Choosing Wellness

Moment by moment we can choose to cultivate wellness.

’Energy follows focus’, what we pay attention to grows stronger ( positive or negative). The small things we do again and again change, our lives and the lives of others. it’s that simple but it also takes practice. Here are some of my favourite tips to grow wellness:

1.Make Space and Take Time to Breathe

Take time for three deep breaths, a few times a day. Deep breathing slows our heart rate to a more rested state. This can help us feel more grounded. Each day bring minutes of breathing space to calm your nervous system.

2. Listen to Yourself

Tune in regularly to your inner voice. Keep connected by noticing your thoughts, emotions and senses and stay in touch with your personal needs. Take time to recall memories and remind yourself of experiences when you have coped well before, be that tricky times in business or personally. Tap into your resilience and give your confidence a boost. 

3. Digital Detox

Keep on top of the latest information from trustworthy sources. Remember at times of fear and uncertainty our mind is more alert, looking for signs and potential threats. Maybe ration your need to keep checking news updates? Too much information can contribute to overwhelm and burnout. In the long run this may be counter-productive, if it stops you from keeping healthy and well. 

4. Home Working 

Working and living in our home space, alone or with family, can bring new unforeseen pressures and gifts, as we work out our ‘new normal’. People may miss social connection, friendships and support from colleagues. Some people may have tricky home lives. We are all different we cope, and adapt to change at our own pace. Some people want help; others may be more self-sufficient in taking time to adjust. 

5. Calming our Minds

Keep curious and pay more attention to your mind, without judgment. Changes and restrictions to our normal routines, loss and disappointments for our future social plans can all add up. Starting to work from home, or increased pressure at work can trigger positive or negative patterns, thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness is to be with things as they are, avoiding the extremes of suppressing or running away with thoughts feelings or sensations; keeping a sense of perspective and balance. Self-compassion helps hold the difficulty.

6. Kindness Counts

Cultivating kindness and compassion for ourselves, and empathy for others helps us become more accepting whilst adjusting to the changes we are all collectively experiencing. Kindness calms our nervous system. Research indicates compassionate leadership helps us feel valued, connected and safe, during changes. 

7. Keep Communicating 

In times of stress we need understanding and a scaffolding of emotional support around us. Pause, catch your breath, become more aware and present in your conversations; listen better and hear more. Practice keeping open, checking in with yourself and others. Be in the moment with your loved ones, or your team (they will notice), it will make a difference. 

8. Get Outside in the Fresh Air

Discover abundance in green spaces even in urban areas. Research tells us that nature has a calming effect on our mind and emotions. Soothe and replenish your senses and uplift your spirit with nature’s sights, sounds and sensations.

9. Physical Health

Plan for a marathon than a sprint. Eat well, hydrate and refuel your body. Make time to rest, recuperate and recover. Relax, switch off and sleep well, so you are resourced and resilient to go the distance. You will thank your future self.

10. Practice the Science of Gratitude 

Take in the good stuff, be really present in it, and totally absorb it to nurture and nourish your senses. Each morning write down “3 things you are grateful for” e.g. having a home, friends, a pet whatever is special to you.

At the end of Your Day, remember “3 good things that happened today”. Appreciating small things can provide priceless and precious instantaneous moments of Joy! Remember, what we pay attention to gets stronger.

Lou delivers wellness coaching and mentoring services helping individuals, business owners, and their staff to thrive and flourish. Passionate about wellness has Lou studies internationally with some of the world’s best teachers. A business graduate and Tai Chi teacher, Lou is currently researching the benefits of mindfulness and compassion in coaching, as part of her MSc in Mindfulness, at Aberdeen University.

To find out more about how her approach get help help, please get in touch.

07715814833  

http://www.linkedin.com/loubooth