By now we’re sure the holidays are mere happy memories, tucked away for the next eleven months or so as you eagerly embrace the coming year! Decorations are down and boxed, exterior lights no longer dance around the garage and eaves as if the Twelve Days of Christmas got in indefinite extension, and front yard depictions of Santas in sleighs or Saviors in mangers are stored away until next year. The fulfilment of New Year’s resolutions and goals are in full swing and you’ve burned off the last calories of 287 Christmas cookies devoured (well, all those people were thoughtful enough to drop them off at the station, it’d be a shame and an insult to not do my part putting them to their natural use).
And of course there’s no drooping Christmas Tree still standing in the corner, its imminent demise or storage (depending on real or “fake”) put off till a more convenient “later” until you start to wonder if you’re turning into “those people” we all occasionally meet; you know, the ones with the sad July tree still up, because November’s basically just around the corner! Right?
Even if you’ve moved on from the holidays, set your mind on 2018 and beyond, and
Re-establish your pre-holiday routines…
Getting back into pre-holiday routines centers and balances us, bleeds off stress that has built up over the fast-paced and packed holidays, and gives a sense of equilibrium. Having a reasonable amount of routine allows the mind to operate on autopilot, even if for just a little while, after a time of disequilibrium that, even if it was fun, may have been exhausting or put you off your game.
Reestablishing a semblance of routine can defend against the post-holiday doldrums, as well. Especially where cold, inclement weather and shorter days can add to stress and even depression, the holidays add a touch of excitement and fun. Once they are over many of us crash back to harsh reality. Routines can give structure to move through the crash.
…but don’t be afraid to shake things up a bit, either
But creating new routines or habits, or letting go of old, ineffective, or boring routines and habits, has rejuvenating powers for many of us. The start of a new year naturally lends itself to change and addition when it comes to habits and outlook.
Get physical
Start up, or rejoin, a fitness program. Take up or return to running, lifting, swimming, stretching, brand new or old favorite sports, yoga, Pilates, martial arts, or simply regular walking. Brighten your perspective by taking care of yourself physically. This is especially important if you’ve been away from a good exercise regimen for a while, or gave in to the traditional sugar, caffeine, and alcohol blowouts common to the season.
Focus on fun, entertainment, and laughter
Be deliberate about having fun. Catch the typically high quality movies that show up this time of year, or binge watch some of the more laugh or thought-provoking series that have come to prominence lately. Hit up some comedy clubs, connect with people who make you laugh, or do whatever it takes to help you look on the bright side of life.
An added benefit to quality entertainment, and especially that which promotes laughter or critical thought (which are often hand-in-hand, realistically), is how it promotes healthy brain function and development. Quality entertainment has the power to challenge and edify.
Nurture Spirituality
We are all spiritual beings, and for many the holidays connect us to that often forgotten aspect of who we are. Keep that connection going! The New Year is a great time to get (re)acquainted with your spiritual side.
Be More than a Cop
As we’ve always and will always promote, practicing to be more than a cop (to help you be a better and healthier cop) is center to our message. So join a club or volunteer organization, take a class (or a few), pick up a new sport, instrument, or hobby, or just commit to being a better spouse/parent/partner.
Cops often let the professional aspect of their life define who they are and become one dimensional. Examine yourself and, if need be, expand your outlook and personal reach.
Give Back
November and December are often the time of year we generously give our time and money to our charities, churches, and communities. It’s natural to want to reach out then, the need is highlighted, and it just so happens to be the perfect time to boost our charitable giving before the tax year ends (just sayin’). But the need doesn’t end January 2nd! Find ways to donate your time, talents and money throughout the year.
Pay Off Debt
The holidays are expensive, with gift-giving, traveling, social gatherings, and food straining bank accounts. Pay off debt as early as possible.
Connect (or re-connect, or STAY connected) with family and friends
You give much of yourselves to the communities you protect, maybe at the occasional expense of your own families, and this can be especially true at the holidays. Your spouse and kids, parents, siblings, and friends also make sacrifices to the community giving you over to it. Devote some extra time to them.
You’ve probably spent at least some quality time with them over the holidays, driven by opportunity, the holiday spirit, or maybe just a sense of duty, and hopefully enjoyed them and they enjoyed you. It’s easy to fall back into old, neglectful patterns, however. This is a good time of year to find ways to keep that connection strong and contact consistent.
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The holidays can be great, but getting back into post-holiday life in the dead of winter offers some challenges. Try on these principles for a solid start to 2018.
Michael Wasilewski
Althea Olson, LCSW and Mike Wasilewski, MSW have been married since 1994. Mike works full-time as a police officer for a large suburban Chicago agency while Althea is a social worker in private practice in Joliet & Naperville, IL. They have been popular contributors of Officer.com since 2007 writing on a wide range of topics to include officer wellness, relationships, mental health, morale, and ethics. Their writing led to them developing More Than A Cop, and traveling the country as trainers teaching “survival skills off the street.” They can be contacted at [email protected] and can be followed on Facebook or Twitter at More Than A Cop, or check out their website www.MoreThanACop.com.
Althea Olson
Althea Olson, LCSW and Mike Wasilewski, MSW have been married since 1994. Mike works full-time as a police officer for a large suburban Chicago agency while Althea is a social worker in private practice in Joliet & Naperville, IL. They have been popular contributors of Officer.com since 2007 writing on a wide range of topics to include officer wellness, relationships, mental health, morale, and ethics. Their writing led to them developing More Than A Cop, and traveling the country as trainers teaching “survival skills off the street.” They can be contacted at [email protected] and can be followed on Facebook or Twitter at More Than A Cop, or check out their website www.MoreThanACop.com.
