Category: personal development

christmas well-being tips, lifestyle, New you, personal development, Self development, Steps to success, Uncategorized, Well-being

Your Christmas personal preparation plan!

brainbiscuitscoaching

Your Christmas preparation plan;

It’s that time of the year when Christmas is around the corner and I feel it’s important to make sure you ask yourself; Is any of my Christmas planning filled with things that I want ? Does the planning reflect What is my ideal Christmas?

This time of year can come with so much pressure because we all put ourselves under pressure for everything to be “perfect”

Make sure you don’t use a lot of your energy on things that don’t promote your happiness or adversely affect your wellbeing; nor do things that may add extra financial pressure.

Christmas really is a mixed bag when it comes to emotions too, ether it may be due to past experiences or loss of persons or a change in personal circumstances. Christmas is different for everyone.

This time of year is also typically when our routine goes out the Window and as nice as it is to have days off from the norm, I find this impacts me. If you need routine or notice if you don’t have routine that you struggle with the change of pace, just make sure you keep some of the structure you personally need. For me I need to still clear my head and push myself physically, so I have to stick to strategies that allow me to do this, for me this is my running. I need routine over the festive holidays to keep me on track.

A tip of survival is to avoid a stressful Christmas and just remind yourself to consider your own feelings on things; what matters and what really does not matter …. such as perfection!

Spend your time wisely, and try not to put pressure on yourself, it’s ok if it’s not the perfect Christmas you had in your mind. If things are fun and make you happy and you get to surround yourself with those who matter to you then isn’t that a success in itself? 

This year I am trying to aim for the following for myself;

1,Go with the flow days, were I go with how I feel and enjoy the lack of pressure and expectations I put on myself.

2,Social days with those who make me feel happy, uplifted and good.

3,Days to be productive, to get those things done that I didn’t get a chance to until now, and want to have done ahead of the new year.

4,Fresh air outdoors days where we can just get outside on a crisp winter day and enjoy ourselves.

5,have Creative days, it’s important to feed your creativity and if you want to make something or bake or attempt something new just do it!

6, If you find your mind has a few thoughts swimming around about the near future or for the new year etc try to make the time to acknowledge what you are thinking about, make time to write them down. Following on form this….

7, Allow Forward thinking time, It’s good to ask yourself;

•What do I want for 2020?

•What do I want to do in 2020?

And see what come to mind. Get it down on paper it’s more likely to be something you commit to if you see it written it comes to life.

8, It’s good to also be reflective and learn from 2019 what you enjoyed, didn’t enjoy and what you have learnt from these things. Ask yourself if they present again Can you approach things differently, can you change these things, again what do you want and how do you feel? 

Remember the past has happened and can’t be changed but you can be the change you need to make your Christmas and new year 2020 yours!

Identity, lifestyle, personal development, Self development, Uncategorized

“The power hour”

brainbiscuitscoaching

With the clocks going back in the uk recently by an hour, I found myself feeling the effects of how much having an extra hour can make!

I thought that I should look to use an hour a week wisely; a “power hour”!

This hour will give me time to sit down and sort through the things I want achieve; get done for the week ahead; and get super organised.

There really is alot to be said about having 60 minutes of pure planning.

So my “power hour” I have decided needs to be on a day where it is practical and works well for me. I decided to go for a Friday as this is a good day for enough time to plan and get things ready for the following week ahead. It’s important that you make your “power hour” work for you and on your most practical day too!

During this hour I start with a note pad and pen or anything you want to use for getting things written down and of course a good thinking space.

The first part is to clear your mind of mind-chatter. Then every day thoughts of to-do tasks, they need addressing first to allow you to be really focused. Start with getting those shopping lists and diary dates sorted and out of your mind. This allows you to move on to the next part.

This is the powerful part as this means you write down things that you can start to make happen.

Its then time look at your aims for the week ahead;

start with;

next week I want to ….. and right down 2 or 3 things you really want to do or get done that will allow you to feel you have moved forward from where things currently are.

This could be something like, finally clearing out that cupboard you have, which is a mess. This style of task has a domino affect because this task being done leads to there then being space you didn’t have and you can use this to store the things you love to use or for hobbies, such as baking, crafts or more storage to feel organised.

Maybe a reading library space, the possibilities are endless if you want to get creative and also based on the location of the cupboard.

This task leads to measurable results and creates a positive shift for your living environment.

Now the second part. This part is to look at another area in your life.

“what are you doing that challenges you in a positive way? What’s on the cards for the week ahead?

what are you currently working on to keep you progressing personally. It’s so important to feel challenged in the right way and regularly.

