April Mighty Motivation Newsletter

It is my mission that the people I come across on a daily basis; clients, friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances live their lives to the full, achieve their dreams and full potential, not only in work, but in their private lives too.

Each month I will include different topics that have personally helped me and / or others get and keep motivated. Enjoy!

Having stepped back from posting daily on social media for a few weeks in the run up to the Easter weekend, it has been an important time for self awareness and self reflection.

It has been a time for taking care of and nurturing a family member (my dad) alongside my own personal healing, which involved being much more aware of my overall well being and it’s importance in my life.

Quarterly Reflections Exercise

A brilliant exercise that I recommend and have completed over the last couple of days, is to work with my accountability buddies (thank you both and yes, I have two!) to reflect how we have spent our time over the past quarter in relation to our work and leisure time and what we have achieved vs our goals.

One of the funniest and biggest realisations has been that my pooch (dog) had 2 hair cuts in the last quarter and I had zero!? And that I need to put myself at the top of my to-do list (like I tell my clients to do!!!)?walk my talk more, and practice more self care and look after “ME” more.

Additionally, my misconception that I hadn’t achieved a lot in the last quarter was also completely out of touch and I realise that I should cut myself some slack and be kinder to myself!??

I know this will resonate with many others reading this, including my clients and colleagues (you know who you are!), as it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of our work, lives and families and forget about “US”.

So if anybody is interested in doing a powerful reflection session on the last quarter, please do get in touch, I would love to take you through the process I go through.

The Outakes

Not only was this process a wake up call but it has enabled me to start putting plans in place for a more manageable lifestyle conducive to my wellbeing!?

Which will mean that I am a better coach, friend, daughter, colleague etc and ultimately, more likely to be motivated and more successful in achieving my aspirations, dreams and goals, as will my clients!

So with that in mind, as we move through spring and into Easter, it's the perfect time to get outside more and reconnect with nature, if you are not doing it already.?

Reconnecting with Nature And It's Healing Powers

Lockdown taught us all that spending time in nature can have a profound impact on our mental and physical well-being.?

Here are a few things that I have personally tried that has improved my wellness and the wellness of my clients and friends…:

Tip 1: Forest Bathing

Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice of immersing oneself in the natural environment. The practice involves walking slowly through the forest, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world. Studies have shown that forest bathing can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall well-being.?

Next time you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, head to the nearest woods, forest or park and take a leisurely stroll. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the beauty of nature and feel the healing effects on your mind and body.

Or even better, the The Forest Bathing Institute is running a series of Forest Bathing events over the coming months - for more information and booking HERE

Tip 2: Nature Journaling

Nature journaling is a powerful tool for connecting with the natural world and improving well-being.?

All you need is a notebook and a pen. Head outside and find a quiet spot in nature where you can sit and observe. Notice the colors, textures, and shapes around you.

Write down your observations, thoughts, and feelings. Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment and connect with the natural world.

Tip 3: The Healing Power of Trees

Did you know that trees have the power to heal us? Studies have shown that spending time around trees can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even boost the immune system. One simple way to connect with trees is through tree hugging.? It may sound woo woo or bonkers, but bear with me on this.

Find a tree that speaks to you, wrap your arms around it, and take a few deep breaths. Notice the texture of the bark, the rustling of the leaves, and the sound of the wind. Allow yourself to be present in the moment and let the tree's healing energy wash over you.??

Check in with yourself afterwards. How do you feel? (I always feel a real sense of wellbeing, how did it make you feel?)

Enjoy the effects of the feel good hormones oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin that are activated when hugging your chosen tree!

Wishing you a peaceful and rejuvenating Easter!

Lara ??

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Mindset and Motivation Coach & Mentor working with entrepreneurs and budding entrepeneurs to realise their dreams and make them happen!

Get in touch or drop me a DM is you are finding you are stuck or procrastinating and can't see the wood for the trees. Support, encouragement and cheerleading all in one, you don't have to do it all on your own.