Everyone is talking about what the “new normal” will look like post COVID-19.  So much disruption has occured! For this reason, we move forward into a prime opportunity to re-design our new normal. In effect, this will require a shift in mindset. Change your perception and be agile as you realise the intuitive leader has the edge!

Definition!

You will be surprised, to learn that the google dictionary describes intuition as the ability to understand something immediately without the need for conscious reasoning. Clarified by Deepak Chopra, intuition is a form of intelligence that is beyond the rational mind.

Different Way of Thinking!

Climb aboard, and be part of the new wave of intuitive thinking. In addition, this way of thinking is now being used by many successful leaders. Leaders such as Apple CEO Tim Cook. Cook was an industrial engineer before becoming gaining his position with Apple.

Cook talks about how intuition led him to work at Apple despite a lot of evidence and close friends suggesting that he should not take the position. Going on to say that he believes intuition matures over time.

Cook describes himself as an analytic engineer. At the same time he admits to making most of his important decisions based on intuition. Cook believes that sometimes despite all odds you just need to listen to “that voice in your head” and “go for it”!

“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.

We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” 

Albert Einstein

Research!

Neuroscientists are now finding through research and techniques how to better assist leaders access their intuition. At the same time, allowing for faster and better decisions being made. Scientists have found that humans have 3 brains.

3 different forms of intelligence found in our brain, heart and gut. Given these points the 3 sources of intelligence work together in intuitive decision making.

3 tips on how to develop intuitive leader capabilities:-

1. Listen to your brain, heart and gut intelligence, your inner voice. Trust what you hear and feel. Practice, practice, practice. This becomes an art! Building confidence, efficiencies and calm.
2. Dont attach yourself to negative emotions. Do not buy into negative conversation. Avoid hanging out with negative personalities.They just drain your energy. Avoiding this keeps your energy elevated and purposeful.
3. Enjoy solitude where you can. This provides the space and quiet to listen to your inner voice. Strengthen this with a daily mindfulness practice. This is a sound self care practice that reaps multiple benefits.

At The End of The Day!

In reality, everything is up for grabs at the moment. For this reason dig deep and explore your hidden voice, your inner sources of intelligence. Find new and effective ways to inspire and lead your teams by trusting your intuition.

The intuitive leader has the edge! Making faster decisions based on their gut instincts is beneficial both to the individual, team and the business.

Love to hear your thoughts?

The post The intuitive leader has the edge! appeared first on Joan McEwan.

As can be seen, we have received a huge push forward into this new decade thanks to the disruption of COVID. In short, now is the time to settle and explore where we are going and re-focus on what is important to us. In fact, an opportunity has risen to take a breath and return to basics. For this reason, we have time to identify what is important and how we want our life to be, to return to basics, and manifest a new life!

A View from Louise Hay!

Inspirational author, the late Louise Hay stated,
“We have to come back to basics: learning how to take care of ourselves. Not only learning to love our bodies – and that’s a good beginning – but to take care of our bodies and ourselves by learning how to eat and how to think. I think living is really about thoughts and food, and we’ve got to get back to basics”.

As Hays illustrates, to manifest our new life, one that will give us purpose, joy, and contentment we need to return to basics. That is to say, we need a clean slate, letting go of old beliefs and attitudes that have not been serving us well. In addition, we have an opportunity to re-set our mind, with a different way of thinking. 

A Purposeful Life!

In reality, this is a time to slow down and become more purposeful, and content. Time to let go of ego, judgment, and stop comparing yourself with others. With this in mind, focus on your needs and wants as the individual that you are, exploring your uniqueness.

Reconnect Body and Mind!

Our body can be broken down into 3 planes – mental, physical, and emotional. When these 3 planes are working effectively together a balance between the body and mind occurs.

Fast, chaotic 20th-century living has created a disconnect of these 3 planes for many people. If we truly want to manifest our new future we must heal, realign, and rebalance our mental, physical and emotional planes to bring balance. It is time to get reconnected with ourselves!

Our Mind!

For example, let’s consider our mental plane. Mindfully look at our thoughts, the way we think. When we do this purposefully, we can create a structure of thoughts as our framework. Creating thoughts of what our new future looks like. This will assist us to move forward.

