by Nancy Payeur

The holiday parties are over, the decorations packed away, and the credit card bills are rolling in…welcome to 2006! Added to these realities are shorter days and colder, wetter weather – all of which can discourage us from getting out and being active.

During this time of year, it’s all too easy to fall into a post-holiday, mid-winter funk. Good self-management is vital to ensure a healthy start to the New Year.

What are the evidence-based strategies that help busy professionals survive and even thrive? Here are two to consider:

Setting Goals: You may resist the idea of resolutions that have you giving up chocolate forever or running marathons. (You consider chocolate a life necessity and you would rather have a root canal than become a serious runner). Fair enough. Consider though the research that shows that people with goals are happier and more productive in their daily lives. There is also evidence that we are significantly more likely to achieve our goals if we write them down. The best goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-specific.

Self-Awareness & Reflection: The goals you set should flow from self-knowledge as well as deeply felt values, priorities and passions. Reflect on the past year and ask yourself some key questions: What was the most fun I had this past year? What did I miss out on? What regrets do I have? What will I do differently next year?

Moving into Action…
Pragmatic strategies for beating the “blahs” and managing stress include the following:

Give yourself a break: If you know you have an intensely busy work period ahead of you, make sure you actively plan for an enjoyable break at the end to keep you motivated. Depending on the state of your finances, this could include anything from a luxurious Caribbean getaway to something as low-key as a lazy weekend of unscheduled time.

Go towards the light: With days this time of year always short and often grey, look for opportunities to enjoy the limited sunshine whenever it appears. Make time for a short walk when the sun is out even if it means working a bit later. If you are one of many seriously affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) look into regularly using the special lights that are effective in helping SAD sufferers. Time spent in pleasurable and colourful environments will often help lift our mood: galleries, art museums, public markets, leisure centers and even shopping malls provide light, warmth, activity and stimulation for the senses. Much needed when we may be feeling emotionally flat or drained.

Don’t hug a cactus: Choose your friends carefully. Spend time with people you enjoy. Simple and self-evident advice, right? And yet, many of us maintain relationships with people who drain us of energy simply out of a misguided sense of obligation, habit, or inertia. True, we may be forced by circumstances, family or work obligations to spend time with people with whom we have little chemistry or common interests. When this is true, it is vital to build in protected leisure time with people and pursuits that re-energize you.

Nancy Payeur, MSW, RSW, Director of Services, Interlock

If you are struggling with personal or professional issues, call 1-800-663-9099 or 604-431-8200 (Lower Mainland). Interlock provides professional, confidential counseling to B.C. lawyers and their immediate family members. The Program is available at no charge to members of the Law Society of B.C.

This article was published in the February 2006 issue of BarTalk and is subject to the copyright by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, 2006, all rights reserved.