Mindfulness training programs Many organisations have successfully implemented mindfulness training programs to enhance employee wellbeing and creativity. These programs typically include guided meditation sessions, mindfulness workshops, and ongoing practice support. Case studies from various industries demonstrate the positive impact of such programs on both individual and organisational performance. Beyond training programs, integrating mindfulness into the organisational culture is crucial. This can be achieved through leadership commitment, regular mindfulness practices, and creating spaces for reflection and meditation. By embedding mindfulness into the company’s values and practices, organisations organisations can sustain a culture that supports creativity. Measurement and evaluation To assess the effectiveness of mindfulness initiatives, organisations can employ both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Surveys, interviews, and creativity assessments can provide valuable insights into how mindfulness practices influence employee creativity. Social sciences methodologies, such as thematic analysis and statistical modelling, are useful tools for evaluating these outcomes. New areas of study The intersection of mindfulness and workplace creativity presents numerous opportunities for further research. Future studies could explore the long-term effects of mindfulness on creativity, the role of individual differences, and the impact of organisational context. Interdisciplinary research, combining insights from psychology, sociology, and organisational behaviour, can provide a comprehensive understanding of these phenomena. Practical benefits Understanding the social sciences perspective on mindfulness and creativity offers practical benefits for businesses and employees. Organisations can leverage this knowledge to design effective wellbeing programs and foster a mindful and creative workplace that not only enhance employee satisfaction but also drive innovation.  This article was written by the Institute's DCU Intern, Jennifer Lukikeba, on behalf of Thrive.  In partnership with DCU's Access to the Workplace programme, the Institute hosted Jennifer as part of its professional summer internship placements.  For more advice or information, contact the team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie  or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294.   

When we think of wellbeing, we usually think physically and mentally but there is another important aspect to add to the mix, financial wellbeing. Financial wellbeing is a term used to describe our ability to confidently manage our money, how prepared we are for the unexpected, and how we can save and plan for the future. It is an aspect of wellbeing that is often overlooked, but financial wellness can dramatically impact our quality of life. Financial difficulties can impact anyone including accountants. Here we look at financial wellbeing, its impacts on our mental health, and how we can improve our financial wellbeing. Financial Wellbeing and Mental Health With the current economic factors at play, financial worries are a main concern for the vast majority of the population and financial worries can have a major impact on our mental health. While it is true money can’t buy happiness, multiple studies around the world show that finances are one of the most common causes of stress and anxiety, which can impact our health, work, relationships, and many other aspects of our life. According to research conducted by PWC in 2023, almost half of Irish consumers are concerned about their personal financial situation. A national survey carried out by Aware found that financial worries were the number one cause of concern with 57% stating it was impacting their mental health. Laya healthcare’s workplace wellbeing index found that of the one in four people who reported poor mental health, two-thirds cited financial concerns as the cause, more than any other problem. These few figures highlight just how prevalent financial concerns are and how much of a toll they can take on our mental health. Feeling anxious, experiencing low mood, or losing sleep if you are struggling to control your finances is a totally normal response but in the long term can have a devastating impact on our lives, even fuelling and escalating our financial trouble.    How to invest in your financial wellbeing If you want to ease money worries or simply want to feel more in control of your finances, there are thankfully many simple and easy ways to do just that. Spending sprees The first step is to look at your current spending habits and identify just where your money is going. By reviewing your bank and credit card statements, you can tally your outgoings and expenses. Categorise the type of spend into different groups, this can help you identify areas where you may be overspending and where you can make changes. We can all overspend sometimes or have weeks that are more expensive, but when it becomes a habit, it can be hard to break.  By tracking your expenses, you can get a better overall picture of your spending habits and triggers. Money aspirations Write down your financial goals and consider what you want to achieve in the short and long term, this could be clearing off a credit card, buying a house or building a rainy-day fund. Having financial goals give you a clear objective to work towards and can help keep you motivated to save and stay on track. Budget   Creating a monthly budget is a surefire way of getting control of your finances. Figure out the amount that goes on your essentials expenses and then budget for the week and month ahead. For help with this, there is a wealth of free online budgeting tools and templates at your disposal. In debt to you Once your budget is going to plan, if you have accrued any debt now is the time to begin clearing it. Sort your debt from the highest interest rate to the lowest interest rate and use any extra cash to begin clearing off these debts, starting with the higher interest rate and continue moving your way down the rates.   Saving grace It can feel like any money you earn is eaten up by expenses and there is simply no money left for saving. Even when money is tight, it is important to begin setting money aside for the future. If you don’t already, set up a savings account and transfer any remaining money over at the end of the month. Even if it is just small change. Or another approach, termed ‘paying yourself first’ is set up an automatic transfer of money into your savings account as soon as you get paid.   Seek advice If financial troubles persist despite your best efforts, you may consider seeking external financial advice. A financial advisor can view all aspects of your financial wellbeing with you and identify areas and aspects where you can make changes. Supports available to you A common preconceive notion is that financial professionals should be in good financial health due to their professional background. However, like anyone in society, accountants from all walks of life can struggle with poor financial wellbeing for a multitude of reasons. From the work of CA Support, we see the causes and impact financial difficulties have on chartered accountants. Perhaps a period of illness, unemployment or upheaval has created a financial burden and we know financial problems can often deteriorate quickly. If you are struggling with financial difficulties, CA Support provides emergency assistance to Institute members, students and families experiencing turmoil. Or if you are in a healthier position, you may consider donating to CA Support to help support members and families in our community who are less fortunate. Improving your financial wellbeing can take time and effort but by building small and healthy habits, you can alleviate money-related stress and anxiety. However, if you are struggling with any emotional toll, the Thrive wellbeing team is also here to help.

Here, Dee France, Member & Student Support and Well-being Lead at Chartered Accountants Ireland, explores what diversity and inclusion means in the workplace, the important role it plays for employee well-being, and why employers should foster a culture of belonging and inclusion. Diversity and inclusion (D&I) has become a driving force in the changing organisational landscape. Companies and business leaders are placing greater emphasis on their approach to D&I and are embracing policies and strategies to create a more diverse, fairer, and resilient workforce.  Employee well-being and D&I are closely connected. In fact, employee well-being awareness can be seen as an intrinsic element of a company’s effective D&I strategies and policies.  An essential and significant feature of good overall well-being is our feeling of purpose and belonging. Programmes and initiatives that promote inclusion, diversity, and belonging can support and cultivate positive employee well-being. In its entirety, D&I in the workplace can have an impact on our overall happiness at work.  Emotional tax Employees from diverse backgrounds who experience a non-inclusive workforce can face an additional burden of an ‘emotional tax’ – the experience of being treated differently from peers due to race/ethnicity or gender, triggering adverse effects on health and feelings of isolation and making it difficult to thrive at work. This emotional tax can have an extremely negative impact on employees’ mental health and wellbeing. Feeling undervalued, overlooked, or excluded due to your identity can heighten a person’s vigilance to protect themselves from acts of bias or prejudice. Thrive, Chartered Accountants Ireland’s dedicated well-being hub, continues to receive regular calls from our members and students who seek support from the damaging impact a non-inclusive workplace can have on their wellbeing.   Managing diversity and inclusion  Implementing effective and successful D&I strategies and policies can take time, but a coherent and structured approach to these ensure that work practices and values support an inclusive culture that embraces different people, views, and perspectives. Producing a D&I policy allows a company to go above and beyond legal obligations and set a standard of expectation for the organisation and for its employees.  There are several ways companies can begin to incorporate inclusivity into the workplace.  Leadership and employee training  Providing training for leadership, management and employees increases awareness, aids the understanding and engagement in the company’s values and policies, helps embed these initiatives into the culture of the workplace, and allows for the development of empathy for others.  Employee network groups  Building an employee network group is an effective way to allow people to connect with others from different groups, and raise a sense of belonging, affinity, and kinship.  For example, the Institute has several different committee groups such as Balance, our LGBTQ+ committee, Student Committee, and D&I committee.  Open communication and feedback  Developing open and clear communication channels that are easily accessible to employees breeds better dialogue. It ensures employees and managers alike feel safe in airing grievances, giving feedback, and the feeling of being heard and valued.  Employee surveys on D&I initiatives allow companies to take onboard employees’ experiences and action feedback. It permits companies to assess if policies and strategies are working and evaluate and benchmark their efforts from year-to-year.  The Thrive Wellbeing Hub provides counselling, wellness coaching, practical advice and more to all members of the Institute. You can contact the Thrive wellbeing team by visiting our website, via email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie, or by phone: +(353) 86 0243294. 

