Hello, hello!
How are you all doing during the ongoing pandemic and related restrictions? It’s tough isn’t it?
From being in touch with many of you, it seems we are all inevitably having up and down days. Not being able to make plans is challenging, not to mention the health and financial challenges and general lessening of connections with people and events.
How have you all been coping?
I started with a list: What can I do (within the limitations)? What would I like to do?
Cook, watch Netflix, go on Wintery wrapped up walks, stay connected with friends digitally (but also enjoy some quiet downtime), be grateful for my work, find good people to work with and build my coaching business.
Let’s add: Make some penciled in plans for next year!
How about you? What have you been doing? Or not doing perhaps?
During the onset of the pandemic earlier this year and right up until now, I have continued one habit. And that is reminding myself what I am thankful for as a daily habit…
“Gratitude is good for our mental health”
“Gratitude increases resilience”
In this edition, I am going to talk about the life changing habit of keeping a grateful journal. Do you already do this? Have you stuck at it? I started writing down what I was grateful for a few years ago after my initial coaching training. These days I just say out loud to myself a few things before I close my eyes at night. Weirdly it seems to get me to sleep (and I am in menopause):
Doing this has made a huge difference to me and how I view life.
I am consciously grateful now for the small things and the big. And even after a tough day, there is usually one thing at least that made me smile…a bit.
I noticed over time that my mindset and perspective did start to shift, my ‘state’, my expectations of myself and others. I am kinder and more patient. We can choose how we react to any situation. How we react is within our control even if a given situation is not.
So, what are the benefits of practicing gratitude regularly?
Scroll down for 7 benefits:
Gratitude helps us to stop worrying about the future, to be in the now and be more accepting. Apt for these times, I think.
The benefits are backed up by scientific research and ongoing studies that started in the US. According to Psychology Today, there are 7 key benefits to being thankful:
*Lowers stress and anxiety
*Enhances better sleep
*Makes you happier
*Makes you mentally stronger and more resilient
*Improves self esteem
*improves physical health (less aches and pains and lowers risk of heart disease according to some studies)
*Fosters a positive mindset and improves psychological health (reducing envy, resentment, and regret)
Ever heard the mantra:
“Don’t get bitter, get better!” I love this one!
(If you would like to know more about the scientific studies, let me know and I will send you some links.)
In the meantime, let me know if this is something that you already do or would like to start practicing. To get started I would encourage you to start by writing down 5 to 10 things at the start or end of each day that you are grateful for, no matter how big or small. You could do the practice with a partner or family member. I know people who do this with their (younger) kids at bedtime for example. Have a notebook and pen ready in a convenient place. New habits are formed best when they are easy to do.
Stay safe and well all of you. XXXX
I am grateful for all of you signing up to my newsletter and encouraging me with your messages of support and likes and shares on social media. THANK YOU. I am working with some wonderful clients and would love to work with even more.
Let me know how you get on with the gratitude journaling.
And finally: Do you know any other lovely ladies who would like to sign up to my newsletter? The next edition is all about sleep in midlife…. Zzzzz
Please let me know if you do. I will be running a free online course in the near future and it would be great to reach out to more incredible women.
emmarobertslifecoach@gmail.com
@EmmaRobertslifecoach on Facebook
@emmarobertslifecoach on Instagram
I can also be Googled!
P.s……
It can take at least 21 – 30 days for a new habit to form, so give it the time it deserves before you start to notice a difference, a shift in your mindset.
Remember this. The brain believes what you tell it. If you tell it negative stuff it will believe the negative stuff and likewise if you tell it positive stuff it will believe the positive stuff. Simples! That’s NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) – the brain is in fact malleable meaning that it can change and adapt, how amazing is that??
