How Holistic Life Coaching Can Support Your Mental and Emotional Wellness.

People around the world envy the Australian lifestyle, where we juggle work, family, and maybe even a cheeky surf session, our mental and emotional wellbeing can often take a backseat. But just like we prioritise our physical health by going to the gym, nurturing our inner world is crucial for a fulfilling, purposeful and balanced life. Luckily, in life coaching we have powerful tools at our disposal: mindfulness, wellbeing science, and emotional intelligence. Let's explore how I use these tools to help clients support their mental health and wellbeing.

The Power of Being Present: Mindfulness

Mindfulness, at its core, is about paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It's about noticing your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations as they arise, without getting carried away by them. Think of it like observing the gentle rustling of eucalyptus leaves in the breeze – simply noticing without needing to analyse or change it. This alone reduces stress significantly because the mind is not getting stuck on thoughts that cause stress.

In our busy lives, our minds often race ahead to the future or dwell on the past. Mindfulness helps us anchor ourselves in the now, reducing rumination and worry. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing each day can make a difference. You might try:

• Mindful Morning Coffee: Instead of scrolling through your phone while sipping your flat white, take a moment to truly savour the taste, smell, and warmth.

• Nature Walks: When you're enjoying a stroll in one of our local parks, engage all your senses. Notice the colours, sounds, and smells around you.

• Body Scan: Take a few moments to bring awareness to different parts of your body, noticing any sensations without judgment. You might notice if you're tensing your shoulders or tummy and on the exhale relax and let it go.

Backed by Science: The Foundations of Wellbeing in Holistic Life Coaching

Wellbeing science, drawing from psychology and neuroscience, provides us with evidence-based insights into what truly contributes to our happiness and flourishing. It goes beyond simply feeling good and delves into aspects like purpose, positive relationships, engagement, accomplishment, and positive emotions (often remembered by the acronym PERMA).

Applying wellbeing science to our lives means consciously cultivating these elements. Consider:

• Connecting with Others: Make time for meaningful interactions with family and friends. Perhaps a weekend bbq or a catch-up at a local cafe. Strong social connections are a cornerstone of wellbeing.

• Finding Your Purpose: What truly lights you up? Engaging in activities that align with your values and give you a sense of purpose can boost your overall satisfaction. This could be volunteering, pursuing a hobby, or dedicating yourself to a meaningful career.

• Setting Achievable Goals: Working towards goals, both big and small, gives us a sense of accomplishment. Celebrate your wins, no matter how minor they seem.

• Practicing Gratitude: Regularly acknowledging the good things in your life can shift your focus towards positivity. Keep a gratitude journal or simply take a moment each day to appreciate what you have creates a positive upward spiral and resources your energy.

Understanding Our Inner World: Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as recognise and influence the emotions of others. It's about being aware of your feelings, using that awareness to guide your behaviour, and relating effectively to those around you.

Developing your EQ can significantly enhance your relationships, reduce stress, and improve your overall wellbeing. Here's how you can boost your emotional intelligence:

• Self-Awareness: Pay attention to your emotions as they arise. What triggers them? How do they feel in your body?

• Self-Regulation: Learn to manage impulsive feelings and respond in a thoughtful way. This doesn't mean suppressing emotions, but rather expressing them appropriately. This is an important skill I help you in develop in the leadership coaching program.

• Social Awareness (Empathy): Try to understand the perspectives and emotions of others. Put yourself in their shoes, another important leadership skill to develop.

• Relationship Management: Build and maintain healthy relationships by communicating effectively, resolving conflicts constructively, and inspiring others.

Weaving It All Together: Your Journey to Wellness

Mindfulness, wellbeing science, and emotional intelligence aren't separate entities; they work synergistically to support your mental and emotional health. By cultivating present moment awareness (mindfulness), understanding the science behind a flourishing life, and developing your emotional skills, you can create a more resilient, joyful, and meaningful existence.

Start small. Choose one area that resonates with you and begin incorporating simple practices into your daily routine. Remember, your mental and emotional wellbeing is an ongoing journey, not a destination. By consciously nurturing your inner world, you'll be better equipped to navigate life's challenges and fully appreciate your life.