Workplace Wellbeing: New Year Resolutions

The January effect…

When January arrives, it often seems like everything’s gone just a little bit quiet. There suddenly is no festive music blaring out in the shops. The streets are no longer full of people scurrying from shop to shop, in search of last-minute gifts. And there are far fewer parties to attend.

In many ways, January is an ideal time for deciding on what you want from the year ahead, and deciding on a few objectives as well as making a few resolutions. The first couple of days back at work after a holiday are good for getting back into the routine and seeing all your colleagues after some time off. And it’s good to start off the year with some healthy workplace habits.

Wellbeing resolutions – rest

One good resolution to make involves getting the best amount of rest. Many of us are guilty of not getting enough sleep. But the price of this – of burning the candle at both ends – is that it can affect mood, concentration, and even make us more prone to depression.

Getting enough sleep is a small, easy to achieve a resolution that can have a really positive effect on our productivity and overall feeling of wellbeing. Read up on good sleeping habits (also known as sleep hygiene) to find out the best ways of optimizing your night’s sleep.

Wellbeing resolutions – healthy eating

Come January and there’s a good chance that you may also be thinking about healthy eating – all the treats on offer during the festive season mean that many of us feel eager to get back into healthy foods in the New Year.

It’s also a good time to look at your weight and body mass index and decide if it’s time to think about losing some weight. One of the challenges with healthy eating is to make sure that you’re not tempted by sugary or unhealthy foods while at work. Think about bringing in lunches that you’ve prepared yourself, plus things like bananas for when you’re peckish and need an extra bit of energy.

Wellbeing resolutions – getting active

One of the best ways of relieving stress and boosting mood is to exercise. Swimming, running, team sports, cycling, brisk walking – all of these things help burn energy, keep our muscles working, and make us feel good about ourselves.

It’s good to start with an objective for exercise – may be losing a few pounds or being able to run for a certain length of time. The main thing is to start off gently and of course, if you have any medical conditions or concerns about your fitness level, consult a health professional prior to starting any exercise regime.