So this part of the list is where you write down things you wont to do to progress in your personal development at the moment, such as trying new things. This might be a job, learning new skill or craft. Join a social group and don’t be afraid of trying new things out!

Just think the worse that could happen is you try it and decide it’s not for you but at least you’ll never be left wondering what if!

This type of challenge can also be layering on anything you are currently doing that you want to step up such as running further distance, gaining a further qualification, basically anything that means you step up your game as long as you keep things progressing. Make it fun and something that leaves you feeling motivated in your life and of course happy!

Now the third part,

What can you change?

This needs to be something that is not working at the moment or makes you feel negative.

This maybe a feeling that you are failing at something and that if it was working correctly it could really bring a lot to your life.

An example might result in pro action to gym attendance. You may currently have set unreasonable and unrealistic timings, which don’t work. You maybe not motivated, to tired or your other life commitments get in the way at the current evenings dedicated to this.

Therefore this is your area to change, set a plan of action of how you are going to make this work!

This could be trying a morning workout on a day where there is less pressure maybe a weekend, a morning on your route to work or during your lunch hour.

Try the change of plan out during the week ahead; remember nothing is set in stone and you can make a change to make it work!

Anything that you are doing but currently no-longer want to do, is suitable ditch it! whenever your ready to of course and find something better to use your time.

Make sure you log all your changes and steps you have made as it’s so rewarding to see the journey you have been on and how far you have come!

remember “every step counts”

How to be happier, lifestyle, Mental health, personal development, Self development, Steps to success, Uncategorized, Well-being

Let Autumn be your prep for a successful winter !

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nature red forest leaves

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

With autumn well and truly here, it’s a season full of change and I use it as a season to prep for the winter and enjoy all the wonderful inspiration autumn has to offer. It’s a great time to declutter, forget spring cleaning enjoy  “Autumn Organising”.

This time of year, I like to make changes to my living environment as I know over the coming weeks I will spend more time indoors as winter approaches. I like to change items in my living space as it creates a new mood and therefore a new energy in my home. My living room is the heart of my home so I always focus on this space and of course my bedroom. Things I aim for is looking at soft lighting as this keeps me feeling positive in the darker days as unfortunately unlike summer there isn’t long amounts of natural light so this is important to me and of course colour, I tend to change colours in my home once for spring/summer and then autumn/winter, choosing colours you are drawn to is so important. Right now, I am drawn to a cosy soft grey and warm autumn pink. For my living space. I like to change my throws, cushions, flowers and try to minimise things ahead of Christmas. This also could be items you can change, update, up-cycle or find on-line with little to no cost.

Autumn for me can affect my mood I notice now that I start off feeling a little flat when October approaches. However interestingly, Autumn tends to be a great season for me personally to focus. Autumn for me has a pattern I notice where anything I set out todo goal setting wise works. It’s important to work out if you have a season which you are at your best! Make a mental log of what season works best for you, this would be a great tool and should be used when planning something that needs lot of focus and motivation, as this is when you’re at your optimum peak of positive mindset!

My Personal Autumn must dos are;

 

1, Take a bag and fill it with anything in your house you feel you’re ready to move on from, no-longer wear,use or need. Fill the bag and send it off to your local charity shop!

 

2, Try a new recipe and make something hearty to enjoy. I personally love using a slow cooker this time of year for seasonal vegetable stews, soups and dishes.

 

3, Pick a space in your home such as an area your drawn to and want to change. Try quick go-to changes first for example if it’s the sofa in your living room change the cushions and throw and see if it makes you feel uplifted or any different feeling to the space, more cosy, calm etc. Put up new photos and pictures that inspire the changes and new things going on in life right now, positive Visuals are great!

 

4, Pick a new scent, try a new perfume for you, a candle for your home, I went with an Autumn scented candle, lots of Sandalwood, Amber and burnt Orange to bring the crisp Autumn feeling in the home! 

 

5, Have a go-to basket for inspiration and when you’re feeling inspired to do something like goal set, list right, plan-things or get creative. Have things in the basket like notebooks, pens, books, craft projects you want to do this season. This positive pod,means they are all conveniently ready for you, prep again is key!

 

6, With the darker night’s drawing in, I like to review my exercise routine, either get equipped for running in the dark or make routine changes and try some new remember winter creeps up on you so plan your new exercise routine now. Remember with exercise preparation is key!

 

7, This time of year can get expensive so maybe look at any positive changes that you can make to your shopping and outgoings, sometimes being organised with homemade lunches, prepared meals from scratch not only healthier but cost affective to, these things can really help make a positive spin on the pennies

 

8, Have list of things you want to go and do this season, step outside the comfort zone and do something that challenges you in a positive way, from classes, to on-line learning, reading that book, visiting new places trying a new hobby or exercise, go for it!