Aoife Hughes outlines what life-work balance is and the steps you can take to break unhealthy habits and achieve equilibrium Life-work balance often feels unattainable as we have a lot of time competitors, all champing at the bit to claim time and energy from us. Life-work balance can be defined as a series of habit changes, powered by a permission mindset, vision, strategies and systems. The metric of success is time to invest into your self-care. Here, I outline some key steps you can take to achieve the ultimate life-work balance. Permission to embrace self-care First, build a permission mindset to invest time into your self-care. This is a term that often incurs frustration as we feel we ‘don’t have time’ to invest into self-care. Self-care can be seen across three lenses: physical, emotional and social health. They can be interlinked. Self-care is a strategy to manage emotional stress to ‘find calm in the chaos’. We all experience chaos in life. ‘Big’ chaos can involve life-changing events such as moving house, having children or falling ill. ‘Small’ chaos is the day-to-day stress from getting to work on time, deadlines and cooking dinner. Building boundaries and prioritisation are critical components to managing self-care and stress. To deal with the chaos, and care for yourself, identify when you are stressed by noticing when your heart starts racing and you can’t concentrate. Manage this by inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for seven seconds and exhaling for eight seconds. Future vision Design your ideal life-work balance by visualising what you want. Then, define your core values. These values are the deeply-held beliefs that guide your behaviours and decisions. Building awareness about limiting beliefs that impact your thoughts, emotions and habits is key to implementing change. Creating your goals involves change – something that is not easy as we are not conditioned for change. We are wired to stay within our comfort zone as we don’t have any emotional connection with something that we have not yet experienced. To achieve your goals to reach your vision, you need to break old habits and start building new ones. You can do this by identifying one goal to help you reach your vision. Change one limiting belief to build or break a habit to reach your goal. And if you need extra help, the How to Run Your Home Like a Business Framework supports habit changes with strategies and systems to manage the physical and mental load that comes with home and family life to make room for self-care. Building strategies Building a strategy to manage your home and family life involves identifying your ‘partner in the business’. This can be your roommate, family member or life partner. Create a plan for the work associated with the home and family. Look at the projects and tasks that need to be completed on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis – just like how you would approach project management in the workplace. Next, look at your internal team, which could be your immediate family, and identify who your ‘village’ are. Leadership and asking for help are key to achieving success with implementing your strategies. Finally, identify what projects you would like to complete in your home. Manage when you would like to have these projects completed by creating a prioritisation plan. Systems management Now that you have your strategies and team in place, building systems and delegation are the final components. Identify what your key pain points are in terms of managing the physical and mental load that comes with home and family life. Give yourself permission to set a budget and invest in solving problems by expanding your team with external suppliers. For example, hiring a cleaner to manage weekly tasks will lighten the physical and mental load that comes with the home. The key cyclical tasks related to the home are cooking, laundry and dishes. They come with a heavy workload as they need to be managed regularly. Delegate ownership around these tasks by playing to the strengths of each partner. Delegation can be challenging. Working with the ‘progress over perfection’ mantra and accepting that tasks may be approached in a different manner, can help to overcome some of the challenges. Leverage planning tools and applications to streamline the systems you create to save time. Identify who owns a task that needs to be managed weekly, then create a system and schedule this task with an online calendar or app. Begin at the start Life-work balance is a fitness – you decide how far you want to take it. The hardest part is starting. Once you build your permission mindset and vision, however, you’ll soon find that the rest will fall into place. Aoife Hughes is the founder of FRAZZLE

Small businesses can sometimes feel left out of the conversation on neurodiversity, believing such initiatives are reserved solely for large businesses. Mark Scully explains why it is so important for small businesses to embrace neurodiversity and how  Neurodiversity is the idea that all people experience and interact with the world around them in many ways. There is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving. Under the neurodiversity lens, differences arising from neurodivergences, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism or ADHD, are not viewed as deficits. Instead, these differences can give rise to certain strengths as well as unique perspectives. The importance of neurodiversity in the workplace has gained significant attention internationally and Irish workplaces are finally beginning to embrace this, such as Bank of Ireland’s roll out of its Neuroinclusion Policy. The commentary around neurodiversity initiatives can make it seem that they are the preserve of large organisations, however, leaving smaller businesses feeling that they don’t have the scale, resources or time to deal with such matters. Neurodiversity initiatives in small businesses Based on the most recent available CSO (2021) statistics, 69 percent of people are employed by SMEs. Importantly, almost 50 percent of all employees in Ireland are employed in businesses which employ less than 50 people, being small enterprises (22%) or micro enterprises (28%). So, it is paramount to emphasise the important role small businesses can play in embracing neurodiversity, as well as to challenge misconceptions and barriers that may stand in the way. “We will cross that bridge when we come to it” Some businesses may see neurodiversity as something to be dealt with in the future when they are forced to react to it, e.g. when a new employee is neurodivergent. However, businesses may be surprised by the likelihood that they may already have neurodivergent employees. Research published in the British Medical Bulletin in 2020 estimates between 15 percent and 20 percent of the population is neurodivergent, with the current view being that it is the higher end of this range. Taking this 20 percent rate, and by using the most recent European Disability Forum’s employment rate for disabled people in Ireland of 32.6 percent as a proxy (which likely understates the employment rate for all neurodivergent people, excluding autistic adults who face significant barriers to employment), we can estimate the probability of at least one neurodivergent person working in a business of a particular size. Based on those assumptions, we can arrive at conservative probability figures: In a business employing more than 10 people, there is a more than 50 percent chance that at least one person in that business is neurodivergent. In a smaller business with five people, this probability is 25 percent. In a larger business with 35 people, this probability increases to 90 percent. While rough, this calculation is intended to illustrate a key point: the probability that you already have a neurodivergent employee is much higher than you think. If your business is larger than a micro enterprise, there is no point waiting to cross the bridge – you likely already crossed it without even realising it. “We don’t have a budget for this.” If financial cost is significant constraint, there are numerous free or low/subsidised cost resources available to help: There are excellent not-for-profits/charities in Ireland that provide support, advice and resources on supporting adults with more common neurodivergences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia (DCD). Some organisations that were previously solely autism-focused have now broadened their remit to wider neurodiversity, such as Specialisterne Ireland. There are government-backed information and support programmes such as Employers for Change to assist employers in recruiting and retaining disabled employees. Specialisterne Ireland has recently collaborated with international organisations across the EU to roll out neurodiversity resources aimed at SMEs which are freely available to use. The Department of Social Protection will shortly roll out a revised scheme to replace the existing Reasonable Accommodation Fund and Disability Awareness Support Schemes. This revised scheme should hopefully make funding more easily available to subsidise costs of disability (including neurodiversity) awareness trainings for employers. Often, the most beneficial workplace adjustments for neurodivergent employees do not involve financial outlay. Instead, an understanding and willingness on the part of the employer to adopt a different way of working or communication to best suit that person’s cognitive style or sensory needs can be incredibly helpful. Any such adjustment depends entirely on what works for that individual and their needs but can include: flexible working arrangements; asynchronous communication to allow time to process information; being permitted to use noise cancelling headphones; taking movement breaks; being provided more prescriptive instructions to facilitate task breakdown; chunking work to minimise transitions, etc. But even where financial cost is involved for reasonable accommodations e.g. text-to-speech software, there are government supports available. “We don’t have the time for this.” Every business should embed diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including neurodiversity, as part of its long-term strategy. This can involve reviewing the recruitment process, reviewing the physical environment for accessibility and updating policies and procedures. Smaller businesses can feel that a such an undertaking is beyond their capacity, however, and therefore avoid taking any steps at all. Inclusion is a continuing journey – there is no finish line. The key is to take one step and then another. Here are some small practical steps you can take today: Let your people know that neurodiversity is something you want the business to embrace. Invite them to provide feedback and help. Often, you will be surprised to find that people are more than willing to help, particularly where they or a family member is neurodivergent. Make your people aware. Online neurodiversity awareness trainings suitable for all employees generally range from 60 to 90 minutes in length. Train your leaders and managers. Typically, more in-depth neuro-inclusion training aimed at leadership and human resources range from two to three hours. It is important that neurodivergent employees have some way of making their voice heard, especially if they do not feel comfortable yet to share their neurodivergence. An anonymous survey to request feedback on neurodiversity in your workplace can be generated and circulated (via a third-party intermediary, if necessary, to ensure confidentiality and anonymity of feedback). Conclusion Neurodiversity is not just the domain of large businesses and multinationals – small businesses must readily embark on the neuro-inclusion journey if we are going to foster an inclusive workplace for all employees in Ireland. Mark Scully ACA is the founder of Braver Coaching and Consulting, an executive coaching and neurodiversity consultancy.