These thoughts expand as we visualise them and bring them to life. Visualisation is an extremely powerful tool and enables us to manifest our thoughts into our physical reality.

Research!

The power of the mind has long been researched, and Indian yogi and author Sadhguru talks about how to manifest what you want in life. He talks about 4 fundamental areas to develop: –

1. Create a peaceful life
2. Create a life full of joy
3. Create a loving life
4. Create a life of purpose

This is the basic philosophy of life. Getting clear in these areas creates clarity and courage to step up and start manifesting what you want in life. Creating what makes you happy.

Your Story!

For one thing, you are the author of your story and with hard work, clarity, and perseverance you can create the change you want. With this in mind, here are some tips to help you on your journey: –

1. With each thought, ask yourself, does it make you feel peaceful, joyful, loving, and purposeful. If the answer is yes, then keep building on these thoughts.
2. Focus on your nutritional intake and start making a note of the foods that make you feel light and energised and avoid the foods that make you feel heavy and sluggish
3. Do more activities that make you happy, such as listening to music, walking along the beach, or hanging with friends

You are the driver of your story, it is your choice to make a difference or not!

The post Back to basics and manifest a new life! appeared first on Joan McEwan.

Together, as we embark on a new year, let’s consider the value of setting goals to empower you!. In addition, let’s prepare for new beginnings by having a plan and setting goals to empower you!

Notably, last month I attended a female entrepreneur networking event. Specifically, it was a crowded event full of empowered and positive females. In effect, they all showed up to make a difference in their business, careers and life. As we chatted through the evening on a variety of topics it became clear that we all agreed on three key ingredients that we belive we will all benefit from having more of in 2021.

The Key to transformation

I am sure it will not come as a surprise to many of you reading this newsletter what they are, but I thought it would be helpful to talk about them as a reminder. So here are the top three ingredients that will help us heal and transform over the next 12 months.

1. Courage 
2. Confidence
3. Self worth

A Step Change!

Equally important, 2021 is all about stepping into our power as we heal and transform to re-focus. Changing the ways we have previously thought and worked. Coupled with looking at life, career and business through a different lens. A lens that has a 360 degree perspective. Equally, viewing the mental, physical and emotional aspects of our being to create health and balance in life.

Using the 3 key ingredients will facilitate us to write our script, that will serve us and also others around us. Making a collective impact. Utilising our time more effectively and reducing any chaos. 

“Set your goals high enough to inspire you and low enough to encourage you” Unknown

Make it Real!

It is a bit like looking into your crystal ball and seeing your key ingredients. Then you can bring them to life. Making them real.

Rowdy Mclean, author of Play the bigger game reminds us that if you do not take action, you do not get results. All things considered, you need to break down your goals (ingredients) and identify 3 critical actions that you need to take to bring your ingredient to life. Remember actions speak louder that words!

So what actions do you need to implement to get traction on your ingredients to heal and transform you so that you can play your bigger game?
1. Courage: what is it that you need to do take you from where you are at now to where you dream of being?
2. Confidence: what actions could you take to build your confidence. It may be something as simple as looking at yourself in the mirror every day and affirming that you are deserving of increased confidence as you …..
3. Self-worth: the actions you need to improve your self-worth may be that you stop listening to your negative narrative, or every time to receive a negative comment, you quickly find a positive and replace the negative.

A big thank you to everyone in my network who continues to support me by reading my newsletters / blogs.

Wishing you all a fantastic, healthy and transformative 2021 where you reap the benefits of your 3 magical ingredients of courage, confidence and self-worth.

P.S. Would you like to work with me this year? Now is the time to chat about your coaching goals for 2021. Contact me here to make a time for a complimentary call with me

The post Setting goals to empower you! appeared first on Joan McEwan.

This memory came up recently and I wanted to touch on the importance of reflection. Not to dwell on the past but as a reminder to congratulate yourself for a job well done. To acknowledge the benefits of self-development to get the best out of yourself and your life. Reflect | Inspire | Transform!

Inspiration!

