Four noteworthy takeaways from the 2024 CPA Assist Virtual Wellness Conference
On December 11, 2024, CPA Assist hosted its fifth annual Virtual Wellness Conference. Packed with exceptional wellness advice from leading industry professionals and CPAs, the four conference sessions explored strategies for dealing with challenge and change, neurodiversity and burnout, routines and habits, and practical strategies for creating well-being. Below are four great takeaways from this year’s speakers:
1. Change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to create lasting negative side effects
Keynote speaker and mindfulness teacher, Trish Tutton, discussed how one can thrive through challenges by tapping into mindfulness practice to help redefine perspective and cultivate inner calm: “Challenges are unavoidable, but suffering is optional.” Throughout her presentation, Trish demonstrated the simplicity of taking time to pause and breathe to help refocus energy.
2. Coping with burnout is not a “one-size-fits-all” process
Dr. Ty “the NeuroGuy” McKinney dove into an insightful examination of neurodiversity and its relationship to workplace burnout risk. He noted the importance of understanding burnout management through the lens of neurodiversity to move from “one-size-fits-all” solutions to finding the right coping strategies according to an individual’s needs and backgrounds. He shared the OCEAN model of personality as follows: “OCEAN (openness to new experiences, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism) shows how humans can vary in the way in which we approach situations and behaviours. By understanding these variables, we can do a much better job customizing solutions.”
3. Routines and predictability can impact happiness
Registered psychologist, Stacey Adelman, shared practical ways to develop healthy routines to focus on well-being: “Habits and routines are our security blanket. When we have a system or routine, we know that something is predictable and something will stay the same. Predictability gives our brains a message of safety. It leads to better sleep, creates better physical and mental health, and we feel happier.”
4. Healthy work life balance requires self-reflection
This was one of many questions discussed as part of a panel discussion, shedding some light on the lived experiences of CPAs. They shared how they “walk the talk” of enhancing well-being as a Chartered Professional Accountant. Moderator Lindsey Stephenson CPA, CGA, R.Psych was joined by Colette Miller FCPA, FCA, ICD.D; Olivia Kwok CPA; and Bev Betteridge CPA, CMA, CRMA to discuss strategies for maintaining health and mental wellness alongside one’s professional goals and demands. As Bev remarked, “Really consider what you need. What does it mean to you? What is your definition? Because it’s very different for every person. I have been able to find ways to balance things throughout my career. I don’t think it’s a myth but you have to have real expectations of your work life and your home life and how those two things mesh together.”
Next from CPA Assist
Continue your wellness journey in the new year with CPA Assist’s live virtual Yoga Nidra three-part series beginning in January. Yoga Nidra is a powerful practice designed to reduce stress, enhance sleep, and support mental clarity—an invaluable tool in mental health and wellbeing strategies. Details and registration visit: Rest Release Rise: Discover Yoga Nidra with CPA Assist
The CPA Assist Virtual Wellness Conference focuses on providing tools that can be used daily to enhance emotional and physical well-being. CPA Assist is committed to providing virtual learning opportunities like this one, as well as other great resources and services that are relevant and useful to help promote mental wellness in the profession. CPA Assist is available to CPAs and CPA PEP candidates from Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as their immediate families.
For more information, check out www.cpa-assist.ca.