In the pursuit of academic excellence, students often overlook the power of breaks. Discover why strategic pauses are crucial for learning retention, focus, and overall well-being during intense study sessions. Students often believe that the key to academic or exam success lies in pushing themselves to the limits to study for hours on end without taking a moment to rest. However, when students deprive themselves of breaks, they are less productive, retain less information and in turn risk burning out. Taking breaks while studying is not only beneficial but essential for deep learning and performance. Breaks are important for maintaining our cognitive capability and our overall mental health and well-being. In addition, breaks fuel our productivity. Cal Newport in his book Deep Work describes deep work as “activities performed in a state of distraction free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limits”. When a student engages in deep work, or productive deep study, they need to also take productive deep breaks. The benefits of breaks Taking breaks while studying are important for the following reasons: Enhances focus and concentration Our brains cannot maintain focus and concentration for extended periods. Taking short breaks during study sessions allows our brains to recharge, making it easier to maintain focus, concentrate and absorb information effectively. Much like our phones, our brains also need to be re-charged. Improves learning retention Taking breaks between study sessions can improve our ability to retain information. Breaks give your brain the opportunity to process and consolidate new information, making it easier to recall later. For this reason, I always recommend taking a walk where possible after a study session. This will help you retain the information you just studied and learned. Maintains overall health and well-being Extended periods of intense studying can lead to burnout, fatigue and increased stress levels, ultimately undermining your academic or exam performance and health. By incorporating regular breaks into your study routine, you can keep burnout at bay and reduce your stress levels. Promotes sustainable study habits Taking breaks while studying encourages sustainable study habits that can be maintained over an extended period. By taking regular deep productive breaks, you can pace yourself more effectively and avoid the cycle of procrastination followed by cramming which inevitably leads to stress and overwhelm. What does a productive deep break look like? There is no specific rule of thumb when the optimal time is for a student to take a break while studying. We are all individual and we all have our own specific needs. If you are engaging in productive study, then you could take a 10-minute break after 50 minutes study or a five-minute break after 25 minutes study. When taking a break, you should not turn your attention to email, social media or distracting websites. The purpose of the productive deep break is to recharge your brain. By scrolling on your phone, you are not giving your brain the rest and recovery it needs and deserves. In fact, you are stimulating it, which is not what we want from a productive deep break. Try not to turn your attention to a complicated or stressful task. A short walk is a fantastic way to clear your head. It will help consolidate what you have just learned. If going for a walk is not available to you, getting out in the fresh air for 10 minutes is another great way for your brain to rest and recover. Sometimes a productive deep break can be as simple as sitting in silence with a cup of tea or coffee. Alternatively, you can listen to music or a podcast. Another example of a productive deep break is to do a five-minute meditation or five minutes of breathwork. As you are likely to have been sitting at a desk for a period of time, five minutes of stretching, yoga or physical exercise is great to boost your energy levels. Taking breaks should form part of your study routine. By prioritising rest and relaxation, you can cultivate healthier study habits, enhance your learning and ultimately achieve greater academic and exam success. Productive deep breaks ensure that you return to your study motivated with renewed concentration and a refreshed mind, ready to tackle complex problems and absorb information more efficiently. So, when you find yourself buried in books or glued to your computer screen, remember to allow yourself the time to rest, recharge and rejuvenate. Breaks fuel productivity. Edel Walsh is a student and exam coach. She supports her clients with their studies and exams using a holistic approach of focusing on academic success, personal development and looking after their well-being. For more information, check out www.edelwalsh.ie.

Swapping self-criticism for self-compassion can help us to become more resilient, overcome difficult situations and boost our mental health. Dee France, Thrive’s Wellbeing Lead, explains why. “You are your own worst critic” is a popular phrase for a reason and will resonate with many of us. Our inner critic can be very harsh, and while we shouldn’t outright ignore it, we also shouldn’t give it more attention than it deserves. In fact, it could be argued that a healthy dose of self-doubt and criticism is necessary as it allows us to monitor our behaviour and check ourselves. However, overwhelming negative self-talk and being too critical of oneself can be damaging and detrimental to how we live our daily lives, not to mention the devastating impact it can have on our mental health. This is where a level of self-compassion is needed. Humans are collectively compassionate beings, showing a great deal of understanding and kindness to others, but we aren’t always great at being kind to ourselves. Where self-criticism asks, “am I good enough?” self-compassion asks, “what’s good for me?” Instead of dwelling on mistakes, past failures and judging and criticising yourself for various imperfections or shortcomings, self-compassion means you are understanding and supportive of yourself. How do we develop self-compassion? Like any skill, developing a sense of self-compassion requires time, practice and patience. As a leading researcher in self-compassion, Doctor Kristin Neff theorises that there are three core fundamentals to self-compassion. Mindful awareness This involves being aware of your thoughts and emotions and taking a balanced and mindful approach to both, neither suppressing nor exaggerating, but simply acknowledging your feelings without judgment. Self-kindness This involves caring for yourself the way you would a friend or family member going through a difficult time. When we are faced with challenging situations or have feelings of inadequacy, rather than beating ourselves up, we are instead supportive and encouraging of ourselves. Self-kindness gives us the security and perspective to put ourselves in a better frame of mind to cope with any challenges we may experience. Common humanity Self-compassion is rooted in common humanity. When we make a mistake, it is common to think we are the only person in the world who is flawed. Common humanity is recognising that everyone is flawed, vulnerable and imperfect. It is important to acknowledge that we all make mistakes and have our own insecurities. Nobody is perfect and this is something that connects, rather than separates, us. Self-compassion and wellbeing Self-compassion can be thought of as being self-indulgent or feeling sorry for ourselves, but developing the ability to cope and manage our difficulties is good for our emotional wellbeing. Research studies show that those who are more self-compassionate benefit from better mental and physical health. Further, people with higher levels of self-compassion tend to be more resilient, have a less physical response to stressors and spend less time dwelling on situations after they have happened. Self-compassion involves recognising strengths and achievements, which, in turn, boosts our self-confidence and self-belief. A study by the Universities of Exeter and Oxford found that self-compassion can immediately calm your heart rate and lessen stress responses. Study participants also demonstrated a general state of relaxation and security and reported a stronger sense of connection to other people. Exercising self-compassion makes you more likely to: engage in healthy behaviours such as exercise, eating better and better sleeping patterns; be less fearful of making mistakes, rejection or change; display higher levels of emotional intelligence, happiness and optimism; handle and cope with adversity and difficulties better; and demonstrate healthier boundaries in both your professional and personal life. Practising self-compassion There is a vast array of ways we can cultivate self-compassion. To get started, there are plenty of helpful resources, tools, exercises and templates available online. Below are a few ways you can start showing yourself a little more kindness and understanding: Practice mindfulness and self-reflection: learn to observe and evaluate your thoughts; activities such as journalling and meditation can aid this. This encourages you to be curious and self-aware, understanding that your thoughts and assumptions are just that – they are not facts. Reward and celebrate: celebrate your successes and achievements. Practice gratitude and celebrate moments of positivity and kindness. Keep a list of personal strengths to review in moments of self-doubt. Take a break: time away from your day-to-day routine and a change of scenery can help you keep things in perspective. Strengthen your connections: kindness is contagious! Showing love and understanding to the people around you means you are more likely to show yourself the same compassion. Do things you enjoy: spending time on our passions, hobbies and interests is good for the soul and brings a sense of satisfaction and achievement. Thrive is the Institute’s dedicated wellbeing hub that offers confidential wellbeing support to students and members. For more advice or information, check out Thrive’s Wellbeing Hub. Alternatively, you can contact the team by email at thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or phone at (+353) 86 024 3294.

