The A.V. Department - January 2024

 Ah... January. The season of New Year, New You! Resolutions and high motivation and very good intentions. The turning of the calendar is as good a reason as any to begin positive lifestyle changes, but honestly it feels too high pressure a lot of the time. Most new habits initiated at this time of year don't survive until Spring; hence the reason that many people will roll their eyes at you if you ask about someone's new year's resolutions.

But just because many resolutions fail doesn't mean we're fools to make them. Making positive changes in your lifestyle is going to be a healthy investment in your future, no matter when you begin them. I think the key to success in making lifestyle change is to be smarter about how you go about making those changes in the first place. You need to be strategic, realistic about your ambitions (perhaps breaking down a bigger goal into increments, or allowing yourself more than 12 weeks to accomplish the change), and to focus on consistent habits rather than dramatic gestures.

In support of those who may have ended up on this blog post because you're looking for some suggestions for good resources that can point you toward success, I would like to tell you about Nerd Fitness and to share one of their videos. While the word "fitness" is right there in the title, the folks who run that site have provided many resources that are about lifestyle change more generally. There are articles about nutrition, exercise suggestions for every level of fitness, information about improving sleep habits, and how to set goals in a way that will increase the likelihood of you actually achieving them. While they do offer fee for service coaching, many of their resources are freely available.

So have a look and see if it might be a good source of information for your needs!

If you are struggling to make positive lifestyle changes yourself and there is a mental health component to your struggle, then don't hesitate to access mental health support as well. Many people end up living less than ideal lifestyles because they are just doing their best to cope with a mental health challenge, whether it's stress, grief, a mental illness, or traumatic experience; therefore, the solution to building a healthier lifestyle will also include addressing the mental health concerns. That's part of what it means to be smarter about how you are making lifestyle changes - address the underlying issue, not the superficial symptom.

If you live in Alberta, Canada and you would like to work with me, feel free to check out my website - Calder Mental Health Services - and to book a free 15 minute consultation, so we can discuss your needs and determine if I'm the right fit for you. In the meantime, please enjoy this month's edition of The A.V. Department!

Happy New Year!!