Welcome to the Helping Hand Coaching Blog

Here, I share insights, strategies, and resources for those on a journey toward better mental health, enhanced performance, and a more balanced life. Whether you're an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or simply someone looking to boost resilience and reduce stress, this space is for you.

Discover practical tools and transformative advice on topics like:

  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Explore techniques to stay grounded, focused, and present, helping you find calm even in the busiest of days.

  • Breathwork: Learn simple yet powerful breathing practices that promote relaxation, energy, and emotional balance.

  • Transformational Hypnotherapy: Dive into how hypnotherapy can unlock inner change, addressing anxieties and self-doubt to build lasting self-confidence.

  • Solution-Focused Coaching: Find tips for setting clear goals, overcoming obstacles, and creating meaningful progress in your personal or professional life.

As I regularly update the blog, you’ll find actionable insights that support a life filled with clarity, confidence, and well-being. Subscribe to the Helping Hand Coaching mailing list to stay updated, and receive free digital resources to deepen your journey toward mental resilience and positive transformation.

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What is your emotional body?

What is your emotional body? 

Your emotional body is the part of you that experiences and processes emotions. It includes your brain, your nervous system, your endocrine system, and your cardiovascular system. Chemicals create emotions in the brain, which are released into the bloodstream and affect the whole body.

The emotional body is also affected by our thoughts and perceptions. Our beliefs, attitudes, and memories can all influence how we feel. For example, if we believe something terrible is going to happen, we may feel anxious or scared. If we have happy memories of a past event, we may feel joyful when we think about it.

Our emotions can also be affected by our physical bodies. If we are physically tired or ill, we may not be able to process our emotions as effectively. Conversely, if our physical bodies are healthy and well-rested, we may be more emotionally balanced. 

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Important reminders about work/life balance.

Why work/life balance is important 

Work-life balance is important for a number of reasons. First, it helps to ensure that you are able to effectively manage your time and energy. Second, it helps to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Finally, it can help to improve your productivity at work and in other areas of your life.

There are a number of ways to achieve work-life balance. First, it is important to set realistic goals for yourself. Second, try to schedule some time each day for relaxation and fun activities. Third, make sure to take some time each week to focus on your relationships outside of work. Finally, remember to take care of yourself physically and mentally by eating healthy and getting enough exercise. 

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Overcome anxiety at work with mindfulness.

What is anxiety and why is it common at work?

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. It is normal to feel anxious at times, especially during periods of stress. However, some people experience anxiety more frequently and it can interfere with their daily life.

Anxiety is common at work because there are many demands and deadlines. It can be difficult to balance work and personal life, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed. As a result, people may experience anxiety at work.

Mindfulness is a practice that can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment. It can help you manage anxiety by reducing stress and improving your ability to cope with challenging situations. 

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What is conscious breathing and how can it help you?

What is conscious breathing?

Conscious breathing is the process of becoming aware of your breath and making a deliberate effort to control it. This can be done through various methods, including mindfulness, meditation, and yoga.

The benefits of conscious breathing are many. It can help to improve your mood, lower stress levels, and increase focus and concentration. It can also help improve your cardiovascular health and respiratory function.

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What is emotional eating?

Defining emotional eating

Emotional eating is a term used to describe a pattern of eating that is characterized by using food as a way to cope with negative emotions. This can include using food to comfort oneself when feeling sad, anxious, or stressed. It can also involve using food to reward oneself after a hard day or week.

For some people, emotional eating can be an occasional coping mechanism that does not have harmful effects. However, emotional eating can lead to weight gain for some and other health problems for others. Suppose you think you may be an emotional eater. In that case, you must talk to your doctor or a professional to get help.

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Changing your behaviours by changing your emotions.

Why changing your emotions can change your behaviours

To change our behaviours, we first need to understand how our emotions influence them. It has been long established that our emotions play a significant role in regulating our behaviours. For example, if we feel happy, we are more likely to engage in positive behaviours such as smiling and being helpful. On the other hand, if we feel sad, we are more likely to withdraw and be less active.

Recent research has shown that it is possible to change our emotions and that doing so can lead to changes in our behaviours. One study found that participants who were instructed to feel happiness were more likely to engage in prosocial behaviours than those who were not given this instruction. This suggests that we can change our behaviours by altering our emotions.