Antje Derks, Marketing Executive, Chartered Accountants Worldwide, explores strategies for success and self-advocacy. As Chartered Accountancy students, the journey to success is often marked by rigorous exams and academic challenges. For students with a neurodiversity such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism, navigating these exams can present unique obstacles. However, with the right strategies and self-advocacy skills, students can overcome these challenges and excel in their studies. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neurological differences that contribute to unique ways of thinking, learning and processing information. It is important for students to recognise and embrace their neurodiversity – or seek medical advice if they are undiagnosed but suspect they are neurodivergent – as a valuable aspect of their identity, rather than a limitation. By understanding their individual strengths and challenges, students can develop tailored strategies for exam preparation. Here are some practical tips to prepare you for your exams and advocating for yourself with lecturers and beyond. Exam preparation No one has the same learning style so it is important for students to determine how they learn best. It will make exam preparation and work much more navigable. It’s important to create a structured study plan. The best way is to break down study materials into manageable chunks and create a realistic study schedule. Allocate specific time slots for each topic, allowing for regular breaks to prevent overwhelm. Finding a body double can work wonders. That’s not someone who will pretend to be you and sit your exams! Rather, it is someone you check in with by sending them a message after an agreed amount of time to give them a rundown of what you have achieved. It keeps you accountable and helps those of us who need a deadline to succeed. Another effective way of studying is to utilise multisensory learning techniques by incorporating visual aids, auditory resources (podcasts or lecture recordings), and tactile learning tools into study sessions. Experiment with different study methods, such as mind mapping, flashcards, or mnemonic devices, to enhance retention and comprehension. You can also try active recall. Instead of passively reviewing notes, actively test your knowledge by practicing past exam questions or teaching concepts to a study partner. This active engagement promotes deeper understanding and memory recall. Coping with nerves Anxiety is an unpleasant comorbidity with neurodiversity and can be exacerbated when you’re faced with the additional stress exams can put you under. Like learning styles, you need to find your own way of managing it. Personally, I like to go and climb mountains, but that’s not usually possible or practical without some forward planning! A walk round the block or sitting in your local park are excellent alternatives, however. Also, focus on your breathing – some students find visualisation techniques, a warm bath or shower or exercise help to cultivate a positive mindset and boost confidence. However, if you find you’ve tried everything and are still struggling, do make an appointment with the GP – they can help signpost you to more comprehensive support. Self-advocacy In order to enjoy your studies, it is important to learn how to advocate for yourself. It need not be as daunting as it sounds. You need to familiarise yourself with the accommodations and support services available to neurodiverse students from the Institute. Understand your rights under disability legislation and advocate for reasonable adjustments, such as extended exam time or alternative formats for assessments. The most effective way to do this is to schedule a meeting with your lecturers or academic support staff to discuss your specific needs and accommodations. Clearly articulate how your neurodivergence may impact your learning and exam performance and propose practical solutions or adjustments that would facilitate your success. If required, provide relevant documentation, such as a diagnostic assessment or a medical report, to support your request. Highlight specific recommendations from professionals regarding necessary adjustments or support measures. Maintain open communication with your lecturers throughout the semester to address any concerns or challenges that may arise. Advocate for yourself by proactively seeking clarification on course materials, asking for additional support if needed, and updating lecturers on any changes to your circumstances. You’re not alone Navigating exams as a neurodivergent student may present unique challenges, but with the right strategies and self-advocacy skills, you can overcome obstacles and achieve academic success. By embracing their neurodiversity, developing tailored study techniques, and advocating for themselves with lecturers, students can empower themselves to excel in their studies and pursue their professional aspirations with confidence. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Seek support from peers, mentors and academic advisors, and remember to prioritise selfcare and well-being throughout the exam season. With perseverance, determination and a proactive approach, you can conquer your exams and realise your full potential as a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Knuckling down to study can be especially challenging in the warmer months, making a balanced approach to work, rest and play even more crucial, writes Becky Maye Studying during the summer is never easy. Trying to maintain work, study and enjoying some summer fun is a balancing act and one that can be challenging for many students to maintain as exams approach. There is an art to making sure that, when you’re being pulled in so many directions, you can still prioritise what is most important in the moment. Sometimes, trying to strike a balance between work, study and fun can feel overwhelming. Taking a step back and looking at how we approach work-life balance as students can help us to excel while also taking good care of ourselves. Taking control of your time We may need to be ruthless with our schedules and how we choose what to make time for. This can be difficult. My advice is to plan out your weekly schedules in advanced – a huge help! Taking a few minutes to plan your week in detail can allow for so much more time to be saved during the week. This time can then be used to do what matters most, be it study, work, time with family and friends or socialising and engaging with extracurricular activities. It is so important to maintain some level of engagement with activities outside study and work, so that you can avoid becoming too overwhelmed or burnt out during the chaos of exam preparation. Any study leave you can use in the lead-up to exams can also help lessen the burden – but it’s important to still prioritise how you schedule your time. It’s so easy to cancel plans or feel guilty whenever you do things for yourself outside study. We have all fallen into this trap and experienced the dilemma. Switching off While it may be necessary to take a step back from socialising, taking some time away from studying also must be a priority for students. Everyone needs time to switch off and recharge. You are entitled to have some fun and take a breather from the relentless study routine. During the summer, the days are longer and brighter and (sometimes!) the weather is a lot nicer. This means there are many more options for taking a break from study to have some fun. Don’t neglect getting in touch with your friends and making the most of the extra opportunities for getting outside and socialising the summer can bring. And it’s also important to remember that what’s “fun” for one person might not be viewed in the same way by another. Check in with your peers and make sure that when you are all taking time away from study together, it’s fun for everyone! Your support network Your support network will play a big part in helping you to maintain a healthy balance in the run-up to summer exams. Lean on your family and friends and let them help you, be it in the form of pushing you to study or pulling you away from study when a break is needed and deserved. It’s important to note that all this advice might not be easy to implement, so start small and focus on the little things you can change to help achieve a healthy balance between study, work and rest and relaxation. These small changes add up over time and can have a very positive impact as they become part of your routine. No one can change overnight. By building your way up and introducing good habits slowly, you will be well-placed to figure out what works best for you. There is also support available to you to help in doing this, some of which you may not know exists! For example, through the Education department or the Thrive Wellbeing Hub there are a multitude of student supports available. The CASSI committee members are also always on hand to help in any way possible if you would rather reach out to a fellow student first. Taking care of yourself and finding your balance between work, study and fun is so important and shouldn’t be neglected through the summer run-up to exams. Becky Maye is a Tax Associate with PwC and Public Relations Officer with the Chartered Accountants Student Society of Ireland.

Organisational practices and culture often drive workplace conflicts. Ian Brinkley examines the impact of conflict and how it can be resolved and prevented in the future The modern workplace is often a place of harmonious or at least tolerable relationships, but sometimes things go wrong. Ranging from one-off tiffs to more serious and systematic incidents, conflict can occur even in the best run workplace. In early 2024, the Chartered Institute for Personnel Development (CIPD) conducted a large-scale workplace survey in the UK focused on the incidence, impact and resolution of conflict. What is conflict? According to the survey, conflict included feeling humiliated or undermined at work, being shouted at or in a heated argument, verbal abuse, unfair allegations, sexual and physical harassment, intimidation and assault and discrimination for a protected characteristic such as race, gender, disability or age. (The survey question did not mention religion.) About 25 percent of the UK workforce reported at least one form of conflict in the preceding 12 months. The most common conflicts involved being humiliated or undermined at work, being shouted at, followed by verbal abuse and discrimination linked to a protected characteristic. The most serious incidents, such as sexual and physical assault were thankfully rare. Most attention focuses on formal processes such as industrial tribunals, grievances and mediation as a means to resolve disputes. However, in practice, very few reported conflicts ever make it to this stage – just one percent ended up in employment tribunals, for example. The most common reactions are informal. About half of those who reported conflict reported that they let it go. Involving managers and HR was the second most common way of resolving conflict. Unresolved conflict About two-thirds of conflicts are either fully or partially resolved. However, one-third are not resolved at all. Unresolved conflicts may not be escalated because they are not serious enough, especially “one-offs”, or because people fear the repercussions if they do. The survey does not tell us directly which is more likely, though evidence on the impact of the conflict suggests the former is more common. Most people who reported conflict also said they had good working relations with managers and colleagues. However, they were more negative when it came to specific actions – for example, whether they were always treated fairly. We think this apparent contradiction is down to people making a distinction between working relations in general and specific incidents. Conflict also had relatively little impact on voluntary effort. Those who reported conflict were almost as likely to say they were willing to work harder than they needed to in order to help their organisation and just as likely to say they would help colleagues under pressure or make innovative suggestions. However, we do find a clear negative association between conflict and a range of other indicators of the quality of work. For example, those who report conflict are much more likely to say work had adversely affected their mental health and that they experienced excessive workloads and work pressures most or all of the time. We cannot tell from the survey whether the conflict was the cause of these negative impacts or whether workplaces, where work quality was already poor, are more likely to suffer conflict. Both are likely to be true. A decrease in workplace conflict The survey asked about conflict in 2019 and since then there has been a significant decrease from 30 to 25 percent of the workforce. There are, however, two important caveats. First, the improvement was largely confined to older white males in permanent, higher-skill white-collar jobs without disabilities. There was little or no improvement for the young; those in temporary or zero-hours jobs and short-hour contracts or those with disabilities, ethnic minorities and women. Non-heterosexual workers also saw less conflict over this period, but it still remains at a high level. In 2024, the latter groups reported significantly higher levels of conflict than the former, and since 2019 that gap has widened. Second, the fall in conflict has also been greatest for those groups that saw the biggest rise in home-working. Those who work at home are less likely to report conflicts such as being shouted at or subject to verbal abuse. Reducing workplace conflict No strategy to improve the quality of work can fully succeed unless the incidence of conflict is reduced, especially among the “left behind” groups. Improving the relative bargaining power of those who are more likely to report conflict may help. Legislative change focusing on formal dispute resolution may be justified but is unlikely to make much difference to the overall incidence of workplace conflict. The biggest impact is going to be from organisational practice. Improving work quality in workplaces with below-average work quality is an obvious priority, but even well-run organisations can suffer conflict. In both cases, mitigating some of the underlying causes of conflict, such as excessive workload combined with helping line managers manage conflict better in the future, will be required if progress is to be made over the next five years. Ian Brinkley is a labour market economist