This photo recognises a major milestone in my journey. Since my kids were young, we have been a really “close team”. We were a team of three for a long time, with lots of highs and lows along the way. We have always reflected on our journey, been inspired by each other at different times and that has brought about regular transformations as we have manoeuvred through life.

Transformation!

My kids are now grown up with families of their own. They both have amazing careers and are leaving a positive footprint on all they do. The key win for me is that my kids continue to support each other through thick and thin, being there for each other without judgment, always having each other’s back. Always rising to the challenge and “giving it a go”, cheering each other on. 

So with this special reminder captured in this photo, we got to celebrate and reflect together. For me, that is the essence of family, tribe, growth mindset and success. I am so grateful that they still make the effort to stay connected on all levels including having fun on our jet skis. 

The Tools!

Often we don’t realise the tools that we share with our family, friends, and colleagues play an important part in their transformation. Helping guide them on their journey, giving them permission to interpret these tools into a form that resonates with them to help them grow and transform in their unique way.

There is no right or wrong way to travel this road of life but by keeping an open mind and giving the people we love permission to translate our tools into a language that works for them is how our future will be transformed. Reflect | Inspire | Transform

3 tips that may be helpful?

1. Continue to reflect on your journey and make adjustments along the way so that you continue to grow and pivot as the world keeps transforming
2. Trust that you are doing the best that you can and supporting others with all your heart without judgment. We are all on this journey to learn and grow, all are equal
3. Consider every opportunity that comes along, it has come along for a reason to teach an important lesson. That is when we grow the most when we are pushed out of our comfort zone. It is time to get comfortable with being uncomfortable

Would love to hear who inspires you to keep challenging yourself?

The post Reflect | Inspire | Transform appeared first on Joan McEwan.

By and large, are you living a life lacking in courage? As a result, do you Lack courage to stand out and be different? In fact, lacking the courage to do what your heart is telling you to do to have more fun, excitement, and abundance in your life? In any event, now is the time to be courageous and follow your heart!

Inner messages

So many messages are being brought to us during this. extraordinary time of disruption. In fact, messages to encourage us to show up and be courageous. That is to say, time to trust our inner thoughts, our gut feelings, our intuition. As we follow our dreams and trust ourselves, knowing that we are all exactly where we are meant to be.

In other words, it feels a bit like being catapulted forward and heading into the future without control. Moving so fast that at times it feels exhilarating and other times feeling like you can’t breathe. After all, it is times like these that trust comes into play. For this reason, you can trust that higher forces are at play, and working with your best interests in mind.

Why is it difficult!

Why is it so difficult for many of us to be courageous and listen to our “inner voice”? Disruption and chaos create fear that can hold us back from projecting ourselves forward. However, this chaos also opens the gates to step forward and change into a new expression, one that will allow us to follow our heart, heal the body and mind, find our purpose, make a difference and leave behind our legacy. Creating a balance.

” Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time.

We are the ones we have been waiting for.

We are the change that we seek”.

Barack Obama

The Answers

All the answers lie within each of us. Time to listen to what our inner world is telling us, guiding us. Peeling back the layers of pre-conditioned thinking and providing space for new ways of thinking to appear. Have you wondered why we are hearing more about “complementary healing” modalities now? Modalities such as meditation, yoga, and sound healing.

Practicing these modalities allows the body and mind to rest, relax, heal, and rejuvenate. Activating powers held within the individual to heal and strengthen. Providing space to access new thoughts to re-focus, re-energise, and re-invent with inner guidance.

Deepak Chopra

Spiritual guru and medical physician Deepak Chopra talks about having everything you truly want in life effortlessly. Stating that the key is to ask the universe “what do I truly want” and allowing the answer to come effortlessly. When the body response is an effort it indicates that there is discomfort within the body. Listen to the body as it will guide you to your answers. Chopra states, “the less you open your heart to others, the more your heart suffers”

If you are ready to show up, be courageous, and follow your heart! Here are 5 tips to help you on your journey: –

1. Have good quality sleep
2. Set aside time to meditate
3. Practice daily exercise and yoga
4. Develop a positive mindset, be honest and kind to yourself with no judgment
5. Enjoy eating clean, healthy, organic food

Look forward to hearing what steps you are taking to get you started on this courageous journey?

