2023 Jan Articles Archives

Goal setting in 2023

Every year, we’re given a fresh start in January. It’s a time full of hope and New Year’s resolutions. Yet so often we stumble over the first steps of change and fall back into old, unhealthy habits. Let’s make 2023 different.

Holistic approach

While your goal may be to shed your December belly, or have an alcohol-free January, what about the other areas of your life e.g. relationships, work, spiritual, and financial goals? If you achieve goals in one area, you’ll likely reap rewards in other areas. For example, a fitter, healthier you, is likely to be more confident and successful at work.

Get smart

Choose goals wisely. For example, a drastic 30-day juice diet generally does more harm than good in the long run causing unbalanced hormones, blood sugar cravings, and even leading to long-term weight gain or dehydration. Rather than setting a huge goal that is intimidating or difficult to reach, reframe resolutions as smaller goals that can be achieved. For example:

Replace desserts during the week with fruits, choose whole wheat rather than white bread sandwiches, and avoid processed food. Instead of: “Eat healthily,” or “Improve gut health.”
Take the stairs, rather than the elevator at work, walk two blocks daily, and join the Friday Zumba class. Instead of: “Get fit.”
Name five things to be grateful for, daily, and repeat, “this too shall pass” when in a tight spot. Instead of: “Be more positive.”
Reduce social media to 30 minutes in the evening; eat breakfast as a family 5 days a week. Instead of: “Spend more family time.”
Compliment at least one person a day, offer to help the elderly neighbour with shopping. Instead of, “Be kinder.”
Volunteer at the soup kitchen once a month, collect used clothing for the shelter. Instead of: “Give back to the community.”

Commit

Keep your goals visible (e.g. on the bathroom mirror or fridge) and choose a “goal buddy” to whom you are accountable. You and your buddy may even decide to share a particular goal and can motivate each other to remain committed. Celebrating small milestones will encourage you to make goal-setting a valuable life skill each year.

If you would like to discuss some ideas to set your 2023 goals, please call LifeAssist and a counsellor will be available to you.

zara2022-12-30T09:36:41+00:00

Get organised, stress Less

Want less stress? The answer is to get organised in multiple areas of your life.

Research shows that living a chaotic existence in cluttered, untidy spaces causes:

High levels of stress, anxiety, and depression
Poor sleep quality and eating habits
Time wasted from being unable to find things
Difficulty focusing, and lower productivity
Trouble with decision-making and managing emotions
Lower relationship quality; people tend to have a dim view of disorganised people

The opposite applies as benefits to those people who strive to be organised: Improved overall mental health in the sense of a more positive mood, feeling more in control, and generally feeling more relaxed and grounded in your own space.

But where to start?

Your House and Workspace

Start small; with one room, cupboard, or drawer. Go through your stuff; keep only what you use/need and what gives you joy. Donate, dump, or sell the rest. Use aids such as partitioned containers to group and organise your items. It’s important to have everything in its place, somewhere that makes sense. Put things back in the same spot to make it easier to find them, as you associate the item with a specific location. Habitually spend 15 minutes at the end of each day keeping surfaces clean and clutter-free. You’ll feel psychologically enabled and prepared the next morning.

Your Time

Compile literal daily to-do lists to improve productivity, reduce the brain’s burden, and enhance focus. Maintain a physical/digital calendar so you don’t miss any important deadlines or occasions. Set calendar reminders, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute or forgetting to buy stationery for your son’s school project. Don’t over-book your diary and block out periods for downtime and reflection for a calmer, more structured life.

Your Patterns

Being aware and proactive is also part of being organised and feeling empowered. For example, notice and reduce patterns of stress so that you’re not constantly triggered and reactive. For example, if you find yourself always getting angry in traffic, try to understand why, and find a way to address those issues. Perhaps leaving home 30 minutes earlier might be less stressful. If your nature is to leave things to the last minute, investigate the reasons for your procrastination, and consider breaking projects into smaller tasks with daily deadlines.

If you’re struggling to get organised in all aspects of your life, please contact LifeAssist for confidential support.

zara2022-12-30T09:03:50+00:00

Setting the financial tone for 2023

Choose freedom

When we’re sky-high in debt, we’re constantly panicking about everyday expenses, unexpected bills, and the future. In contrast, when we’re in control of our money and know how much we can spend, we feel more secure and less stressed. This sets us free to enjoy our families, our lives, and our money.

Steps to financial freedom

Setting a family budget is the first step in taking charge and avoiding debt. It gives you the freedom to:

Spend your money wisely on necessary expenses (your needs) e.g. food, schooling, accommodation etc.,
Save money for the things you like but can live without (your wants) e.g. an overseas trip,
Save money for unforeseen expenses e.g. car repairs or medical shortfalls,
Stop accidental overspending.

Examine past salary statements, bills, and bank statements to understand your usual earning and spending habits.

List what you earn, spend, and owe.
Pay off any high-interest credit cards or other loans first.
Establish an automatic debit order to a separate savings account. Before saving for your wants, build up money for financial emergencies.

Choose communication

Honest communication with your family plays an important role in managing money and avoiding conflict. Involving children in planning and budgeting can make it easier to achieve savings goals together.

For example, you can get the family to brainstorm how to spend less on certain items, or better savings practices, and reward the best suggestions. Or, decide together on a savings goal, how much you need, and set a deadline. A vision board can remind the family to stay on track.

In addition to setting big goals (say, buying a home), aim to also set smaller, short-term goals along the way—like saving to do something fun every second month. This will keep everyone motivated to stay on budget.

Choose appreciation

Learn how to savour, or appreciate what you have now, instead of trying to be happy by overspending on more things than you or your family need. Instil this practice in your children from a young age, and work on creating enjoyable experiences that don’t cost the earth, or are free.

If you’re struggling to keep your head above water, or are overwhelmed with debt, please contact LifeAssist for confidential financial coaching.

zara2022-12-30T06:25:22+00:00