The Five Ways to Wellbeing was developed by the New Economics Foundation in 2008, where their project collated research from around the world on proven actions that can help us feel good. Wellbeing is a term that has gained popularity in recent years but in its simplest form it is a state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. In a broader sense, it’s how satisfied you are with life, your sense of purpose, and how in control you feel. The framework is used globally in various ways to build more awareness on our collective wellbeing and help people take action to improve it. Each action can make a positive impact in our lives and most of us will engage with these activities without being aware of it. To get the most from the five steps, it is important to incorporate all of them on a daily basis. Why not try the five today? Connect Social connection is extremely important for our wellbeing. We are social animals, and our need for connection can help us feel happier, increase our feelings of security and safety and gives us a greater sense of belonging and purpose. Make time to connect with others each day. Nurture and invest in your relationships with loved ones.  This could be talking to someone rather than sending an email, speaking to someone new - possibly chatting to another in your local coffee shop or supermarket or taking time out to ask a loved one how they are truly feeling. Be Active Look for ways to be active each day. This doesn’t mean spending hours in the gym though; find an activity you can enjoy and try to incorporate it into your everyday life. Physical activity is intrinsically linked with lower rates of depression and anxiety. Why not take the stairs rather than the lift, go for a walk at lunch, or explore your local park – little changes can reap huge rewards. Take Notice Simply put, be in the moment. Being aware of the now can help you feel calmer and reduce stress. Take stock of what is around you and paying attention to the present – to your own thoughts, feelings and to the world around you. Keep Learning Be curious and ever learning! Continuing to learn throughout life can help boost our self-confidence and self-esteem. As adults, we can be time poor with other day-to-day responsibilities but simple activities such as learning a new recipe, getting around to that DIY project, doing a puzzle or setting yourself a new challenge can help achieve a higher level of wellbeing. Give Giving to others makes us feel good. When we give or help others, it activates parts of the brain associated with trust, social connection and pleasure. It provides a sense of meaning, improves our life satisfaction and mood, and can even reduce stress. Giving up your time to others can also help strengthen relationships or build new ones. Try to complete a small act of kindness today. Research into actions for improving happiness has shown that committing an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing. And there you have it, the five ways to wellbeing! If you are struggling with your mental or emotional wellbeing, Thrive can help you on your journey to better emotional health. For wellbeing advice, contact the team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294.

Bad days happen. We all have them, those days when we feel a bit down or low and nothing seems to go our way. It’s normal to have a few down days every now and then but you don’t have to resign yourself to a bad day or let a bad mood dominate you. Here the Thrive wellbeing team shares some quick strategies for an instant lift in mood and help put a smile on your face.  Understand and observe your mood To manage our mood, we need to observe them and understand why we are feeling that way. If you are having a bad day, take note of your feelings – are you feeling sad, angry, frustrated?  Reflect on what happened that led you to feel like this and whether the day got worse or better. Observe where your mood is steering you and tell yourself that you can master and control your mood. Music Listening to music can have a major impact on how you are feeling. Research shows that music can influence our emotions as it can boost the production of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which evokes feelings of happiness, relaxes the mind and body, and relieves stress. There are countless mood-boosting playlists on Spotify if you are looking for inspiration. Move Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body which helps instantly boost your mood. So, get those endorphins pumping by engaging in some movement – dance, shake your body, do some jumping jacks, or get outside for a walk. Any movement will help lift your mood and calm you down. Smile It sounds cheesy but it is amazing what smiling can do. Research has indicated that the simple act of smiling activates mood-boosting hormones and can literally ‘trick’ your brain into a state of happiness and improve your positivity. It can even boost your immune system. This applies to genuine and not-so-genuine smiles, so fake it ‘til you make it!  Release the emotions Suppressing or holding onto your emotions can lead to further negative thinking, it can even lead to physical stress on the body. So, it is always best to let it out. If you feel sad, allow yourself to cry. Feeling angry, scream. Feeling overwhelmed, mediate. Whatever outlet you choose, it is important to release the emotion and let go of the negative energy. Do something new Routine is good for us but switching it up from time to time and adding something that is out of the norm for us can really brighten up a day. Studies suggest that those who engage in a variety of experiences are more likely to retain positive emotions. Try a different coffee order, add a pastry with it, take a different route home, go to the cinema or even wear something you wouldn’t normally wear. Anything that challenges our routine a little will give you a lift. Do something nice for someone else A quick good deed or small act of kindness can go a long way to helping us feel more positive. Taking the focus away from yourself and doing something nice for someone else can make your feel good and instantly boost your happiness. Good Company Having a conversation with a friend or loved one is another great way to combat a low mood. Vent if you need to, as sharing can make you feel better and take the weight out of your feelings. A fun, light-hearted conversation will help put a smile on your and take your mind away from whatever is causing a low mood. If you find a low mood is persistent and impacting your day-to-day, you may consider seeking support. The Thrive Wellbeing Hub offers confidential wellbeing support such as a one-to-one listening service, wellbeing coaching, and professional counselling.   We also host a wealth of insightful and practical wellbeing webinars that may help you in your efforts, you can visit our Help & Guides page to view. For more advice, contact the team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie  or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294.

Your mental wellbeing is about your thoughts and feelings and how you cope with the ups and downs of everyday life. It's not the same thing as mental health, although the two can influence each other. Long periods of low mental wellbeing can lead to the development of diagnosable mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. If you're living with a mental health condition, you may experience low mental wellbeing more often, but there will also be long periods where you're able to maintain good mental wellbeing. What does good mental wellbeing look like? Importantly, good mental wellbeing is NOT the absence of negative thoughts and feelings. We all face difficult and challenging situations that cause us to feel angry, sad, overwhelmed and everything in-between. Instead, it's about being able to understand and manage those feelings, so that generally you're able to: feel confident in yourself build and maintain positive relationships have a sense of purpose live and work productively cope with the normal stresses of day-to-day life manage when things change What can affect your mental wellbeing? Our mental wellbeing is often affected by big life events that we have little or no control over such as bereavement, illness, or redundancy. In these situations, it's about how we respond - our behaviours and habits - that will determine the impact on our mental wellbeing. For example, do we tend to reach out for support or withdraw? Do we assume the worst or remain open to new opportunities? It's here that our level of resilience comes into play. Resilience is your ability to cope with change and adversity. By strengthening your resilience, you're better able to maintain good mental wellbeing through all of life's ups and downs. There are also factors that influence our mental wellbeing, which we can control. 1. Our relationships Strong connections with friends, family and colleagues help to strengthen our confidence and self-esteem. 2. Our physical health Through good nutrition and regular physical activity, we can boost our energy levels, improve our confidence, and relieve stress. Small changes make a big difference.  3. Our emotional health Practicing mindfulness can help you understand and manage strong emotions so that rather than feeling overwhelmed, you're able to approach difficult situations with a sense of calm and clarity. The big picture At Thrive, our vision is for all members of the chartered accountant community to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. The key to this is empowering you to take care of your own mental wellbeing. Because when you don't feel quite yourself, other areas of your life are affected too. Our services can help you balance all aspects of your wellbeing, so you can live the life you want to.  Article reproduced with the kind permission of CABA, the organisation providing lifelong support to ICAEW members and students.