The post Be courageous and follow your heart! appeared first on Joan McEwan.

Recently an old friend, let’s call her Maggie. was telling me about her week. To begin with, Maggie is a well sought-after businesswoman, an expert in her field with a crazy work schedule. It just so happened that in amongst her busy weekly schedule she received a phone call from a family member in another state. Unfortunately the news was not good! Her sister had attempted to commit suicide. Negative thoughts erode your health!

Paragraphs!

Firstly, this was not the first time that Maggie had received news like this about her sister. In addition, a pattern had emerged over the years of the sister being the victim and Maggie being the rescuer. Unfortunately, no matter what people tell you on the best way to handle situations like this, it still leaves you feeling responsible in some way. At some level guilt, fear, and anger appear. As a result, the personal cost is high not only for Maggie but for other family members.

Negative thoughts!

You see, negative thoughts impact the energetics of the body. Lowering the vibration of the body. This results in the dimming of the vibrancy of the body. At a cellular level, the body becomes depleted. Unable to absorb nutrients effectively. Leading to malfunctioning of cells including the physical and electrical absorption.

Staying in a low energetic state compromises rejuvenation of body cells. Gradually the body silently breaks down. Negative thoughts further compounding this state. Negative thoughts erode your health!

The signs!

Fatigue, lethargy, and hopelessness slowly creep into the body. Some of the negative thoughts of fear, anger, and guilt exacerbate these physical symptoms. Maggie was certainly experiencing these symptoms.

Transformational Leadership!

Maggie did what all good leaders do! She identified what was within her control sphere. Then set about identifying what she could do to change her patterns and ways of dealing with this pattern of events. She started to control what she could control. Remembering she was the master of her journey.

By taking control of her own life Maggie could better help her sister. Delving deep into her feelings and thoughts Maggie realised that she could support her sister by providing a safe place to talk without judgment. The art of listening is incredibly powerful when you stay present. The more she explored and listened to her inner thoughts the more energised she became. The fatigue dissipated and her feelings of hopelessness lightened. 

Did you know: –

– 8 Australians die every day by suicide
– Over 65,000 Australians attempt suicide every year
– 1:4 Australians are lonely and don’t have anyone to speak to

As leaders supporting the psychological health of your team is paramount to be successful. It’s about bringing in the human connection – opening up to the heart feeling side. Balancing this with the mind doing to create a balance. A balance between the logic and the emotions. 

Without this change of attitude, it’s like cancer devouring the healthy body cells. Cell by cell they are broken down. Negative thoughts erode your health and contribute to this destruction.

Wise words!

Some wise words from a nurse who was explaining to Belinda, who was a survivor. Suggesting a different way of looking at psychological recovery. 
The nurse stated ‘If you had a broken leg and you were in the hospital, would you feel that guilt about it?’ Belinda said No’. The nurse went on to say ‘If it stops you beating up on yourself, I can bandage your head because you have a broken head’.

Attempted suicide has become more common than we realise. Leaders play an important part in supporting the psychological health of their people in the workplace.

Self Care!

Finally, it is important to remember that it all starts with you. Looking after yourself. Not to mention, engaging in self-care practices, building a strong foundation. Allows you to support others and show them effective ways to build psychological safety. Negative thoughts should have no place in a healthy workplace. Removing them in the workplace creates a ripple effect across communities.

Above all, raising the body vibration increases health and happiness as negative thoughts are released. In addition, resulting in a reduction of chronic disease and poor work practices. Transformational leaders have built resilience through robust self-care practices and focus on health and wellbeing as a key pillar of success.

“Just the simple process of letting go of negative thoughts will allow your natural state of health to emerge within you”

Rhonda Byrne

Would love to hear your thoughts?

The post Negative thoughts erode your health! appeared first on Joan McEwan.

Everybody wants to be the person that can always be relied on. That solid person that seems to be able to ride every storm without flinching. But like all things that person needs to be cared for and nurtured. Otherwise we crumble. Create time for self care, to rest and sleep otherwise sleep deprivation impacts our mental health!

Cause?

Sleep depravation occurs when we have an inadequate quality or quantity of sleep either due to choice, circumstances or a medical condition.

“Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together”

Thomas Dekker

The Signs!

Many years ago a university friend of mine was studying to be a Doctor, his name was Mike. It was no secret that he was a high achiever with dreams of being a world famous surgeon.

Graduating from university he was so excited to start his career as a resident Doctor in a busy city hospital. Before long the glamour of what he thought the job would be had disappeared. Working long hours became the norm. Every 3 weeks him and his fellow residents would be required to work 3 days and nights straight to be the on -call Doctor.

They worked from Friday through to Sunday doing ward rounds during the day, attending to trauma and being on call during the rest of the time to support the patients and other medical team in the hospital.

The Struggle!

During this time it was common for Mike to struggle with his workload. Making mistakes were not uncommon, being grumpy and irritable as well as overthinking due to a slowing down of his thought processes due to fatigue. He was always yawning and would zone out when people were talking to him. He would always apologise but he was unable to stop himself.

Most of the time he was exhausted and dragged himself around. Living on coffee and chocolate to keep him “functioning”. His weight increased as his diet consisted of non healthy choices due to ease and instant energy gain. It wasn’t long before his sleep patterns became erratic and found sleeping difficult, his norm had become maybe a 2 -3 hour sleep in a 24 hour period. Catnapping when he could.

Research!

Research shows that sleep disorders costs the Australian economy over $66 billion per year in health care, loss of wellbeing and indirect costs. 40% of the adult Australian population suffer from sleep disorders. They also contribute to depression, stroke, workplace injuries and motor vehicle accidents. 

– 53% of Australian adults have a medical condition that impacts their sleep habits and quality
– 52% of Australians claim they are less motivated, irritable and cant concentrate after a poor nights sleep
– 18% of Australians use prescription medication to aid sleep

Circadian Rhythms!

Circadian Rhythms – This is our internal body clock that regulates us to feel sleepy at night and awake during the day. Being exposed to sunlight helps adjust our clock with night and day. Finally, when the body is ready to sleep a hormone melatonin is raised and the core body temperature lowers. As the rhythms align in the body and with the environment provides the best opportunity for quality sleep. It has been found that when our body clocks are out of alignment, this negatively affects health and wellbeing.

Did you Know?
– 8 hours of sleep per night is the average an adult should aim for
– Our brains are active when we sleep
– Sleep cycles last around 90 minutes and change throughout our sleep

Pulling it Together!

So we know that the research links lack of sleep to increased health effects such as anxiety, depression, weigh gain and poor cognitive function to mention a few. We also know that our body and mind and intricately connected so when our body is impacted our mind is also impacted. Ultimately sleep deprivation impacts our mental health!

Mike’s story highlights how we can push our body and mind to extraordinary levels when we become deprived of sleep. The body also works hard to normalise our current situation. However the research confirms that long term exposure to sleep deprivation has an adverse effect on our mental and physical health.

Simple Steps!

Find out for yourself. Take some steps to prevent sleep deprivation and improve mental health. Correct and re-balance your body and mind by beginning with some simple steps added to a daily routine:-

1. Reduce your intake of stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol
2. Relax before you go to bed, listen to calming music, reading a favourite novel or meditate. Avoid using all electronic devices.
3. Make sure your sleeping area is a comfortable temperature, with a quality mattress, a comfy pillow and darken your room to aid sleep.

The responsibility of our health is in our control, our responsibility and affected by the choices we make. All the tools we need are within us no, its about acknowledging them and taking action now! 

Love to hear your thoughts?

The post Sleep deprivation impacts our mental health! appeared first on Joan McEwan.

What does this mean? When your the point of difference – be the voice! Recently an old friend of mine, let’s call her Sally, was challenged beyond her widest imagination. Pushed to identify her point of difference just to survive.

The Floods!

The recent floods that hit the Gold Coast severely damaged the home and business premises that Sally rented. Resulting in her home and business deemed unsafe to live in due to the damage caused by the flood waters. The real estate agent refused to help and insisted that she live in the property and continue to pay rent

Weeks of negotiations took place with no resolve. Finally she was forced to lodge a complaint with the Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Eventually they agreed that the property was unfit to live in. Sally’s lease was terminated and she was free to move on.

