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jane@janekeogh.co.uk ~ 07813 847205
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healthy mind

What kind of information do you like to fill your mind with? Do you find yourself constantly reading the tabloids, or social media, only to find there is a horrific story that upsets you? Or perhaps you get caught up in other people’s opinions and conversations and find yourself agreeing to things that you actually don’t agree with!

Did you know that you are heavily influenced by the people you surround yourself with on a regular basis? In fact, you pick up on behaviour, mannerisms, opinions, beliefs and a ton of other information that your brain unconsciously absorbs, which can have a huge impact on your own behaviour.

If you want to make a change, grow or break a habit or routine, look at your environment - the people around you, where you work, what you read and how you speak to yourself. All have significant influences on what you internalise, and have an effect on how you live your life.

Here are 6 tips on keeping a healthy mind to help you on your way!

Meditation/Mindfulness

We read about the profound effects that meditation has on our mind, but how many of you actually do it on a daily basis? I used to have an overly busy mind, and the idea of staying still for longer than a minute was impossible! Initially, I tried guided meditations and only for 5 mins at a time. I practiced and persevered and now find it pretty effortless and set aside two 30 min slots a day, one in the morning and one in the evening before going to sleep.

By meditating, you are giving your mind time to clear, and you stay in the present moment.  It is also known to lower blood pressure, heart rate, induce creativity and get rid of stress.

Media

As important as it is to be aware of what is going on in the world, the media is very focused on pain and negativity. This fuels pessimism, and ideally it’s best to avoid subjecting yourself to it regularly. It is pointless getting stressed or worried about something you have no control over; and a complete waste of energy. Beware of brainwashing, the media are very good at exaggerating and bending the truth. 

Surround yourself with people who give you opportunities to grow.

Friendships and relationships of any kind are based on trust and mutual respect.  Sometimes,  particular friends and relationships may drop away, or you don’t feel you have anything in common with them any longer. If you continue to hold on to relationships which no longer serve you, they will sap your energy and distract you from where you are headed.  Don’t be afraid to let go if you feel the time is right; new opportunities always come up as a result.  Create space for new people and energy in your life. 

Eat healthily

Of course, eating healthily and staying hydrated is really important for brain function. I have spent many years discovering what my body likes and dislikes, and it’s taken me years to change habits and routines. But, I feel so much better for cutting down and some cases cutting out certain foods, such as meat, wheat, dairy, caffeine, sugar, and alcohol. All of these things affect how I think and feel. Of course, everyone is different, which is why only you know what is right for you. You can experiment by cutting out a certain food or drink for a short time, usually, a week will throw up evidence that something isn't agreeing with you.  The alternative is to have applied kinesiology for food intolerances.

Exercise

Even if you hate exercise, just 10 mins a day of gentle exercise will make you feel better.  There are so many options available now and it's about taking the first step and starting.  There are many known benefits for people who exercise regularly, such as stress reduction, mood boost, better sleep, higher self-esteem and lower rates of depression. 

At work, it's vital for your mental and physical health to take short breaks throughout the day, walk around, go outside for some air and always take a lunch break away from your desk.

Do something you LOVE!

The most important thing of all is to ensure you spend time doing things you love, both in your personal life and professionally. When we participate in doing something we love, we radiate so many positive emotions, which creates amazing energy and brings you joy and happiness.

So many people get stuck in a rut and lose focus on what is important. Do the things you love, and do them daily. Make time, and even better, make a career out of it! Fundamentally we all want to be happy, so do more of what makes you happy. 

Lastly, it is possible to re-train the mind, remember new habits and rituals take time, with consistent, and persistent action.  Be gentle with yourself.  At the end of each day make a list of the things you did achieve and celebrate them.  

If you would like to have a chat about anything that you would like to change, please get in touch. 

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JANE’S TOP TIPS FOR A CONFIDENCE BOOST

Stop judging yourself
by what happens to your in life, so you're not basing your confidence on outside events.
Forgive yourself
and others for past mistakes. Harbouring old grudges takes up a lot of time and energy which you could be using in more productive ways.
Learn to think differently
When you fall into self-criticism, notice them and change them to positive thoughts.
Set goals/outcomes
on the basis of what you can realistically achieve, and then work step-by-step to develop your potential. Acknowledge small achievements which take you closer to your end outcome.
Emphasise your strengths
Focus on what you can do rather than what you cannot.
Remember
self-confidence and self-esteem are learnt behaviour, and with practice can be built.