FastPulse Wellness Solutions

If you are the type of person who makes but never keeps New Year’s resolutions, these suggestions can help you make healthy -and attainable - goals this year.

 1. Don’t abandon the idea of setting resolutions because you have broken them in the past. You may need to simply readjust the type and number of goals you’re setting for yourself.

2. Do be realistic. A resolution to run a marathon by year’s end is likely unrealistic for an inexperienced exerciser.

Likewise, resolving to stop all your unhealthy habits at once is likely to fail. Pick a safe, attainable goal with a realistic time frame. For example, if your resolution is to eat healthier, begin by eliminating one unhealthy food from your diet at a time, not ALL unhealthy foods.

3. Don’t make too many resolutions. There’s no rule that you have to cover all areas you’d like to change in your resolutions.

Pick one or two themes - such as anger management, stress control, healthy eating, smoking cessation, fitness improvement, career advancement - that are most important to you, and set reachable goals within these areas.

4. Don’t set resolutions whose success is based upon factors beyond your control. Saying “I resolve to have a new job by summer” depends not only upon your own initiative, but also upon external factors (the economy, the job market in your field) over which you have no control. Instead tell yourself “I resolve to have updated my resume and sent it out to X companies by summer.” That way, the success of your resolution is entirely within your control.

5. Do set resolutions based upon your own wishes, desires, goals, and dreams, and not those of society or those persons close to you.

 While this seems obvious, many people waste time trying to meet society’s - or another person’s - expectations. A resolution is bound to fail if it isn’t from your heart.

6. Do plan intermediate goals if it helps you maintain control. Decide where you’d like to be in three or six months, and check yourself then. Achieving these smaller goals also gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivation for the bigger projects.

7. Do use the buddy system. Rely on your friends to support you in your resolutions, and do the same for your friends. Social support can be a great strengthener of motivation.

8. Do plan a reward for yourself when the resolutions - or intermediate goals - are met.

Managing Holiday Stress

Although it’s easy to envision a marvelous, relaxed holiday season full of tradition, positivity, and perfect pies, this is not what the splendor of the season always delivers. For many, this time of year is the most stressful.

If you feel stressed out by the thought of holiday chores, obligations, and the family dropping in — or if this year’s circumstances make the holiday season difficult for whatever reason—start preparations now to manage your holiday stress.

Along with good tidings come high expectations based on the commercialisation of the holiday season, past childhood memories we may long to duplicate, and the expectations of others.

If family members count on your “holiday magic” to make every year special—the cooking, cleaning, baking, decorating, and gift-wrapping—you face a bigger challenge letting go or finding balance.

Here’s how to cope better with expectations, demands, and added pressure during the holidays.

It’s the Most Wonderful Decision of All

Make a decision to take charge and tackle holiday stress. This mentally prepares you to enjoy the time while facing demands of the season with better endurance.

Your Priorities

Decide on your priorities to make the season meaningful. The idea here is to plan a few “non-negotiable” events for yourself.

Now the Rest

What activities are important to your brood this year? Seek to trim the “idea tree” to reduce stress from trying to fit it all in. A family meeting to gather ideas can work, and chances are activities you thought everyone still wanted are no longer of interest.

Avoid the Rush

Are holiday lights on the house critical? If yes, go for it, but if it seems more like a “chore” than a pleasurable task, that’s a clue about its priority and importance to you. Activities that feel like chores get delayed. Pay attention to procrastination. It is insight to help you decide whether it’s thumbs up or down on something that seems desirable.

Fight the Blues

If the holidays are a sad time of year because of difficult memories or because a loved one can’t be there, discover your personal intervention strategy. Volunteering for a local charity is an interactive experience, and those who’ve tried it claim it works to lift one’s mood. You’ll feel empowered and more positive, and the experience of helping others anchors you to a memory that lasts.

Navigating Around Family Conflicts

If you can’t avoid holiday gatherings with family members who experience feuds and conflicts, try discussing with kin your desire to avoid conflict. Be up front and ask that differences be set aside.

Take Care of Yourself.

What improves your mood—exercise, positive affirmations, alone time? During the year, have you been promising to do something for yourself, but keep putting it off? Do it. The holiday season is a perfect time to reaffirm your love, not only for those you care about but also for yourself.

How Your EAP Can Help

Holiday stress affects everyone differently, so suggestions here may not match what’s unique for you. Don’t face the stress alone. Instead, talk to your organisation’s employee assistance program. The EA professional will help you find the resilience and strength you need to face any challenge the holidays may bring.

Drive responsibly as the holiday season is approaching. Roads inevitably become busier and drivers tend to get upset and lose focus in tense situations. Remember to give yourself plenty of time, so if you do get stuck in a traffic  jam you can relax and take it easy. Rest every few hours, stretch your legs as this will help with fatigue.

Summer holidays are here! Remember these tips to protect yourself against sun:

o   Limit time in the midday sun, especially between peak sunlight hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m

o   Wear protective clothing like a hat to protect your face, ears, neck and eyes.

o   Use a protective sunscreen to minimize the penetration of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. re-apply every two hours

o   Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes

o   Use shade wisely. Seek shade when UV rays are the most intense, but keep in mind that shade structures such as trees, umbrellas or canopies do not offer complete sun protection.