The Fallout!

That was a fantastic outcome for Sally despite the weeks of stress that it had caused her. However as she operated her small business from the property it meant that she had to close her business temporarily until she could find alternative premises to work from.

Loss of income, loss of clients, loss of confidence, stress and fear all jumped into her journey. It was like she was on a roller coaster ride struggling to get through each day.

So what kept Sally motivated and driven to keep moving forward?  She had to “dig deep” and understand what her point of difference was. Acknowledging her point of difference allowed her to really challenge herself.

Hairdressing had been part of her life for over 20 years. It was her passion and was part of who she was. Her strong sense of what her purpose was and her belief in herself gave her the courage and strength to rebuild and reinvent her business and her life.

New Beginnings!

Last week Sally found a salon that she could rent and get back into doing the work she loves with her clients who adore her and appreciate the skills she has in making every one of them feel like a million dollars when they leave her salon following their hair appointment.

Other friends have given her a place to live until she gets back on her feet. Even taking in her dog!

Choices!

Now Sally could have easily given in and allowed the real estate agent to bully her into living in a dangerous property whilst loosing her business and livelihood. 

Sally believes that everything happens for a reason and could accept what had occured due to the floods. What she couldn’t accept was that she should lose her business that she loved and worked so hard for. 

So What’s The Point?

Robin Sharma author and leadership expert talks about 3 traits of great leaders: –
1. Know yourself
2. Get things done – execute and implement
3. Be crazy – be a disruptor – dont just accept  – challenge

He says that when you do things that you fear and that you find difficult. That is when you are working at a soul level to build on your character.

When you are working at a soul level, building your character. That is when you get the clarity to understand your point of difference – be the voice. You gain the clarity, confirmation and confidence that ignites your “fire”. 

Sally was really challenged by the events that arose from the floods. She really got to know herself. Determining what was really important to her . Understanding that she wanted to survive this event. To become even stronger and more successful.

In order to do this, she became a disruptor, challenging the real estate agent to “get a fair go”. 

To be that inspiring leader you need to really understand your point of difference. It’s your calling. That something that makes your heart sing and makes people happy to be around you. Making a difference.

When you find what your point of difference is. That place where your voice is heard. Your words and your message are so powerful. Its a richness that comes from within

What traits do you use to build on your leadership skills and abilities?

Would love to hear your thoughts?

The post Your The Point of Difference – Be The Voice! appeared first on Joan McEwan.

2020 has certainly been a year of challenges in Australia! Firstly, the droughts and bushfires, quickly followed by the floods and rounding off with the global pandemic of COVID-19! Stress, fear and anxiety have escalated, all this can be reduced when you eat clean to support your body!

Are you feeling the impact of these crisis situations in Australia in the last 4 months?

Do you feel exhausted?

Feeling like you want to “come up for air” and get off the rollercoaster of emotions?

Studies!

A recent study trying to understanding how workers habits have changed since COVID-19 has forced employees to work from home found:-

• 48% are snacking more
• 38% are doing more laundry
• 52% are sleeping in more
• 52% are going to bed later
• 60% are watching more TV
• 32% are exercising less
• 16% are showering less
• 26% are shaving less

So what does all this indicate?

So much of what is happening is out-with our control however there are a few areas that we can take control of?

Has your anxiety and stress levels increased?
Are you comfort eating?
Feeling in a constant state of flux?
In constant overwhelm as you navigate the rapid changes in life and in business?
Have your habits and routines “gone out the window”?
Wondering what you can actually control at the moment?

“It is the health that is the real wealth and pieces of gold and silver”

Mahatma Gandhi

Taking Action!

When we take this advice and action, what does it look like?

With this in mind, if we let go of everything we are desperately trying to hold onto and go back to the basics, the first area to review is diet and nutrition. We can control what we eat.

For this reason, we should take time to think and plan the daily menus. Indeed cooking is therapeutic, educational, and nurturing. Particularly, something that the whole family can be involved in. 

A point that is often overlooked is that for generations the kitchen has been known for being the “heart” of the house. A place where the family came together, laughed, had fun, and enjoyed cooking and eating together. The kitchen was the place where much healing occured, and many problems solved, over the cooking pot!

