EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

Happy New Year!  The following excerpt is from the Helping Hands monthly newsletter published by District 141 and Local Lodge 1886 Employee Assistance Programs.  Pick up a copy at Local Lodge 1886.

 

New Years Resolutions
Excerpts form: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/new-years-resolutions, by Dr Susan Albers

  1. Focus on starting a behavior.
    Research indicates that it’s easier to start a behavior than to stop one — so instead of resolving to quit something, resolve to begin doing something else. To replace a
    negative habit with a positive one, a worthy goal like “I’m going to cut out soda” might instead become “I’m going to drink 8 ounces of water every day.”
  2. Set realistic, ‘livable’ goals.
    Your resolution should reflect an activity or behavior you can do for the long-term.  For example, if you’re brand new to working out, don’t start with a grueling new routine (like 75 Hard) but instead, commit to 30 minutes of exercise three times a week.
  3. Be specific.
    Resolutions should be concrete; for example, make a specific goal that you want to walk for 20 minutes a day.  Give yourself an achievable “target.”
  4. Stay flexible.
    Have you ever heard the phrase, “Progress over perfection”?   You don’t have to get it 100% right every single day.  Give yourself some wiggle room and be willing to adjust your goals as needed.  Be flexible and forgiving, that can help you avoid feeling frustrated later.
  5. Identify obstacles.
    You probably already know what your potential pain points are, whether they’re physical obstacles (not having enough time) or emotional obstacles (like fear). But if your obstacles are of the mental and emotional variety, you may have to put in extra effort to bring a healthy mindset to your new healthy habits:
    • If you’re prone to negative thinking, get into doing positive affirmations.
    • If you’re hard on yourself about perceived failures, practice self-compassion.
    • If you hate that you’re not seeing results, work on dealing with perfectionism.
  6. Get a buddy.
    Find a family member, friend or professional (like a health coach) who can help keep you on track.  One of the top predictors of success for keeping your resolution involves social support.  70% of people who sent weekly updates to an accountability partner were successful in reaching their goals,  You could also consider a group resolution. For example: A family that pledges to sit down together for dinner at least once a week.
  7. Remind yourself.
    To keep your resolution fresh and at the front of your mind, implement some little tricks:
    • Post reminders at your desk or on your bathroom mirror.
    • Set your phone or calendar to send push notifications reminding you of your goal.
    • Add your goal to your to-do lists along with your chores and errands.
  8. Track your progress.
    Keep data to help you track your progress; it can help you on days when it’s not going well.  Keeping track over time to see how you’re doing can help keep your motivation.  A habit-tracking app or journal will make it easy to keep track of your progress and help you adjust when necessary.

Try Setting an Intention instead of a Resolution

There’s something to be said for setting specific goals — but there are other ways to focus on self-improvement, too.
If you’re not in the mood to pick a New Year’s resolution in the traditional sense, you could try to set an intention instead. This might include, “I want to be more positive” or “I’m going to be more adventurous.”

How to Not Break Your New Year’s Resolutions

Nearly 1 out of 4 people didn’t maintain their new behavior past a week. One month into the new year, almost half of the participants had already given up on their goals. But you can get back on track any time, not just at the start of the year. Real and lasting change happens when a person feels ready, not by picking an arbitrary date on a calendar.  If you encounter struggles, don’t give up. Instead, focus on getting back on track and not beating yourself up.  Be kind and compassionate toward yourself.  Change takes time.  Keep going and be persistent . Keep an eye on the intended end result and give yourself an opportunity to change in small and achievable ways.

 

 

Mountain Region (BIL / IND / MCI / SLC / DEN)
Offering our members confidential, free guidance to professional help

Ken Cardoso, Mountain Region Coordinator
720.591.6797
Email:  kcardoso@iam141.org
Email:  659ken@gmail.com

 

Denver Team

  • Tony Rodriguez
    United Airlines EAP Chairman
    Mobile:  303.525.3334
  • Bryan Hutchinson
    EAP Director
    Mobile:  303.229.5117

 

Denver Flight Training Center (TK)

  • Melissa Nelson
    303.907.1787

 

DENCS & DENCG EAP Representatives

  • Bill Woodward
    303.548.8767
  • Carol Gray
    303.345.5470
  • Ermias Goitom
    720.838.7816
  • Gigi McCormack
    720.232.4570
  • Steve Tomes
    720.245.3894
  • Jeanette Schindler
    720.233.0964
  • Shelly Archuleta-Lee
    303.550.0044
  • Kristine Giordano
    720.272.8428
  • Maria Talavera
    720.879.0299
  • Pam Shaw
    303.909.6935
  • Mike Tretter
    303.638.7240
  • Dana Aguayo
    713.206.6861
  • Karol Vincellette
    720.384.7559

 

Southwest Airlines EAP Peer Coordinator

  • Cassie Strub
    Mobile:  303.993.9633