Is the thought of having to revise for your next exam or a resit getting you down?  It may be because you’re yet to get into revision mode or it could be that you’ve always struggled when it comes to revising. Whatever your situation, there are plenty of practical methods you can follow to make your revision more manageable.  One of the best places to start is with your mindset. Because if you don’t feel motivated to revise because you see it as a negative thing, it won’t encourage you to get stuck into it.  Ideally, you need to approach your revision with a positive mindset. At the end of the day, it’s something you’ve got to do and will benefit your career, so why not reframe your thinking?   Dos and don’ts for feeling more positive about revision:  do focus on the present - don’t fall into the trap of worrying about the future and that you may not pass. Turn your attention to the here and now; the fact you need to revise for your exam and you’re doing all you can to pass it.  don't be secretive about your revision - tell people you are doing it. Saying it out loud reinforces your revision commitment. It also makes you more accountable for getting it done, especially if people ask you how you’re getting on with it.  do be calm - if you intend to get some revision done at the end of a hectic day, give yourself chance to detach from that experience and put yourself in a calm and more focused mindset. Starting your revision sessions with one minute of deep breathing will help put you in the right frame of mind.  don't dwell on failure - as easy as it can be to focus on past exam failures, don’t let them hold you back. Turn them into successes by focusing on what you did well. For example, how you calmed your nerves, how much sleep you got, how you planned out your revision. do reflect on past exams - how did you perform on the day? Which areas did you excel in and which topics do you need to really brush up on? Did you run out of time? All of these learnings are key for perfecting your future exam performance.  don't forget to back yourself - tell yourself you can sit the exam and you are going to do well. When you’re revising, say that you are looking forward to learning and praise yourself at the end of each session. Control your voice to be cheerleader not a critique. Exams are a stepping stone to your future success - what will they unlock for you?  do create a vision board - vision boards are a great tactic for motivating yourself to revise and picture what’s beyond it. They enable you to visualise what success looks like and what you will achieve as a result of taking this exam stepping stone. don't overlook your rewards - every time you do your revision, reward yourself. It’ll help you feel more positive about it overall too. For instance, you could treat yourself to a long, hot soak in the bath or your favourite chocolate bar. It doesn’t have to be anything too elaborate, but must be something you will look forward to enjoying once you’ve hit your revision milestone.  do put your blinkers on - it’s so easy to compare yourself to others. But it can be really counterproductive when it comes to making progress with your revision. You may have heard that your colleagues did all of their revision in the space of a weekend or that they’re already all prepped for the exam when you’re not. Try not to get distracted by their tactics and progress; try to just focus on you and your revision schedule because that’s what matters.  don’t neglect yourself - it can be easy to neglect yourself when you’ve got lots of studying to do. However, it’s important you don’t push yourself too hard, overlook your needs or skip the basics - such as, eating healthy, regular meals, getting plenty of sleep and exercising (which is one of the best stress relievers there is).   do plan and prepare - effective revision is based on having a dedicated plan in place. You may want to draw up a study timetable to help you stay on track - learn how by reading ‘Study smart: your plan to get the most out of revising.’ Alternatively, you may want to create weekly or daily schedules, where you can break up long hours of study into smaller, more manageable sessions. As the late, great Benjamin Franklin famously said: ‘If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.’ Don’t let it happen to you.  don’t get in a revision rut - unfortunately, feeling motivated about revising isn’t something people can pass on to you. It has to come from within because you are in control of your brain and how you feel about revising. However, if you’ve managed to follow the advice above, we hope you’ll be feeling far more motivated about revising now!   Feeling positive about revision may initially seem like somewhat of an impossible challenge, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t feel that way. There are plenty of things you can do to change your mindset from negative to positive and tackle your revision in a whole new light.  Article reproduced with the kind permission of CABA, the organisation providing lifelong support to ICAEW members, ACA students and their close family around the world.

During exam season, it can be a struggle to build and maintain momentum in the final weeks of preparation for the big exams. Stress levels can be at an all-time high and while some stress can help keep you motivated and focused, too much can be unhelpful. Here we look at tactics and strategies to help you focus your efforts and build study resilience in the weeks ahead. The Art of Distraction With a mammoth task like exam preparation, it can be easy to fall into the trap of procrastination – we’ve all been there!  However, the more you procrastinate the worse you feel and the greater your anxiety might become. The psychology profession outlines two types of procrastination – active and passive. Active procrastinators deliberately decide to procrastinate as they believe they work better under pressure. Whereas passive procrastination is seen as the more negative of the two where people are paralysed by indecision or lack of confidence, loading them with anxiety causing even further stress and inaction. Passive procrastination is usually a sign of something bigger – performance anxiety, fear of failure or simply to avoid negative feelings.  At its core, procrastination is about emotions, not productivity. Therefore, it is important to identify the reason why you are procrastinating and try to address it. There are ways to beat the procrastination bug if it’s really impacting your focus, here is where your study schedule and a reward system will come in handy. Blocking out chunks of time for study will help you concentrate on the task in hand. Don’t bite of more than you can chew either though, quick burst of 30-40 minutes study might work best for you to help keep your focus.  Reward yourself after completing a task whether that’s a quick cup of tea and a treat, a scroll through your social media or half an hour of your favourite show. Tap into and regulate your emotions with mindfulness techniques, mediation or breathing exercises to better manage your feelings around studying and exams. Time Management Time management is key to exam success and helps you gain control. Use a day planner or a weekly schedule to help you determine your available time. Managing and mapping out your day can bring structure to your study without it feeling too overwhelming. However, be realistic with your schedule and don’t overload your day. For maximum efficiency, determine and prioritise the subjects you find most difficult and focus on them first. Certain subjects may also warrant more study time than others. Get to know your body clock, there may be times throughout the day or week where you feel more alert or sluggish than usual and use these times to your advantage. Track your progress and by the end of the week you will feel a sense of accomplishment with all the work you have done over the past few days, and it will help shape your schedule for the next week. Most importantly, schedule time for relaxing activities and exercise too - your body and mind will thank you for it! Studies have shown that exercise improves cognitive performance so consider it as part of the exam preparation. Meet up or chat with friends and family to help you reset and have time away from work and study for some fun. Think of the Bigger Picture! When caught up in the stress of study and exams, it can be hard to motivate yourself and gain perspective on why you are actually doing it. Studying to be a chartered accountant is challenging – the personal sacrifices you have made, the unattended social gatherings, the copious amounts of exams and years you have already put in etc. But if you look to your goals and the end game you can find the motivation to carry on. Think of why you decided to become an accountant in the first place, the career goals you want to achieve and where you want to be in a few years’ time. These exams are leading up to something bigger and are a means to achieving your goal. By keeping this in mind, it can help you attain the self-discipline and encouragement you might need when you feel your efforts and motivation begin to wane. Wishing you all the best for the weeks ahead. Happy Studying! If you need more advice on preparing for your exams, Thrive has a dedicated student hub to help you navigate student life. Alternatively, you can contact the CA Support wellbeing team in confidence on mobile: (353) 86 024 3294 or by email: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie.

When it comes to mental wellbeing, you often hear the term resilience. But what is it and why is it important? Resilience is your ability to cope with change and adversity. By strengthening your resilience, you’re better able to maintain your mental wellbeing through all of life's ups and downs. Being resilient doesn’t mean that you won't ever feel overwhelmed, under pressure or stressed. But it does mean that your behaviours, habits and emotional health allow you to handle that pressure more effectively, reducing its negative impact on your overall wellbeing. The good news is that resilience is something we can all learn. We’re all capable of establishing new behaviours and habits that promote resilience and empower us to remain calm, confident, healthy and effective in the face of new challenges. Here are 5 ways to boost your resilience: 1. Find a new perspective As humans, we have a natural negative bias, which means we tend to assume the worst about every new situation. This was a useful natural survival instinct thousands of years ago when dangers and predators lurked around every corner. Nowadays however it can mean we’re more likely to feel anxious or stressed about new situations and makes it difficult to see or make the most of new opportunities. The next time you find yourself dwelling on the negatives, ask yourself the following questions: Is there another way of looking at this situation? Do I need more information? How will I benefit from the way I am thinking/feeling/behaving? You might find that when you allow for a more positive interpretation of events, things naturally feel a little easier. 2. Get the rest your body needs Without sufficient sleep, we find it more difficult to challenge our natural negative bias. We’re also more likely to make poor decisions, be irritable and struggle with poor concentration. It’s not hard to see why a good night’s sleep is crucial for a more calm, considered and resilient approach. But it's not just sleeping that matters. It’s important to take regular breaks throughout the day. These brief pauses allow your brain space for more creative thinking, help you retain and process information and improve your focus. This clarity and productivity helps you to feel in control and reduces stress. As little as 5 minutes away from your computer or phone every 90 minutes or so will make a big difference to how you feel. 3. Fuel your brain and your body What we eat and drink can have a big impact on our resilience levels. Simple things like staying hydrated, reducing your caffeine intake and eating three balanced meals each day can help. But it’s also important to pay attention to changes in your blood sugar levels, which can affect your mood and your energy levels. Eating slow-release carbohydrates such as oats, brown rice and quinoa help to stabilise your blood sugar levels, meaning you’ll avoid the energy slump, loss of focus and irritability that often accompanies fast food and snack fuelled sugar crashes. Top tip: Dark leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds contain high levels of magnesium, which helps to regulate the production of the stress hormone cortisol and assists with the release of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter. 4. Celebrate your success Noting down your achievements or things that have gone well and made you happy has several benefits for your emotional health. Reflecting on our successes improves self-confidence and helps us to feel positive about ourselves. Writing down your achievements can also serve as a tangible reminder of your personal strengths whenever you feel insecure about a new situation. 5. Practice mindfulness The underlying principle of mindfulness is that we can simply observe and notice our thoughts and feelings without letting them impact our wellbeing. This focus on emotional regulation and self-control is essential for resilience. With regular practice, mindfulness can help you approach new and challenging situations with a sense of calm and clarity. Article reproduced with the kind permission of caba, the organisation providing lifelong support to ICAEW members, ACA students and their close family around the world.

