Introduction In my practice lately, I’ve been noticing a lot of "January burnout." After the rush of the holidays and the pressure of New Year’s resolutions, many of us hit a wall by the final week of the month.
If you feel like you’re struggling to keep up, look at our sidewalks. In St. Albert, we all know the "Alberta Shuffle"—that careful, penguin-like walk we use to stay upright on the ice. It turns out, that same shuffle is exactly what our mental health needs right now.
Why We Need to "Walk Like a Penguin" Mentally When the ground is slippery, you don't try to sprint. You adjust your pace. Here is how to apply "ice safety" to your emotional life this week:
1. Take Smaller Steps In the spring, we can run. In the winter, we shuffle. If your big goals for 2026 feel overwhelming right now, shorten your stride. Focus on the next hour, or just the next task. Success in January is simply staying upright.
2. Find Your "Salt" Who are the people in your life that act like road salt? Just like salt melts the ice on your driveway, these are the people who clear your path and make you feel grounded. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a family member, or a professional counsellor, don't be afraid to lean on your support system when things feel slippery.
3. Accept the Slowdown Slowing down isn’t "laziness"—it’s a survival skill. Animals hibernate, the trees are dormant, and the sun is away. It is biologically natural to have less energy right now. Give yourself permission to match the pace of the season.
Conclusion If you feel like you’re losing your footing as we head into February, remember that it’s okay to slow down. My door is always open for those who need a little extra "salt" to help clear the path.
—Annika
Annika Schaefer
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