We are all under so much stress but we can actually help to avoid some of it , check this weeks Vlog and see what changes you might make.
I was really interested is sharing these stats about what is ‘trending’ in 2022 and was so pleased that there is a real increase to improve our wellbeing.
Google is an amazing tool but the one thing that is imperative in the list below is ACTION
Tese are some of the things I found a massive increase in…
80% increase in searches on Google for ‘mindful moving’
53% increase in searches on Google for ‘mindful exercise’
23% increase in searches on Google for ‘mindful running’
83% increase in searches on Google for ‘fitness tracker’
80% increase in searches on Google for ‘stress tracker’
50% increase in searches on Google for ‘cortisol level’
88% increase in searches on Google for ‘mood tracker journal’
50% increase in searches on Google for ‘mood journal’ in 2021
One ounce of action is greater than one ton of theory ( a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson)
The bottom line is SO simple and if you want the benefits of health improvements you just have to do the actions.
So why is it we see so much obesity, burnout, stress related health issues and mental health problems in our society?
I believe it is not just about education, people must me motivated, encouraged, supported and have a deep committed desire to change things.
What my clients say get in the way, laziness, procrastination, not quick enough results, it feels too hard, the list goes on.
Recently a client admitted she just makes excuses but the truth is ‘beating ourselves up’ is not part of the solution.
What I find is people generally commit to actions if they are held accountable by someone.
The real key is to become accountable to yourself.
I feel we all take on so much that the important thing is to ensure we only commit to ‘bite size actions’.
SMALL baby steps in the right direct is the way to achieve results.
Make sure you are at least an 8 out of 10 in your enthusiasm, if you are lower its more likely you wont achieve your goals.
Make an action plan, add things in your diary so you know you have made time to do them.
Have FUN make things more enjoyable or reward yourself when they are complete.
Finally, if you really feel unable to honour your commitments to make good health choices, get help! Life coaching can look at what stops you and what are the underlying ‘self sabotage’ issues.
Whatever the reason remember people DO change and they CAN change for the better.
No health tips this week just respects for the queen
The facts about self-discipline, do you have it? do you want more of it?
Do you ever find yourself unable to sleep, or wake in the night with things going round and round in your head?
Do you often find yourself in the daytime not fully present as your mind is so busy with things to do, or worries and concerns of life?
Join the club! We have all at some point had what I call ‘a busy mind’, and the effects on our health long term if we continue with the above can range from: exhaustion, fatigue, anxiety, stress, high blood pressure, over eating, undereating, lack of motivation and even overwhelm.
So, what practical tips can you take away from this month’s Blog that can really be useful?
Funnily enough last night I woke up and noticed my head whirring round with incessant demands and thoughts.
I am pleased to say I now have some tools to calm my busy mind and first I had to use the 3 A’s which I often speak about.
Acknowledge I noticed how I was feeling without judgement, for me it was a bit of overwhelm of things to do
Accept Knowing its ok and it’s just where I am at right now, I need to accept things as they are even if I don’t like them. Only then can I move forward to any actions.
Action What can I do about it? What choices do I have?
As you may know Einstein said ‘The definition of madness is to repeat the same behaviour and expect something different’
My suggestions are…
1. Focus on taking some deep breaths which instantly calms you down and is a great de-stressor.
2. Get a notebook by the bed or have one around that’s easily accessible.
Writing things down is a great way to put things into perspective.
3.Look at what is in your control and what is not, worry is like being in a rocking chair it gets you nowhere!
4.Practice self-compassion, be kind to yourself.
5.Stay in the present moment, as they say in 12 step program yesterday is history tomorrow a mystery we only have NOW, the present moment.
5. I believe its good to share your emotions and feelings with others, again giving another perspective.
I hope you practice some of the suggestions and get some relief if you notice your busy mind over taking you.
Finally remember, balance is the key and at times, a busy mind can be a motivator to get actions done so it’s not all bad.
Many people strive to find real happiness but often end up unfulfilled. Perhaps we are seeking happiness in the wrong places? check out my latest video to find out more
Fear seems to play a massive part in many people's lives, fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of people and so it goes on. Check out my Vlog for a few simple antidotes.
We all want to improve our health and wellbeing but are we really ready to make the changes and get out of our comfort zone?
Yes, we have all been there suffering the awful effects of procrastination, the anxiety, the worry, the frustration even going as far as beating ourselves up and feeling constantly stressed about something ‘hanging over us’.
We know we should just get on with it as we then would feel so much satisfaction and relief, but no, we just put it off.
It might even be something we enjoy so what gets in the way?
My clients often say…
I can’t be bothered
I don’t want to do it right now
I haven’t got time
I will do it another day
Its boring
So whatever the reason the pain gets worse, then eventually the pressure from others ( or yourself) gets too painful and somehow you do the task and get the relief, then you wish you had done it earlier!
What’s ironic is we then procrastinate all over again with something else! and the cycle continues.
Solution please? ( I guess that’s your next question?)