Self-compassion is the ability to treat yourself with the same care and kindness as you would a good friend who was going through a difficult and stressful time. 'Unlike self-criticism, which asks if you're good enough, self-compassion asks what's good for you, what do you need?' Kristin Neff Showing compassion to others When we are compassionate to others, we have an intention to be with them through the difficulties they are experiencing and to alleviate their suffering and stress in some way. This can often be very different to the way we treat ourselves through the challenges of life. How often have we provided support for someone we care about and yet end up criticising ourselves endlessly for our various perceived inadequacies or shortcomings. Many of us have been taught to put others first. But neglecting ourselves in order to do this isn't an effective or sustainable long term strategy without considering what we need to keep emotionally well. Maintaining the inner capacity to be there for our family, friends and colleagues is reliant on looking after ourselves well. Self-compassion means you are understanding and kind to yourself when confronted with personal failings and mistakes – after all, whoever said you were supposed to be perfect? Why we need to be compassionate towards ourselves Feeling stressed and being hard on ourselves is very common, especially in a culture which is increasingly performance and target focused. Loneliness and isolation are also increasing in our ever digitally focused world. If you are finding it difficult to manage the many challenges, threats and distractions of our modern world, you are not alone. With current figures of one in four people developing a mental health difficulty in any given year and the rising levels of distress within young people, many people are struggling to align life with their deeper values and needs. A self-critical and unkind stance towards yourself when you are going through testing times will only serve to activate the fight or flight stress response, clouding the minds ability to remain calm. Some people may feel reluctant to develop self-compassion as they might feel the notion is self-indulgent or self-pitying. But developing the ability and strength to face and manage our difficulties, without isolating ourselves from others and becoming absorbed in our own pain is the essence of courageous living. Being able to attend to your own difficulties and challenges wisely will enable you to have the spare emotional capacity to engage with others and life in a more helpful way. According to Kristin Neff there are three key elements to compassion: Self-kindness An ability to relate to ourselves with warmth and kindness. Common humanity The appreciation that we all suffer at times and you are not alone in these feelings. Mindful awareness The ability to view our difficulties in a balanced perspective so that we can keep engaging in life. How to develop emotional resilience There has been much interest in the effects of developing compassion within ourselves from a scientific perspective. Research has shown that people who score high on self-compassion: Cope better with adversities Take more personal initiative and responsibility Are less fearful of making mistakes and being rejected Are more emotionally intelligent, happier and more optimistic Take better care of themselves physically and emotionally The good news is that our compassionate self can be developed and enhanced through training and practice so that we become more attuned to supporting ourselves through the difficulties of life rather than sabotaging ourselves and making situations more unmanageable than they need to be. How to be kinder and more compassionate to yourself Be aware of your internal voice Becoming aware of how we talk to ourselves, the tone of voice we use and language we use gives us the opportunity to move from harshness to supportive tendencies. Noticing the good Being able to notice and celebrate moments of the day and our good qualities is an essential part of managing and balancing difficult times. Each day ask yourself: When have I been at my best today for someone else? What has been my best moment of today? Give yourself encouragement It is more effective to become your own internal ally and support system rather than your own harshest critic. Written by: Kirsty Lilley Kirsty has delivered mindfulness and self-compassion courses to a wide variety of workplaces during her career and is also a trained psychotherapist and coach. She has worked at a strategic level within organisations developing wellbeing policies and been responsible for developing training courses on improving mental health and wellbeing. Kirsty is committed to an integrated and compassionate approach when helping others to fulfil their potential. Article reproduced with the kind permission of CABA, the organisation providing lifelong support to ICAEW members, ACA students and their close family around the world.

Edel Walsh outlines the signs and symptoms of academic burnout and explains how students can overcome it Since the pandemic, we have been hearing and talking more about people suffering with workplace burnout. However, in my own coaching practice, I am seeing the rise of academic burnout, a subject not often discussed. According to the World Health Organization, “Burnout is a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”. Academic burnout is not simply a result of a challenging course load. It can be several factors that overwhelm students, leaving them feeling drained and disengaged.  Common contributors include: Excessive workload – This leads to overwhelm, stress and exhaustion;  Perfectionism – students may have unrealistic expectations causing frustration and disappointment; and Lack of support – students can feel socially isolated where there is a lack of support from their peers, family, friends, and the workplace.  Symptoms of academic burnout The symptoms of academic burnout can present themselves physically, emotionally, and behaviourally.  The physical signs of burnout can include: Feeling tired and drained most of the time; Lowered immunity, frequent illnesses and being unable to shift coughs and colds; Frequent headaches or muscle pain; and Change in appetite or sleep habits. The emotional signs of burnout can include: Sense of failure and self-doubt; Feeling helpless, trapped and defeated;  Detachment; Loss of motivation; and  Increasingly cynical and negative outlook.  Finally, the behavioural signs of burnout can include: Withdrawing from responsibilities; Isolating from others; Procrastinating; Using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope;  Taking out frustrations on others; and  Skipping out on study or even skipping exams. When it comes to burnout, it is useful to think about the “three R” approach. Recognise: Know the signs of burnout. Reverse: Seek support to manage stress and overwhelm. Resilience: Take care of both physical and emotional health Preventing academic burnout As discussed in Dee Frances’s article on page 8, it is important for students to find balance between work, study, and other commitments. At the start of every week, get a bird’s eye view of what the week ahead looks like and plan your week from there. Creating a realistic schedule for your work, study, and other commitments, as outlined by Moira Dunne at page 14, will give you the feeling that you are in control. Ensure you are incorporating plenty of breaks into your routine and be sure to have something in your week that you can look forward to.  I always encourage students to incorporate self-care into their weekly plan and study routines. Prioritising self-care and breaks fuels productivity when it comes to study.  There is no magic formula when it comes to self-care while you study. It will depend on you as an individual. It can be as simple as going for a nice walk, meeting a friend for a coffee or listening to a podcast that is not related to your study.  Seek support if you need it. You can do anything, but you can’t do everything. Develop a strong support system through peer groups, friends and family that will champion and support you.  Overcoming academic burnout For those of you who are grappling with academic burnout there are number of things you can do. Take some time to understand the root cause of the burnout. This will help you identify areas for improvement.  Seek support from a healthcare professional.  Reflect on your goals. Most students will have set a performance goal such as “I want to pass my exam first time around”. When we focus on a performance goal such as this, it can feel overwhelming. Instead, break this goal down into a learning goal. Instead of focusing on the outcome, focus on the lesson. For example, “Today I want to learn the conditions of retirement relief. I will check my understanding of this by doing a past exam question”. This will help reduce that feeling of overwhelm.  Prioritising your sleep, nutrition, exercise, and hobbies will go a long way in helping you overcome burnout.  Incorporate breathing or mindfulness into your study routine. This will help you move from a stressed state to a calmer state. A simple technique is to take a deep abdominal breath in for seven seconds and breathe out for eleven seconds. When the “out” breath is longer than the “in” breath, it is activating the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) and easing the sympathetic nervous system (fight, flight, or freeze). By recognising the signs of academic burnout, implementing preventive strategies, and seeking help when needed, students can navigate the pressures of their exams, while preserving their mental health and well-being.  Edel Walsh is a student and exam coach. She supports her clients with their studies and exams using a holistic approach of focusing on academic success, personal development and looking after their well-being. For more information, check out www.edelwalsh.ie  

