With the arrival of February, visions of turkey and holiday jubilance are fading away — only to be replaced by the spectre of cold-calling and piles of paperwork. This is the time of year when you may need an extra boost to keep feeling motivated and energetic.
“People are often overworked and miserable coming off the holidays,” says Joshua Zuchter, a business and life coach in Toronto. “These things affect how we deal with our day and how productive we are.”
Personal coaches and fitness trainers offer these suggestions to help you beat the winter blahs:
> Take Your Vitamins
“Right now there’s a lack of sun, so our bodies are really deficient in vitamin D,” says Zuchter. A vitamin D deficiency can lead to depression, anxiety and disease. He suggests taking supplements.
And instead of downing coffee to stay alert, focus on hydration. “I’ve seen the elimination of winter blues just by drinking enough water,” says Zuchter, who recommends one litre of water daily for every fifty pounds of body weight. Try it for six days straight to feel the difference.
> Schedule Time For Exercise
“I know the busy RRSP season can get crazy for advisors,” says Allyson Angus, a financial planner with RBC Wealth Management Inc. in Oakville, Ont., and a fitness trainer. “My first recommendation is to book a workout as if it was a meeting.” Schedule it early in the day, she says, so fatigue doesn’t create an excuse not to go after work.
Whatever your activity of choice, Angus says, whether it’s kickboxing or yoga, a workout can “get the creative juices flowing and make you feel energized.”
A brisk stroll is also essential, Zuchter says: “It’s like brushing your teeth. Make it something you do every day.”
> Laugh It Off
Matti Anttila, a fitness instructor who teaches a program called “Laughter Yoga” in Victoria, prescribes a dose of humour to counteract the winter blues. Sustained laughter, he says, can help reduce stress hormones such as cortisol and raise “feel good” hormones, such as endorphins.
“Everyday normal laughter usually happens for a couple of seconds,” Anttila says. “But we need 15 minutes of sustained laughter to get the actual benefits.”
Deep breathing exercises offer a quieter alternative, Anttila says: “Every hour or half-hour, take three deep breaths. It’s amazing what a difference that can make to your attitude.”
> Give The Office A Makeover
Changing your work environment not only breaks up the winter doldrums but can also make coming into the office a refreshing experience. Clear your office of clutter and add houseplants, Zuchter suggests. Replace fluorescent lights with full-spectrum bulbs, which are easier on the eyes.
> Try Something New
Zuchter urges his clients to, every month, try a new activity they’ve always wanted to try. Clients’ lists have included indoor rock climbing, archery and joining a social networking group.
One of his clients decided to take two weeks off and travel to India. “It’s a really smart idea,” Zuchter says, “because you do it in the part of the year when you’re least motivated.”
> Learn From Last Year
Simon Reilly, a business coach with Parksville, B.C.-based Leading Advisor Inc., has clients dig up their 2011 agendas and review their personal and professional accomplishments. They assess how they felt when they achieved their goals and take note of simple changes in routine that helped them get those results — like setting an alarm clock half an hour early. The exercise can be encouraging when they look at their business plans for 2012. IE