This week on a coaching call, a client told me that I was like Mental Draino.
I have never considered myself that way, but it is a good analogy. Coaching is about clearing blockages prohibiting you from flowing with the waves of life. But before you embark on a coaching journey, you must set the stage properly.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unable to think clearly? Before you can deconstruct the narratives and reconstruct new ones, rewire the brain, so to speak, it is essential to take care of yourself first and foremost.
The stressors of daily life can take a toll on our mental health, leaving us feeling burnt out, exhausted, and depressed. Learning how to unlock your stagnant mind and find clarity may be the key to overcoming these feelings and regaining control of your mental and emotional well-being. Below are the starting points to help you find clarity and feel more grounded, centred, and peaceful.
Prioritise Self-Care
Self-care is essential to taking care of your mental health. Set aside time daily to engage in activities that make you feel good. This includes meditating, reading a book, walking, or participating in a hobby. Self-care also includes taking care of your physical health.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being present in the moment and letting go of distractions and worries. You can practice mindfulness through activities like meditation or breathing exercises. Mindfulness helps you to pay attention to your thoughts and emotions without judgment, which can help you gain clarity and perspective. I highly recommend the Sam Harris Waking Up app. I could never do meditation until about six months ago, and now (April 10, 2023), I am on 110 Mindful Days and 5,400 Mindful Minutes. You can get a 7-day free trial here by clicking on this link.
Set Goals
Setting goals gives you something to work toward and clarifies your goals. Start by identifying one or two goals that are important to you and focus on achieving them. When you have specific goals, you can better prioritise your time and focus on the activities and tasks that will help you achieve them. Mel Robbins recently did a podcast on goal setting, and it is pure genius, research-based. You can find it here.
Release Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts can hold us back from finding clarity and feeling good. Practice letting go of negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. This can shift your mindset and lead to a more peaceful and clear mind.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist, coach or counsellor can help you learn coping skills and techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. Seeking help is a sign of strength and can significantly affect your mental health and well-being. It is no longer a social stigma to get professional help. I highly recommend Inkblot Therapy. I did six sessions last autumn to crack the code of an old trauma; it was a brilliant release from the past. I no longer see life through those lenses.
You can, and deserve to, unlock your stagnant mind and find the clarity you need to overcome daily stressors. My colleagues at Whole Human Coaching and Kaylo also offer a range of modalities to help you thrive.