Moira Dunne outlines eight top tips to make the most of your study sessions this exam season During exams, it can be hard to manage your time when you are studying alone, concentrate for long periods of time and stay motivated day to day.  Here are some study tips to help you stay calm and ace your exams. The list includes things to do in advance to set yourself up for a day of studying, as well as ideas to stay on track. Tip 1: Have a dedicated study space Set up a good study space; a place that helps you ‘get in the zone’ when you sit down to hit the books.  Not everyone has the luxury of a separate room, but even if you are studying in a shared room in your house, think about the best way to set the space up. Here are some things to consider:  Get a comfortable chair; Have your desk and screen at the correct height to minimise neck or arm strain; Clear any clutter to create a calm, clean area. This helps your mind stay clear; and Add a picture or plant to inspire you to spend time in the space. Tip 2: Get organised New items in our arsenal can motivate us to get started. Plan ahead and get all the stationery and tools you need before you have to put pen to paper. This saves time when you are studying.  This method can also stop you from procrastinating, as we often use basic prep as a reason to procrastinate. Bright stationery stimulates the brain, too. By using these tools to summarise and organise your thoughts, you are making it easier for your brain to retain and recall information.  Tip 3: Make a study plan If you know your exam start date, work backwards and count how many days you have to prepare. Identify some key points to reach (milestones) along the way. Then divide up your work, considering:  What is the best order to study your subjects? How much can you do each day? What are the milestones and when?  By planning your topics for each day, or even each half day, you are breaking up the big pile of work into manageable chunks, making it easier for the brain to get started and stay focused. Whatever study plan you create, make it visible on the wall or your desktop. And make sure you review it and amend it as things change. Staying on top of and updating your plan as you go is key to making your plan work for you. Tip 4: Have a regular routine It helps our mind and our body to have a regular routine.  Study at the same time each day. If you have a full day, start early as that’s when our energy and focus is generally higher. This makes it easier to concentrate and learn, and you will get through elements quicker. If possible, finish early and take a break. This helps your brain to rest and switch off before you try to sleep. Tip 5: Remove distractions We all know how distracting our phones are. Every time there is a notification, we want to check it. We also pick up our devices and check them subconsciously, distracting us unintentionally. Everyone will have a range of distractions in their study space. We can’t easily eliminate humans or pets, so our phone is one thing we can control. To enable a short burst of concentration, leave your phone in another room. Even if only it’s only for 30 minutes, you can focus, concentrate and learn during that time.  Once that 30 minutes is over, take a short break, check your phone if you need to, and return to focus again after five minutes. Out of sight is out of mind, so you are less likely to miss the phone or pick it up without realising it.  Tip 6: Be active – test yourself It is very hard to focus and concentrate if you are just reading for long periods of time. So, make your studying an active exercise. Here are some ways you can do it: Make summary notes at the end of each topic; Highlight key points; Create reference cards for revisions; Take a test or a quiz; or Test yourself with past exam questions. Tip 7: Eat well and hydrate Sometimes, you will need treats and snacks for motivation or even a quick energy boost. Lots of foods are known to help concentration and focus; find out what works for you and include them in your diet when studying.  It is important to keep your brain hydrated, as well. Drink water instead of energy drinks or several cups of coffee as both can be dehydrating. Hydration and eating well will help your brain learn but also retain knowledge. They will also help you sleep better, which sets you up or a productive day of study. Tip 8: Take breaks Our bodies and our minds go through peaks and troughs throughout the day. So, breaks are essential to help recharge and reset. Plan regular, short breaks into your study schedule, along with a longer lunchbreak. Use the longer break to get some fresh air to help clear the cobwebs.  Being outside also free up your mind; the wide-open spaces help to calm the brain too. Don’t overdo your study time. Shorter productive sessions are better than long days. Have an evening routine to wind down. Or change your focus with a movie or some other calming activity. Best of Luck We hope these eight study tips help you. The very best of luck with your exam preparation and your exams this year.  Be kind to yourself and be proud of your hard work. Moira Dunne is Founder of beproductive.ie  

Embracing a positive perspective is a key ingredient for personal wellbeing. Aaron O’Connell asks you to consider whether you’re a glass half full or glass half empty person, and he provides a useful exercise to help you view life with a different filter and to boost your well-being. Some questions for you to consider Do you have tendency to see things positively where you are focusing on the good things that happen around you, or do you focus on the negatives, those obstacles and problems you face?  If you have a to-do list and you manage to successfully complete 19 out of 20 things, are you happy about the long list of things you’ve accomplished, or are you upset about that one thing that you didn’t get to finish? It’s your choice A hundred good things (little highlights) and one bad thing (a little low-light) might happen during your day. You have the opportunity to appreciate and remember all the good things, or to focus only on the bad things. You can look at life through a different filter. Embracing a positive perspective One useful exercise I recommend to the athletes, students and business people I work with, and indeed practice myself every night at bedtime, is to recall seven positive things that happen during the day. It’s something I picked up from internationally acclaimed sport psychologist, Dr. Terry Orlick. Before you sleep, look back over your day chronologically and highlight those good things that happened. They don’t have to be major events. Little highlights will do. “I had a lovely breakfast.” “The sun was shining today.” “I got a call from a good friend.” “I went for a lovely walk today.” You could begin this exercise by recalling three positives and increase by one each time after a few days. Look for different ones each day. As Dr. Orlick would say, it’s like “using a yellow magic marker to highlight all the good things you do, see, hear, taste, feel, and learn in a day.” Even better, write them down in a journal or on your phone. You’ll get a buzz out of revisiting and re-reading these when you’ve had a tough day. Using a different filter and living with a positive perspective is like becoming your own best friend. It’ll change your outlook in life for the good. Challenge yourself to look for seven highlights a day. Once you start looking for them and finding them, your day and your life immediately become better. You’ll experience a boost in wellbeing along with an increase in gratitude. Aaron O’Connell is the owner of Mind Your Performance. He provides consultancy and training in mental skills, mental well-being, and performance enhancement for the education, business, and sports sector. Thrive is the Institute’s dedicated wellbeing hub which provides emotional and practical support to our members, students, and their family members for life. Should you find yourself in a difficult situation, the team at Thrive can help steer you through life’s ups and downs.  Talk to us today on mobile: (353) 86 024 3294 or email us.  

Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which you have trouble falling and/or staying asleep. It is suggested that 42% of Irish adults have a mental health disorder with insomnia cited as the most common disorder experienced by adults in Ireland at 15%. Here, the Thrive wellbeing team explains insomnia, the symptoms, causes and tips to help you get a better night's sleep. Insomnia means you have problematic sleep habits. How much sleep an individual needs varies from person to person, but on average adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. If you are experiencing constant tiredness throughout the day, you are probably not getting enough sleep. Symptoms Insomnia can affect people on a short-term basis (less than 3 months). Insomnia that lasts 3 months or longer is classified as long-term insomnia. Insomnia symptoms may include: Difficult falling asleep A pattern of interrupted or broken sleep that doesn’t refresh you Waking too early Daytime tiredness and sleepiness Find it hard to nap during the day even though you're tired Difficulty paying attention, concentrating, or focusing on tasks Increased forgetfulness Irritability, depression, or anxiety What causes insomnia? Insomnia can be the primary problem but usually is a result of other factors that disrupt sleep. Therefore, treating the underlying causes can help improve insomnia symptoms. Common causes of insomnia include: Stress Irregular sleep schedule or poor sleeping habits Mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression Physical illness or chronic pain Travel or work schedules Lifestyle choices e.g., heavy reliance on stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine Age and life stage- older adults and those going through menopause have a higher susceptibility to chronic insomnia A combination of these factors can trigger or exacerbate insomnia, while poor sleep can initiate or worsen other health conditions, creating a vicious and complex cause and effect situation. Risk factors   During sleep, the body heals and restores itself, our brain forges new pathways and connections that helps with memory retention.  This is the time our bodies needs to carry out important functions to ensure we are running smoothly and effectively. When we continually don’t get enough sleep, it can have serious health effects over time. Science has linked poor sleep and insomnia to a multitude of health problems. A lack of sleep over time can increase the chances of developing a number of conditions such as a weakened immune system, obesity, high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease among other issues such as increased risk of accidents and errors, poor memory and performance and difficulty regulating our emotions. How you can treat insomnia yourself It is not always possible to prevent insomnia, but good sleep habits can help improve it and promote sound sleep. When trying to get your sleep cycle on track, the first place to start with is where you sleep. Make sure your room is dark and quiet, not to cold or warm and make sure your mattress, pillows and covers are comfortable. Create a good bedtime routine that helps you relax and get in the mood for sleep. Relax at least 1 hour before bed and only go to bed when you feel tired, limiting the use of technology and bright lights can help too. Try to maintain roughly the same schedule for sleeping, you should aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekends. Exercise regularly and get some sunlight most days. Sun exposure helps regulate the body’s internal body clock and promotes sleep at night, while exercise influences sleep efficiency on both a physical and mental level. Insomnia can seriously affect your mental and emotional health along with physical wellbeing. If your sleep is impacting your day-to-day life and a change in sleeping habits haven’t work, you should consult your GP. Thrive can also help you on your journey to better sleep. For advice, wellness coaching or counselling, contact the team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294