Mental wellness: How to prioritize your well-being

Credit professionals are often focused on supporting others—customers, colleagues and businesses—but they can sometimes forget to take time to care for themselves. In today’s shaky economy, many are facing growing challenges, which can lead to stress and a need for self-care.  

Why it matters: Prioritizing your mental well-being and having stress-management strategies in place can greatly enhance your performance at work and help you manage everyday pressures, foster stronger relationships and support your overall health. 

“In credit management, we face a lot of pressure like tight deadlines, difficult conversations and financial responsibility, so maintaining mental wellness helps me stay grounded, make solid decisions and treat others with empathy,” said Alisha Switzer, credit manager at Roofers Mart Inc. (St. Louis, MO). “It doesn’t come naturally to put myself first, but I’m getting better.” 

Nurturing wellness beyond the workplace is important in helping credit professionals maintain a healthier work-life balance. “It affects how we manage stress, handle workloads, interact with others and show up as individuals,” said Jennifer LeMaster, CICP, accounts receivable and collections supervisor at Lhoist North America, Inc. (Fort Worth, TX). “Chronic stress can take a physical toll, especially on your immune system. Maintaining a good work-life balance helps you stay ready to handle the unexpected.” 

Wellness strategies 

#1 Create a routine 

A routine brings a sense of stability to the unpredictable nature of everyday life. Establishing a routine empowers you to stay focused, reach your goals and make time for what matters most. “I mark important dates on my Outlook calendar and take notes on key information to stay organized,” said Gary Juliano, CCE, credit manager at ATI Specialty Materials (Monroe, NC). “I also prioritize having dinner with my family each day, as it helps me stay connected and take a break from work. After all, family is what matters most, and ensuring they have opportunities I didn’t have is a top priority.” 

#2 Address stressors promptly 

As a credit manager, you want to be able to de-escalate issues, but if you’re stressed or high-strung, you’re not going to be able to hold productive conversations or handle business with customers. To best alleviate stressors, tackle them as quickly as possible. “The sooner you address them, the less stress you’re going to have because it’ll be behind you,” said George Demakis, corporate credit and accounts manager at Scafco Corporation (Spokane, WA). “Also, don’t bring the stress home with you because it will roll into the next day and that won’t solve any problems.” 

#3 Keep a positive mindset 

Having a positive outlook changes your mental well-being for the better, improving how you see yourself and how you see life. “To me, mental wellness is being in a space where my mind is clear, present and grateful,” said Samuel Mickelson, CBF, commercial lease program analyst at Multivac, Inc. (Kansas City, MO). “On my commute to work, I focus on being present—whether that’s locking into my favorite podcast, singing my favorite tunes or simply observing what’s around me as I drive. This and practicing gratitude place me in a much better space to take control of my workday when I arrive.” 

#4 Do what brings you joy 

Engaging in an activity you enjoy can help you decompress after a stressful workday. “Physically removing yourself from the environment that causes stress helps you detach from the negative emotions it brings,” said LeMaster. “For me, that’s working out for an hour, tending to my garden or taking my dogs on a walk. If I get overwhelmed at work, I take a 15-minute break to get some fresh air and take a walk around the building. I’ll also put my headphones on and listen to calming music for a reset.” 

#5 Leverage technology 

Modern technology, from automation to artificial intelligence (AI), has transformed the credit management field, improved productivity and eliminated repetitive tasks. By taking advantage of the latest technologies, it will help you complete more tedious, repetitive tasks, leaving less of a burden on you. “Workloads aren’t getting smaller, so we need to continue to push ourselves to be creative,” Mickelson said. “Take the time to explore and learn new ways technology can help you navigate your day.” 

#6 Delegate tasks to your team 

Unpredictable economic times require increased risk mitigation, adding challenges for credit professionals. Delegating tasks to your team can reduce fatigue and increase productivity. “You can’t hold all the burdens of the world on your shoulders,” said Michelle Kelly, CCE, CCRA, CICP, senior credit manager at Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville, Inc. (Gainesville, GA). “It’s important to delegate tasks as much as you can, after all, it’s your role to develop your team to help you.” 

The bottom line: Wellness looks different for everyone, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to improving it. Creating courses of action to manage your stress, whether it’s checking in with yourself or building a routine, will help you become a better credit manager and person. 

Are you attending NACM’s Credit Congress & Expo 2025 in Cleveland? Learn more about prioritizing mental wellness and self-care during the session, Have You Cashed in on Your Well-Deserved Upgrade? Click here to register!