The Self Esteem Series #3: Changing your perspective to build self esteem

It regularly makes me sad and mad in my coaching space when I see such impressive people struggling to see the gifts and value they bring.  And wow it's so wonderful when those same people benefit from building their self esteem, moving from being their own biggest enemy to their own support system, even their own cheerleader . A key tool in building self esteem is tapping into a different perspective.  Seeing something from another angle and outside of [...]

The Self Esteem Series #2: Building self esteem by dialling down the negative self-talk

Dialling down the negative self-talk so self esteem can flourish One of the most common themes from my coaching space is self-compassion (or at least the lack of it). Many of my clients are high achievers who have been using punishment, stress and self-annihilation to motivate themselves (but uh-oh, it’s not working anymore).The negative self-talk is constant, with a cruel inner critical, always telling themselves they’re useless, lazy, stupid, less than, not good enough…(the list goes on…).  And they sprinkle [...]

2024-10-10T10:02:45+00:0016 September 2024|Categories: Confidence, Self confidence, Self esteem, Stress, Stress and Anxiety|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on The Self Esteem Series #2: Building self esteem by dialling down the negative self-talk

The Self Esteem Series #1: Using affirmations to build self esteem

I know they can be a little cringey but affirmations can be powerful tools to help build self esteem.  Done well, they can shift negative self talk, enhance motivation and encourage positive behaviour (and thought pattern) changes.  They can help to shift subconscious patterns replace them with a kinder, more flexible approach which boosts self identity and self esteem. So what’s an affirmation? An affirmation is a positive statement, aimed at changing the way we think and [...]

2024-09-17T09:57:21+00:0030 August 2024|Categories: Stress, Stress and Anxiety|Tags: , , , |Comments Off on The Self Esteem Series #1: Using affirmations to build self esteem

Holiday Guilt & Stress: take a break; ditch the guilt

I'm not the only who's got holiday plans at the moment - it's a regular conversation with my clients.  But what is interesting is how often there's holiday guilt when it comes to taking a break.  And how frequently I see this pattern: trying to put taking a break off as long as poss getting exhausted and approaching burnout collapsing into the hol and either getting ill or feeling so wired it takes days to wind down packing the [...]

2024-08-29T15:16:29+00:0011 July 2024|Categories: Stress, Stress and Anxiety|Tags: , , , |Comments Off on Holiday Guilt & Stress: take a break; ditch the guilt

Having a “flare plan” – how to deal with stressful, busy times

Whilst helping people with stressful, busy times, I've started sharing the idea of a flare plan.  I highly recommend them so here's more... This is a concept I came across recently in the chronic health space and I'm a big fan (and bear with me here because I think it's really relevant for everyone, not just us chronic health-ers).  With MCAS, I can have flare ups where my health issues become more acute.  Rather than an instant deterioration, they [...]

2024-05-10T09:42:07+00:0010 May 2024|Categories: Stress, Stress and Anxiety|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Having a “flare plan” – how to deal with stressful, busy times

Be More Batman – challenging limiting beliefs to take your place

I'm aware that I often talk here about a softly, softly approach when it comes to overcoming procrastination and stretching our comfort zone.  I'm very much of the Start-Small-and-Build Brigade when it comes to working with "my people", most of whom are sensitive souls (like me!).  And I do this because it works! But that doesn't mean we think small. My work is all about helping professionals and entrepreneurs ditch the imposter syndrome to take their place and embrace their big ambitions. [...]

2024-04-22T13:22:43+00:0022 April 2024|Categories: Procrastination, Stress, Stress and Anxiety|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , |Comments Off on Be More Batman – challenging limiting beliefs to take your place

Nourish or Numb?

When you're stressed, do you nourish or numb?  We often unconsciously use activities which soothe the autonomic nervous system (ANS).  This is the non-conscious part of our brain and body that is responsible for our survival (on a basic level, it's the flight or fight response). These activities help us to come back towards regulation - a calmer, more conscious Ventral state where we can choose how we act rather than react.  (BTW, I'm using the language of Polyvagal Theory [...]

Not all stress is equal (or bad) – there’s good stress too!

I've been banging on a lot lately about relieving stress (because everyone's so frazzled!).  And also because I know that a well regulated nervous system is the foundation for all my clients want to do (embrace new ways, stop playing it small and safe, get clear on what they want, feel comfortable in who they are, take their place in a safe and sustainable way). But managing stress isn't just about avoiding it - there's good stress too!  Many [...]

Dealing with bad news: how to stay sane and stay engaged when chaos reigns

It's hard to miss the news right now.  And it feels like none of is it good.  And so many people I know are fed up with dealing with bad news so are stepping away from it altogether. And I get that.  I did the same myself back in 2016 when my nervous system was shot with ill health and burnout (and Trump 🙄).  And there's no doubt that being exposed to these stories absolutely creates a stress response in us, [...]