The new year period can be a busy and stressful time for the best of us. Many of us will be returning to our jobs with a mountain of work that we left behind in 2022. Fortunately, our fantastic Health Coach Pierre Du Sart has provided us with his best tips on getting back to health in the new year.

New Year Habits

Beginning back at work usually means new year pressure in your work life, notably longer hours and less time to do the things you enjoy. It is not unusual for you to feel like you aren’t coping with the New Year pressure, or struggling to get back to health in the new year. Moving back into your regular schedule can be very difficult after being away for a few weeks. However, creating strong new year habits is one of the best ways to get back into the swing of things. Daily habits and allocated time to focus on yourself are very important in helping to maintain a work-life balance. Our health coaches recommend the following new year habits:

• Physical activity. Especially outside in natural light. Studies show exercising outside can positively effect cortisol, heart rate and lower blood pressure.
• Return to regular sleep patterns – go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate the body clock. 
• Relaxing activities and hobbies that you enjoy.
• Reduce alcohol, even if its just 2 weeks of no alcohol
• Social Interactions 

Setting boundaries around Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a work-life balance is one of the more difficult parts of coping with the new year. An important part of countering this issue is to create boundaries. Knowing when to say no, will help you to manage your work-life balance and new year pressure. Understandably, you still need to meet the needs of your job. However, allocating time away from your phone and workplace to; enjoy your hobbies, relax, exercise or hang out with friends and family will allow you to incorporate your new year habits and even meet some of those new year resolutions. 

Practising Mindfulness is about being present in the moment

Another way to assist in coping with the new year pressure is mindfulness or focused breathing. To kickstart good breathing practice, check out some of these instructional videos from breathing expert, James Nestor.  Self-awareness practices or physical activity are not for everyone. Fortunately, there are some quick tricks to help get back to health in the new year. When you’re feeling overwhelmed with new year pressure, and you need a quick fix, there is a simple technique our health coaches recommend to help bring you back to the present. At any given time, you can name in order:

• 5 things you can see
• 4 things you can touch
• 3 things you can hear
• 2 things you can smell
• 1 thing you can taste

Taking a moment to name the sensations that are around you will allow you to bring yourself back to the present and focus on the task at hand. Whilst also lessening the stress or anxiety you may be feeling at that moment. 

Incorporating these activities is obviously easier said than done. Therefore, if you are struggling to figure out where to start or require further advice – meet with a health coach or health improvement practitioner. Book an appointment online now through the patient portal