With the ticking of the clock to 12.01am on a new year, humans have a tendency to ponder the 12 months just past and set aims to do better in the days, weeks and months ahead.
The “New Year’s resolution” has become common parlance around the globe, along with in-depth analysis about why they’re a good thing, why they’re a bad thing, and everything in between.
When it comes to our mental health, there are universal ideas that are worthy of exploring at any time of the year, especially when people are in a goal-setting mindset.
For psychologist Arthur Papagiannis of AP Psychology and Consulting Services, there are five key messages he shares with members of the transport community as part of his partnership with Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, that he says are particularly important around the holiday periods on the road when things are not “normal”.
“Being a truckie out on the road, how do we continue to keep up that self-check on our mental health?” Arthur asks.
One model he says comes in handy is the “5 Ways to Wellbeing” and its concepts of Be Aware, Be Active, Keep Learning, Connect and Help Others.
A big one for Arthur in the Being Aware category is for people at work to focus on what they control and to identify within themselves if they are becoming agitated or anxious about things outside that scope.
As an example, he notes other drivers may behave in unexpected ways over the holiday period, triggering anger or high emotion for those around them.
He says being aware of that response, recognising it for what it is, and re-focusing on the things within your control is a good way of limiting the impact such events have on the rest of the day.
When it comes to Being Active, Arthur says the new year is a good opportunity for people to think about how they might change their habits to incorporate stretching, walking, and better sleep.
“Making more of short walks or stretches or pulling over to rest can make a massive difference,” he says.
Having a “growth mindset” and an interest in learning more, having new experiences, or developing hobbies or interests outside work is another way of bolstering mental health and reducing stress.
“When we are learning new things, it gives us a bit more confidence in life,” Arthur says.
While all of these elements combined will help to strengthen mental wellbeing, Arthur says if people are to choose just one goal for the new year, he would recommend they ask themselves “How do I optimise my connections this year?”
He says for all of us, but the likes of truck drivers in particular, where there are many hours spent alone on the road, having strong connections with friends, family, peers and medical professionals can make a massive difference to mental wellbeing.
“The more connected we are, we start to see the differences in how we’re feeling,” Arthur says.
“Find a way to make connecting with your people, regularly, part of your schedule.”
In a similar way, he says building your community and being there for others who might need support or advice provides a positive boost.
For those readers who have their own businesses and staff, it’s worth making note of the opportunities available via Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, including a range of workshops focused on mental health and managing psychosocial risks.
While Arthur and his team offer packages for their workplace-focused programs via Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, there are extra resources available to explore on the www.healthyheads.org.au website, including Toolbox Talks, R U Ok? in Trucks and Sheds sessions, the Healthy Heads app, and information on healthy nutrition ideas.
One thing’s for sure – if you’re hoping to achieve any new year’s resolutions, having the right mental state to focus on your goals is a mighty big step in the right direction.
Top tips for wellbeing
• Be Aware:
Focus on what you can control
• Be Active:
Manage sleep and stress
• Keep Learning:
Set yourself a new challenge
• Connect:
Talk to family and friends about how you feel
• Help Others:
Connect with peers and create a support group