By Francesca Zampaglione, CPA, former PICPA Vice President, Professional Education

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In 2004, I wrote an article that was published in our very own Pennsylvania CPA Journal and was titled “How to be a ‘FIT CPA’.” I re-read the article recently to see if it would still apply, and ten years later, it sure does. Obesity rates are still increasing and people still struggle with getting control over their eating and exercise habits.

About a month ago, PICPA member, Dave Capitano posted a blog about “The Top Three Habits Every Accountant Should Practice.” His suggestions on sleep, hydration, and staying focused are right on point with the intention of taking care of ourselves.

I know it’s busy season, and your intention of taking care of you, may have slipped a little, or maybe a lot. What can you do to get back on track? Ultimately it comes down to one question: How important is it to you? Do you prefer to be able to chase after your kids and grandchildren, or are you willing to have them take care of you?

Recently, a good friend of mine decided to take advantage of a snow day to clear the clutter from his home. He happened upon a bathroom scale, and out of curiosity he stepped on the scale knowing full well that he had gained a “few” pounds recently. He stepped on and off the scale a few times, not believing the number before him. He had gained about 50 pounds. He was in total shock.

My friend knew that he had been guilty of over eating and drinking, but he had no idea where to start when it came to getting back in shape. I suggested that he write down every single morsel that crosses his lips so we could analyze what he was doing wrong. He purchased an app for his phone that had more than three million food options so that he could accurately keep track of his calorie intake. This app not only counts calories consumed, but also counts calories burned and calculates that very simple mathematical equation that has never changed: calories-in minus calories-out equals your current weight and in order to lose weight, you have to create a weight deficit.

My friend was able to lose weight by keeping track of his eating and exercise habits. As we reviewed his progress one day, we discussed his biggest “aha” moment. He confessed to me that while he knew that he was eating poorly, he was afraid that losing weight would mean never being able to consume his favorite foods and beverages again. Through this process, though, he learned that he could still enjoy all his favorites in moderation. Most importantly, he learned that it wasn’t hard!

I have found that with many things in life, taking baby steps is an important tool for success. Whether it’s meeting financial or fitness goals, starting with options in smaller doses leads to success, and as you succeed you gain confidence. You then develop momentum that helps move you forward.

Here at the PICPA, we have a group of staff members that help us take care of ourselves. They coined “Wellness Wednesdays” where once a week we may have desk stretches or healthy snacks, and when the weather becomes tolerable, walks during lunch hour two times during the week.  Perhaps this is an option for your office to undertake? I find that moral support is often available, but never sought out as often as it should.

With health care premiums continually increasing, you need to take charge of your health before the insurance company takes charge of your wallet. As my favorite yoga instructor said one day: “Saying you’re not flexible enough for yoga is like saying you’re too dirty to take a shower.” Baby steps, indeed.

Be well, my friends.