My prime example is my monthly blog which is not my favourite thing to do ( I love the weekly vlogs but have to dig a bit deeper with the written word)
What I LOVE about the blogs is they ALWAYS get done as I use my little simple method to achieve the best outcome.
1.Set a time you COMMIT to doing the task
2.Allow yourself enough time in advance or even a bit longer so you don’t feel pressurised
3.STICK TO IT! Self-discipline is key, no excuses
4.Make it as fun as you can, perhaps a reward at the end helps
5.Remind yourself of the pleasure you will feel when its gets done
This is my fail proof method and has really helped reduce my anxiety and stress.
I still am not madly keen on doing my blogs but the feeling I am getting right now its really great and well worth it!
So off you go, try this method and see how much better you feel.
Now you can put procrastination in its place once and for all!
Often people make lifestyle changes after a health scare or incident and wish they had made the changes long before. The facts are evident if we practice self-care it has a massive effect on us as well as others.
We all desire more peace and harmony in our lives as well as a reduction in stress , the real key to achieve this is to create more balance ion your life, check out this weeks Vlog to find out how.
This is such a great topic as it can affect our health in many ways when we don’t feel we have balance in our lives.
Perhaps you are working too many hours, not taking proper breaks, going to bed late, spending limited time with family and friends, are you often worn out and find it hard to relax or de-stress?
If you have read this far, I am guessing you would like to know some solutions?
As usual none of my suggestions are rocket science but as the sayings go, ‘people often know what to do but don’t DO what they know’.
You will be delighted to find out that you really can bring more balance in your life but you have to really make it a priority.
The order needs to be….
Self-care first
Family
Work
This is usually not the way round people have the order of priority, if you really want more balance, less stress, less anxiety, and feel happier and healthier you must put this in place.
What people generally do is work harder, longer hours and put themselves last usually saying, when things get calmer, less busy, more organised THEN I will put myself first.
So what happens? well the calmness, less busy, more organised never seems to come!
The problem is when the priority is in the wrong order it creates a dis-ease that only gets worse.
One of the most common areas I coach people in is getting a more balanced life.
This is easier than you might think, first look at the diary and put a few self-care things in BEFORE you schedule in meetings and work stuff.
Just one thing to start with and build up, when you notice the benefits you will feel you can add something else in.
Eventually you will start to really notice you are feeling more content and less stressed.
Start with something simple, maybe a walk-in nature, a hot bath, finishing on time and reading a book, or doing something nice for yourself.
I guarantee you the health benefits are so amazing you will never allow yourself to go back to that way of life.
And finally if you really don’t know where to start I am here ready waiting to help you.
Self Care = Self Repair x
We all can overload ourselves with things we need to do but adding pressure comes at a price, it can dramatically increase our stress levels. Check out my suggested actions to reduce stress.
We all want to be happier I guess? how about finding out how? follow this recipe and you will be amazed at how much happier you can feel!
Everyday we all seem to face a ‘to do list’ with unrealistic expectations which often leave us feeling exhausted, fatigued, anxious , stressed, frustrated and unable to relax.
What we tend to do when we experience the above is go into ‘overdrive’, we work harder ,try harder and go faster.
Perhaps some of us stay up later to try to get things done, maybe we don’t take a lunch break or any breaks. Often people fuel themselves on sugary foods or drinks and not take time for healthier snacks or meals.
Perhaps we just keep pushing on and on to hopefully fulfil our never ending need to ‘get things done’.
Many people take pride in multitasking and doing lots of things at once which in itself can bring on even more stress and anxiety.
As a result we can’t seem to sleep or unwind and find our brains not turning off.
I would imagine it’s not rocket science to say if we stay in these states it can affect not only our physical health, but our mental health too.
So what I am suggesting today is the last thing people have in mind and that is SLOW DOWN!
Really you say! surely that will add to the stress and anxiety as things will be getting accomplished even more slowly?
Well dear audience ,there is a sequence that goes with slowing down and if you adhere to it you really can find much more peace calmness in your life.
It is widely researched that slowing down our breathing automatically decreases our blood pressure and relaxes the nervous system.
These 6 actions I am suggesting are not only simple but ‘do-able’.
1.Start each day with some slow deep breaths ( just 2 or three minutes can make all the difference)
2.When you arise be aware of how quickly you are moving or speaking and be concise to slow down’
3.Check in with how you are feeling regularly during the day and do the above practice, even three large breaths in and out slowly can decrease anxiety.
4.The obvious things are ensure you have breakfast, even if it’s just fruit and also a proper healthy choice lunch break AWAY from the desk/work area.
5.Take a few moments every hour or so to just gaze at nature, or better still get out into it once aday even for 5 minutes.
6.A tough one for many of us but do ONE thing at a time ,if you really want the benefits of calmer nerves and reduced anxiety this one has to be mastered!
Of course you can build on the above but it’s a start, and as my 86 year old coach says …
‘One ounce of action is greater than one ton of theory’!
And remember nothing grows in the comfort zone.
wow we all want to be happier and healthier as we get older but is it really possible, I believe it is as I am living proof of it!