Iona Russell – Over the last 15 years, Iona has helped numerous people create their best lives. Using Coaching with an inside-out approach, she works with clients in person and online to reset how they feel inside and move towards a happier, healthier life.
Iona Russell
Iona also offers Kinetic Chain Release, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Hypnotherapy, Mindful-ness, Pilates, Indian Head Massage and much more.
www.ionarussell.com
Modern life is busy and hectic, work, home – its so hard to make time for everything. Not least struggling to fit it all in and taking time out for yourself.
Only, this morning as I sat at my desk writing away, I felt the warm sun on my face, I had a tasty hot coffee to drink uplifting music to sing along and I couldn’t help but feel thankful and grateful for how all those things made me feel. Smiling as I worked, I couldn’t imagine a better place to BE in that moment.
At the risk of sounding like a cliché it really is bringing it back to the simple things in life. Simple pleasures when you stop and observe them, can improve anyone’s mood – yes really. Here are my top tips to practising gratitude every day.
Breathe. If we bring everything back to our breath, we really can slow down and learn to appreciate more. When we hold our breath, yes, we do this unconsciously, or breathe quickly, we are only adding to any anxiety or fear. Taking three slow deep breaths whenever we find ourselves ‘spiralling’ can always bring us back to the now. In through the nose and out through your mouth.
Pause… Look around for things to love and appreciate, things that make you feel grateful right now in this moment is easy. Once you start to look for them, you’ll begin to see them everywhere in your life. From the song you sang along to, to the person who opened the door for you, or your child’s laughter, these moments happen everyday in your life. When you start to notice them, it will change your life. If you’re a busy mum, maybe its something as simple as a hot cup of tea, or a hug from your kids. Maybe, it’s as simple as being grateful for the clean bed sheets or soft pillow at the end of a hard day.
Observe your thoughts… Overthinking is also when we can self-sabotage ourselves, the focus of thoughts has a huge influence on your life and how you feel. Too many of us spend too much time thinking about the past or the future, rather than being in the present moment. When we over think, we rarely envisage the best scenario do we? So I advise you to stop, think about what you are thinking right now – were your thoughts positive, calm or chilled? Or are they negative, fearful or worried? Its your choice how you think and feel.
Set the Intention… Its your choice how you think and feel. So set that intention that you are going to have a good day, that travel plans will go to plan if they are meant to, that the school run will be pleasurable and fun, that your day will be full of interesting developments. Focus on how you want your day to BE and Feel.
Thoughts turn into things… Once you have set the intention to have a good day, monitoring and being aware of your thoughts is the next step. If you are always viewing interactions from a place of love or gratitude life becomes much simpler and lighter. It pays to always look on the bright side of life, and keep your to do list manageable. Tomorrow is another day – focus on getting a few key things done and then you wont be disappointed or overwhelmed.
Selfcare – is a hot topic right now, but that’s because we so very often forget to look after our own needs at a soul level. I don’t just mean drinking a hot cup of tea or running a hot bath – which I know are amazing ways to relax but I mean ensuring you are listening to your body and soul, scheduling something daily that lights you up inside. Whether that is paying it forward – helping another in need, dancing in your lounge, meeting with likeminded friends or getting out in nature – little and often is the key. Which before you know it becomes part of your daily routine.