Top Things to Unwind to During Tax Season
Tax season can feel like an endless marathon of spreadsheets, calculations, and deadlines. That's why the hosts of The Profitability Podcast - Joey Albertson, Mackenzie, and Bekah - decided to take a break from their usual financial discussions to share how they stay sane during this hectic time. These three finance professionals typically guide their listeners through business strategies and money management, but they recognize the importance of finding joy and relaxation even during the busiest seasons.
In this special episode, they opened up about their favorite books, TV shows, and activities that help them decompress after long days of number-crunching. From fantasy novels to reality TV shows, their diverse entertainment choices prove that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to unwinding. Let's explore their top recommendations for maintaining work-life balance during tax season.
1. Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
The hosts can't stop talking about this trending fantasy series, and for good reason. "Fourth Wing" and its sequel "Iron Flame" have taken the book world by storm, combining dragons, romance, and military training school into an addictive reading experience. The series follows Violet Sorrengail at a brutal war college for dragon riders, where failure means death and success means becoming part of an elite aerial military force. The hosts found themselves staying up late into the night to finish these books, proving that sometimes the best escape from tax forms is a journey into a world of dragon riders.
2. Severance
This psychological thriller series has captured Joey's attention, particularly with its recently released second season. The show follows employees at Lumon Industries who undergo a medical procedure called "severance," which surgically divides their memories between work and personal life. The hosts appreciate how the show's intricate plot and mysterious elements provide the perfect mental palate cleanser after a day of precise calculations. They've even found themselves diving into TikTok theories about the show.
3. Virgin River
This heartwarming Netflix series has become a favorite escape, particularly for Mackenzie who admits to binge-watching entire seasons in a day. Based on Robyn Carr's novels, "Virgin River" follows nurse practitioner Melinda Monroe as she moves to a remote California town for a fresh start. The show's blend of romance, drama, and small-town charm provides the perfect counterbalance to the high-stress environment of tax season. Its manageable 40-minute episodes make it easy to fit into busy schedules.
4. Fantasy Book Series Deep Dives
Bekah's journey from non-reader to avid fantasy enthusiast serves as inspiration for anyone looking to develop new hobbies. She particularly recommends the "Throne of Glass" series by Sarah J. Maas, which follows an assassin's journey to freedom. While she acknowledges that the first few books might require some persistence, the payoff in the later books makes it worthwhile.
5. New Girl
When it comes to reliable background entertainment, all three hosts agree that "New Girl" is their go-to show. This sitcom, starring Zooey Deschanel as quirky teacher Jessica Day, provides the perfect blend of humor and heart. The hosts have watched it multiple times, finding comfort in its familiar characters and storylines. It's particularly perfect for those moments when you need something playing in the background while organizing documents or when your brain is too tired for anything more demanding.
6. Creative Date Night Ideas
The hosts shared several innovative approaches to date nights, moving beyond the standard dinner-only format. Some standout suggestions include:
Timed Barnes & Noble shopping sprees where you have 20 minutes to gather books within a budget
Target scavenger hunts where couples choose items that remind them of each other
Using date night challenge cards that provide varied activities based on different budget levels
7. LEGO Building for Stress Relief
An unexpected source of relaxation comes in the form of LEGO building. The hosts discovered that following step-by-step instructions to create something tangible provides a meditative experience very different from tax work. They particularly recommend the Harry Potter series sets, like the mechanical Hedwig with moving wings, as they combine nostalgia with the satisfaction of creating something interactive.
Time to Take a Break from the Tax Grind
As we navigate through tax season, remember that taking breaks isn't just a luxury – it's essential for maintaining both productivity and sanity. Whether you're diving into a fantasy novel, binge-watching a new show, or spending quality time with loved ones through creative date nights, finding ways to decompress is crucial for long-term success.
The hosts of The Profitability Podcast remind us that even the busiest professionals need time to explore their interests outside of work. Why not try one of their suggestions? Pick up Fourth Wing, start watching Severance, or plan an unconventional date night. Your tax returns will still be there tomorrow.
So, what will you choose to watch, read, or do for fun this tax season?
Comments