Go Sober, Stoptober and How to Achieve a Healthy, Balanced Life

For many, October is the month of giving things up.

Whether it be the 'Stoptober' campaign to give up smoking or the 'Go Sober for October' initiative to cut out alcohol, there are thousands of individuals attempting to see the month out without succumbing to the temptation of one selected 'vice'.

We've spoken with many people who've managed to get through the month so far without cigarettes, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, take-out food, crisps and a whole host of other items they're determined to remove from their regular routine.  Here are the top 7 strategies that have helped them succeed:

1) Find an alternative
Its easier to replace something in your routine than remove it and then feel deprived so, instead of telling yourself that you're giving something up, frame your mission as introducing something more positive.  Instead of 'no alcohol', focus on 'improved hydration from drinking more water' or 'improved sleep routines' or 'better energy levels in the evenings'.

2) Anticipate squeeze points
You'll be able to tell from your forthcoming schedule when your best intentions will be most heavily challenged and spending a little time in advance to plan your strategy around these squeeze points will pay dividends.  You might need to give more thought to how you'll maintain your desired changes in specific work or social situations or when you spend time with particular people.  Decide ahead of time how you'll deal with these moments.

3) Share your mission
The more people you inform about what you're doing, the easier it will be to succeed.  Not only will people understand and accommodate changes in your routine but accountability to others and support from them will strengthen your resolve.

4) Take it one day at a time
A lifetime without something you perceive to be enjoyable in your life sounds like a tall order.  A month is a more manageable prospect.  One day is even easier to deal with so plan your approach for each day and you'll be amazed at how quickly successful days add up.

5) Acknowledge your progress
Keep notes on how you are doing.  If you stumble along the way it's tempting to revert back to your old behaviour but if you can look at hard evidence of just one or two moments of wavering alongside many days of sticking to your task you'll be much more likely to keep things in perspective and refocus on your desired result.

6) Stay engaged
Take time to think about your actions and their results regularly.  There's a danger that without conscious thought you can drift into old habits before you know it.  Pause regularly to remind yourself of what you're doing and why you're doing it.

7) Find the balance
Update your goals and strategies regularly.  Having given up something for a fixed period you need to be clear if this is how your routine will remain or if you'll be introducing things back into your schedule in the medium term and if you are, what does the new balance of your life look like.  

It's a great exercise to regularly experiment with your lifestyle choices and, ultimately, it's the only way you'll find out what truly brings you the best energy levels, performance and results, so whether it be during October or any other month, follow the guidelines above and over time you'll evolve a routine that ensures you feel great every day.

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Regular Motivation = Great Wellness Results

Here's an example someone sent us this week of how a little bit of regular input from us can keep motivation and wellness results flowing.

'Thanks for your emails, they are great at new ideas and have helped me a great deal. 

Since you were here I have given up smoking in late October and can now complete the 5km runs again so very pleased 

I am going to the gym now at least 4 to 5 times a week with swimming on my rest days.  I limit bad foods and eat regular meals avoiding unhealthy stuff although I do have the odd treat.'

If you'd like great results like this, get some regular motivation and inspiration by signing up for our Be the Boss of February programme: 4-weeks of free tips to kick start your wellness and take it to the next level.

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Inspiring Wellness Success Story 18

Here's a new update in our series of success stories from wellness programmes we've run within various businesses.

This example shows a very clear link between the right attitude and the desired results.  In this case, knowledge, awareness and the will to succeed led to 15kg of weight loss, increased confidence, enhanced productivity and improved sporting performance. And he quit smoking.

A fantastic result for this individual in turn bringing benefits to his organisation.  Let us know if you'd like us to help you fill your business with people getting great results like this with their wellness.

• The date of the programme you attended:November 2008 / January 2009

• The lifestyle changes you made following programme: Decreased red meats, reduced 15KG, Managed to finished the Dubai Standard Chartered marathon 10K

• The lifestyle changes that have stuck with you to the present day: QUIT SMOKING

• The secrets of your success with wellbeing: Knowledge, awareness and the will to succeed

• What advice that you received made the greatest impact on you? Live healthy, live longer and be more productive and successful in life

• The biggest benefits of making your lifestyle changes? Very productive and very much more confident

• Anything that gets in the way of success with wellbeing: Nothing if there is the will

• When wellbeing is working for you, what are the key elements that make the difference? To tell you the truth, everything has become positive, especially eating healthy food

  
Read previous instalments of our Inspiring Wellness Success Stories here

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How to Help Staff Quit Smoking

It's No Smoking Day on March 9th and, whilst we don't run any initiatives specifically related to quitting smoking, we have worked with many smokers who have chosen to give up cigarettes during, or very soon after taking part in, our general wellness programmes.There's a large element of timing involved in when people choose to give up smoking and you certainly can't put pressure on them to quit - it simply doesn't help and chances are they're already putting a good deal of pressure on themselves to stop.

Here's how we achieve success in this area.

1) Focus on positives

There's little point repeating the negative consequences of smoking. Smokers are all too familiar with these. Instead send messages that focus on the positive elements of not smoking such as increased energy, better concentration, inner calm and a stronger immune system

2) Lay down a challenge

No one likes to feel they are operating below par in any area of life. Asking the general question of what would lead people to the greatest improvement with their health and wellbeing will usually steer smokers in the direction of giving up without you having to be too heavy handed with the message

3) Add accountability

People choose to stop smoking on our programmes because we provide a manageable time frame for them to work with. If they can stop for a couple of days, a week, a month or a couple of months over the duration of a modular programme, this can be enough to convince them they can become a non-smoker for the long-term.

March 9th is a good reminder to staff to be vigilant with their wellbeing habits Use No Smoking Day as part of your ongoing schedule of events and communications to ensure that healthy living is such a priority with employees that they'll always respond to opportunities to raise their game with their wellbeing.

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