The start of a new year often brings with it energy for change and goal setting.

This year, however, might be different: after two long and limiting pandemic years, resolutions and intentions might feel overwhelming and unnecessary given the challenges we are facing.

If you feel this way, you are not alone. Professor Lesley Lutes, from UBCO, says about 95 per cent of people will have abandoned their resolutions by the end of January.

Maybe being our best selves means just being.

Self-compassion practice can help us in this year of ongoing disruptions in our routines or with the fatigue might be experiencing. This practice includes speaking to yourself in a calm, comforting manner; and recognizing that feelings of anxiety, loneliness, sadness and many others are entirely acceptable considering the circumstances.

Now is a good time to chart a different path to well-being. Let's start with self-care and asking for help. Self-care is an intentional activity that refuels you.

Practicing self-care helps maintain physical, emotional and mental well-being.

• Employees at ECU can access Not Myself Today digital learning tools and resources by visiting NotMyselfToday.ca.

• To help you carve out time for self-care, and to help you make yourself a priority, The Canadian Mental Health Association has developed a printable guide. Download it here.

• Know where to go for support. Employees can access EFAP 24/7 by phone (1-844-880-9142, TTY 1-877-338-0275), web (workhealthlife.com) or mobile app (download My EAP app now at your device app).

• Reimbursements (subject to $ limits) for counselling from a psychologist, registered clinical counsellor, or social worker are also available.

• Employees and students can visit BC211, a free and confidential service connecting those in need with helpful and vital resources in our community.

• Employees looking to try some new activities, connect with colleagues and be less sedentary as the colder and darker winter months wind down are invited to check out ECU’s Wellness Challenge. You can choose from hundreds of activities, earn points, from physical movement, sports, meditation and more!