Cherry Creek Psychology, Dr. Maximillian Wachtel

Keeping on the topic of resolutions, I noticed this morning at the gym that there were significantly more people there than usual. I’m sure that a lot of people resolved to start a consistent exercise regimen in 2008. We’ll see how long they last.

Not that I’m judging them, by the way. I, myself, am a relative new-comer to the morning gym milieu. I exercise consistently throughout the year (I am an avid runner), and I am mostly able to run outside. However, when it is cold and/or snowy, I find it slightly more pleasant to be inside while exercising. I’m sure there are a bunch of regulars at the gym who think I just started my own exercise regimen and will drop off after a few months. And, I will prove them right, because I will probably be able to run outside every morning starting around March. As far as they are concerned, I’m sure they will think I’ve just stopped exercising.

I suppose the lesson here is to not be too quick to judge people. No matter what the circumstances may be, you have no way of knowing what is going on for any one individual. Try giving people the benefit of the doubt, and you might find yourself a little happier in the long-run.

Thanks for reading– Max Wachtel, Ph.D. (maxwachtel@cherrycreekpsychology.com; www.cherrycreekpsychology.com)

Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions this year? If so, have you stuck to them, or have they gone by the wayside?

I suppose a good resolution for me would be to blog more often than once every two months, but I know I would be destined to fail…

My personal theory (not backed up by scientific data) on why so many people fail to stick with their resolutions: people pick crappy resolutions.

Don’t get me wrong, I am all for personal growth and positive change. But, typically people choose things to change that are extremely difficult…building an exercise regimen, losing weight and keeping it off, quitting smoking, and so on. These are major life struggles that don’t just change by making a snap decision on January 1st. They are issues that people struggle with for years, and some of them take professional help.

My advice is to pick a fun resolution this year. Even though January is almost a third of the way over, it’s not to late to make a resolution, and it should be something that you are actually motivated to achieve. For example, some people I know have resolved to spend more time with friends this year. Maybe you could resolve to watch more funny movies or to wear flip flops more often during the summer so your feet get tan. Try resolving to dig that crumpled-up piece of aluminum foil out from under the fridge and play with your cat this weekend. Pick something fun and something easy to achieve.

By the way: I was joking with someone today about how I might try to boost my blog readership by using words such as “naked,” “nude,” “Paris Hilton,” and “picture.” I’ll let you know what happens.

Thanks for reading– Max Wachtel, Ph.D. (maxwachtel@cherrycreekpsychology.com; www.CherryCreekPsychology.com)

2. Find Quiet Time For Yourself

It can be important for you to have some good alone time during the holidays. During periods of stress, we use time alone to relax and recharge. By finding time for yourself, you will feel re-energized, refreshed and ready to spend extended time with the extended family. By skipping much-needed alone time, you are setting yourself up for increased stress and a high probability that you will snap at some point.

What can you do to be alone? Tell everyone you need to do some last-minute shopping and then use the time to do whatever you like to do when you are alone: Go for a walk. Go for a drive. Read a book at a coffee shop or library. Exercise at the gym. Usually, family members don’t balk at the “last-minute shopping” excuse, because it means you are going to buy them presents.

Tomorrow’s tip: Don’t Overeat

 Thanks for reading– Max Wachtel, Ph.D. (www.CherryCreekPsychology.com)