 

9, Go through your kitchen cupboards/pantry and see what you have that’s in date, but you won’t really use that you could give to your local food bank most super markets now have a trolley at the front you can give items to. You could even get some extra bits to give, I like to get pasta to add to my items I donate.

 

10, This is one of my favourites, get your diary full of social catch ups with all your friends, it’s so important to keep connected especially with people who make you happy!

11, Something you might want to do is set a goal that can be complete between now and Christmas or winter ask yourself,

Q: By Christmas I would like to (blank)

Fill this answer in with something you would like to achieve in these time frames.

12, I like to go through my clothing and make a capsule wardrobe (collection of a few essential items) and put a few full out fits together that I want to wear and that make me feel positive. It’s fun to sometimes get ideas for AW18 fashion, hair, accessories and makeup for inspirations.

 

Enjoy your Autumn Organising!

 

lifestyle, Mental health, New beginnings, New you, personal development, Self development, Taking time, Visuals for goals results and motivation, Well-being

When you feel like giving up on your Goals…… Don’t!

brainbiscuitscoaching

 

man wearing white shirt brown shorts and green backpack standing on hill
Photo by Archie Binamira on Pexels.com

 

There are always off days for everyone! Days where the end game feels further away than ever, and you lose your motivation and will.

These are the Days where you need to stop and look at all the steps you have taken already to get where you are and appreciate them! remember you will get there as long as you keep going.

On these days be kind to yourself, surround yourself with positive people, surroundings and spaces.

It so important to have a “motivation Muscle you can go see the link below to:

https://wordpress.com/post/brainbiscuitscoaching.com/174

Remember everyone has off days, don’t be hard on yourself, adapt your plans when things seem hard and its ok to have a day where you just take a Pause from it all. 

remember you only give up, when you don’t get back up!

 

Identity, Mental health, personal development, Self development, Taking time, Well-being, world mental health Day

Ahead of world Mental Health day 10th October,Mental health, stress and your resilience!

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alone animal bird clouds

Photo by Gabriela Palai on Pexels.com

We all have mental health just as we have physical health however, it is not always something we look at regularly supporting and training, or exercising and reviewing.  It would be wonderful to think we soon will be in a world where we could openly ask each other ” how you feeling today and how’s your mind”, without it being uncomfortable.

We all have those moments in life where things can cause us to feel lower in our mood. This often affects our mental health.  Times of this “low mood “ or any ongoing sadness can happen to any of us at any time, feeling as if it comes upon us without any warning.   It is important to recognise your own personal triggers.  It’s important to ask yourself

1,what are my triggers?

2,What sends  my stress levels over the edge?

3, Is there any changes you can make to help you manage these things?

4, what helps you to keep going  when you feel like this?

The triggers could be anything, such as a memorable date, topics you are sensitive to and don’t want to face yet, family, relationships, self-limiting beliefs, traumas, life events, medical reasons, life pressure, public speaking, anything!

It is so important to take the time to look at any trigger patterning you have. By looking at triggers you can possibly unlock a resilience strategy for yourself that just might help you cope better when you are in need.

Emotional stress can be really overwhelming, it can impact both your physical and mental state.  Strategies to support your resilience can work wonders in helping you through this time, along with of course any support groups, professional outreach etc available to you.

Examples of resilience you can use when this happens are things such as supportive building blocks to help manage your stress levels.  Some of mine are below:

  • When life is busy I have to make sure I  have me time
  • Personal head space-time, walk, read, chill out somewhere away from everything to just clear your mind (a pause moment)
  • Something that is physical such as sport; for me my main choice of activity to spend my “me” time on is running
  • Something that makes you feel a sense of belonging such as socialising with the right community
  •  Things I enjoy, things that make me happy, as happiness is so important!  Such as hobbies (Creative Diet)
  • I try to goal set my activities into my weekly plans, looking at how I can review and improve and identify the priorities I have. These keep me on track and both my physical and mental health are in better shape for it (Muscle Motivation)
  • Predict my stress triggers.  When I know something is coming up that is likely to cause stress good planning is key.  I look at what I can do to manage it as best I can, and what best supports me
  •  Make sure you tell someone.  If I am worried about things or stressed, just saying things out loud to someone can make a huge difference as you then own your true feelings
  • Choose to hang out with people on your level.  Someone you can text, call, meet and have that support with
  • I ensure I take regular pause moments; so important!
  • Even when you don’t feel like it connect with the world daily so you don’t become withdrawn.

Remember you are often not alone with these feelings and it is so important to tell someone. Don’t suffer in silence, it will only get worse.