New Year, New Beginnings?

At the beginning of a new calendar year, many of us make plans and set goals for the year ahead. For some, New Year resolutions are fundamental, for others, the beginning of January is a time for reflection, considering new experiences and planning changes. For some of us, those changes might be limited simply to sweating off large quantities of mince pies, mulled wine and duck fat roast potatoes!

Some people love making resolutions at the start of the year and others can’t abide them, but in our professional lives, targets and objectives are inescapable and usually essential. Most people require no persuasion in accepting that it is highly beneficial to have goals in business. As part of the annual objective-setting process, in most industry sectors, it is normal to spend some time reflecting on the activities and initiatives which were beneficial in the previous year. Which decisions and actions were successful? What could be improved? What is missing? At the start of this new year, at OMHAS, we would like you to also consider applying this sort of analysis to wellbeing.

Consider your own personal wellbeing balance sheet. What activities and habits have a positive effect on you? Which boost your energy? Which deplete you? Consider the things which truly enhance your mood and wellbeing. Try and include more of the mood boosters and less of those which deplete, wherever possible (see ideas below if you need inspiration).  If you are a manager or team leader, go a stage further. Encourage your colleagues to reflect on the credits and debits, so to speak, and to set themselves achievable wellbeing goals or KPIs. The heightened sense of purpose and satisfaction that comes from achieving goals you set for yourself can be doubled, if you have career/business goals and wellbeing goals.

Going a stage further, encouraging and supporting colleagues to achieve their wellbeing KPIs, is evidence of proper commitment to improving workplace wellbeing. Part of that process should include monthly discussions to look at progress against the wellbeing targets. Introducing rewards and recognition for achieving wellbeing objectives, might also be very effective. Also, keep records of the things you have done which are positive for your wellbeing and reward yourself.

The doubters might scoff at much of this. January is often regarded as a miserable month. To boot, there are depressing statistics about the poor prospects of people sticking to resolutions. As someone who has generally shied away from New Year resolutions, I hear you! However, making positive changes to improve wellbeing doesn’t need to mean resolving to run a marathon or to learn fluent French by the end of the year. Just doing a little more of the things which are good for you and less of the things which deplete you, can bring very powerful results. Neuroscientists including Dr Tara Swart, agree that making small changes and staying consistent, is a great strategy. Change ten things by ten percent, rather than trying to change something by 100%.

Needing inspiration? Consider what activities and people bring you warmth and joy. Can you look forward to watching a favourite film or a comedy performance? Can you listen more to your favourite music. Can you look forward to cooking your own nutritious meal? Can you set a better evening routine, perhaps schedule a few more early nights and prioritise sleep? Can you spend time with loved ones and friends whose company you cherish? Could you increase your step count daily/resolve to walk outdoors once a day? Can you find a way to get out in sunlight or daylight daily? Undertake a creative or artistic task? Can you work from a stand- up desk, rather than sitting?

In terms of the debits, could you cut out or cut down on fizzy drinks? Can you swap sugary snacks for pieces of fruit and veg? Can you switch your phone off an hour before bed? Can you try a digital detox once a month? Can you introduce a screen ban from 7.30/8pm? Can you reduce your alcohol intake by a margin?

Whatever positive changes you decide to make in 2025, if you choose carefully, your changes are small/ realistic and you make them consistently you will be on your way to a happier and healthier year ahead. Happy New Year!

Jennifer Nicol, Director

OMhAS Ltd

10th January 2025