Recent Times!

Interestingly, in the last few months life has slowed down for many and an opportunity has arisen to get back into the kitchen and start some healing. That begins with clean, wholesome food. Eat clean to support your body!

So what is the point?

Eating clean food that is fresh, free from preservatives and pesticides aids in the detoxification of the body. Lightens the stress on the body and creates a health currency. The greater your health currency the greater capacity you have to support your body and mind to become stronger and clearer.  Essential currency to get through these challenging times and prepare to be “game fit” when all the social isolation restrictions are lifted.

3 Benefits of Eating Clean?

1. You will be smarter – research indicates that a diet rich in fruits, nuts, fish, and vegetables improves our cognitive function and keeps our mind sharper and clearer
2. Have more energy – eating fresh fruit not only provides a natural sugar hit but the increased fibre takes longer to be digested in the body, Making the energy available for longer, preventing “slumps” in energy in the afternoon
3. Enjoy eating food – when you chose to eat mindfully you eat with purpose, savour the tastes and smells of the food. Giving an all-rounded experience of enjoyment and gratitude.

Would love to hear what dietary changes you can make to “lighten your load”?

The post Eat Clean to Support Your Body! appeared first on Joan McEwan.

Joy-fullness is a state of happiness, a sense of well-being that comes from within us. It is like the fire in our belly that keeps us warm. A feeling of contentment. Transferring this state outwards is so important now to help others. Joyful leadership boosts wellbeing in tough times.

Research!

Recent research has identified that 57% of the Australian population are experiencing stress during this period of social isolation:-
– 77% not seeing their family
– 71% not seeing their friends
– 60% paying bills
– 49% losing their job
– 48% Not feeding their family
– 38% Losing their home

Social Isolation!

We are still in the early stages of social isolation with no indication when these conditions will improve. While, mental health issues will increase the longer this state continues. Let’s try and counteract some of these issues? Joyful leadership boosts wellbeing in tough times!

Consequently, imagine being joyful? It’s like the seeds on a plant, the wind blows the seeds all across the land, they land in the earth and grow to create new vibrant life. 

Be Happy!

Being joyful is described as being in a state of happiness, a sense of well-being that comes from within.

Notably, discussions around happiness began over 2,500 years ago in China, Greece and India. Philosophers Zhuangzi and Aristotle agreed that there were 2 types of happiness, the first type is a craving for material things and the second is a desire for more internal things. To create a balance.

In particular, the buddhist teachings look to a deeper type of happiness. Buddhism is very focused on the mind, and they find that by the individual engaging with the inner self and the reality allows one to achieve deep happiness and well-being. Focussing on mindfulness deters from thoughts of the past or the future but staying present in the here and now.

In fact the practice of mindfulness allows the person to look within and understand who they are and what they desire. The practice enables happiness to flourish by being selfless and kind. Understanding your purpose puts you “in flow”, resistance is gone, thought is effortless and stress reduces.

So leaders who are joyful, have that inner happiness and calm that supports well-being. Energetically this creates momentum so the leader can lead teams and share this level of energy. The leader teaches new ways and the practice of living in the present reducing stress..

So What’s the Point?

The more we take control of what we can control the less stress we may experience in these extraordinary times. Leaders, lead by example so when they are joyful and happy their team will be affected positively. The science shows that when we are happy our health and wellbeing improve.

Here are some strategies to consider increase joy and boost wellbeing:-

• Be open and honest about how you are feeling. Let you friends, family work colleagues know how you are feeling. Your tribe are able to support you because they care about you
• Cultivate kindness in a genuine way
• Keep active and eat well. Try and eliminate preservatives and sugars from your diet and eat more fresh food, fruit and vegetables
• Find something to do that you are passionate about e.g playing a musical instrument. It is suggested that when you do something you love, you become “in flow”, happy and joyous. Your worries leave you!
• Find something small everyday that you are grateful for and take a minute to reflect on it

Finally, remember that these tough times will pass. Just hang in there, reach out and ask for help and trust that we will all get through these times.

Reach out, if I can help happy to have a chat?

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