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Emotional intelligence to manage conflict.

Emotional intelligence is the capacity to be aware of and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others.

People with high emotional intelligence can effectively navigate life’s challenges, personally and professionally. They can understand and regulate their emotions and empathize with and respond appropriately to the feelings of others.

Managing conflict is one area where emotional intelligence can be beneficial. Emotionally intelligent people can see both sides of a situation, understand different perspectives, and find common ground. They are also better equipped to manage their emotions in difficult situations, allowing them to stay calm and constructive when resolving conflict.

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Can emotional intelligence be improved?

Defining emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) can be defined as the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions. This includes being able to regulate one’s feelings, as well as being sensitive to the emotions of others. Research has shown that EI is a predictor of success in life, in both personal and professional domains.

While some people may be born with higher levels of EI, it is also possible to improve emotional intelligence through effort and practice. There are many different ways to do this, but some common strategies include: learning about emotions and how they work, practising mindfulness and self-awareness; developing empathy for others; and managing stress in healthy ways.

If you’re interested in improving your emotional intelligence, many resources are available to help you get started. Contact john@thehelpinghandcoaching.com to learn about our coaching programs, seminars, and workshops.

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Why emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leaders.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotions. It is a critical skill for leaders because it allows them to communicate with and motivate employees effectively. Emotional intelligence also helps leaders make better decisions by considering the emotional state of those involved.

Emotional intelligence was first introduced in the early 1990s by psychologists John D. Mayer and Peter Salovey. Since then, emotional intelligence has become widely recognised as a key predictor of success in leadership and other fields. Emotional intelligence is often measured through assessments that test self-awareness, empathy, and other related skills.

Despite its importance, emotional intelligence is not something that can be learned overnight. It requires ongoing effort and practice to develop. However, the benefits of becoming emotionally intelligent are well worth the investment. Contact john@thehelpinghandcoaching.com to find out about our Emotional Intelligence coaching programs, workshops, and seminars.

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Clinical Hypnotherapy. What can it do for your business and your team?

Clinical hypnotherapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses hypnosis to help clients overcome mental and physical health problems. It is a relatively new field but is effective in treating many conditions.

Clinical hypnotherapy helps patients to relax and focus their attention on positive thoughts and images. This can help break negative thought patterns and behaviours and allow patients to make positive life changes.

Clinical hypnotherapy treats various conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, sleep disorders, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome and addiction. It can also help people improve their performance in work or sports.

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Corporate wellness programs to improve collaboration.

Corporate wellness programs are designed to improve the health and well-being of employees. These programs can include various activities, such as fitness classes, health screenings, and educational seminars. Corporate wellness programs have improved employee productivity, reduced absenteeism, and reduced healthcare costs.

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Meditation and mindfulness for perimenopause.

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause. During perimenopause, women may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep problems. These symptoms are caused by changes in hormone levels that occur as a woman's ovaries begin to produce less estrogen.

Meditation and mindfulness can help reduce stress and manage perimenopausal symptoms. Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment without judgment. This can help you become more aware of your body's response to stress and allow you to control your symptoms better.

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Motivation instead of alienation. How to get the best our of your employees.

There's no question that alienation is a problem in the workplace. It leads to lower productivity, higher turnover, and a general feeling of malaise among employees. But what can be done about it?

One solution is to focus on motivation instead of alienation. You can keep employees engaged and productive by making sure that they feel like they're part of a team and that their work is meaningful.

It's not always easy, but it's worth the effort. Motivated employees are more likely to stick around, do their best work, and help create a positive culture in the workplace.

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Wellness tips for Menopause.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her ovaries stop producing eggs, and her body goes through changes that no longer allow her to have children. The average age of menopause is 51, but it can happen as early as 40 or as late as 60. Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, and weight gain. Some women also experience decreased sex drive, anxiety, and depression during menopause.

There are several ways to manage menopause symptoms. Many women find relief with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Others find comfort through alternative therapies such as acupuncture or yoga. Some lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress, can also help lessen menopause symptoms.

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Purpose, alignment, and employee engagement for business success.

Why purpose, alignment, and employee engagement are essential for business success.

To succeed, businesses need to have a clear purpose, be aligned with that purpose and have employees engaged with the company. A business without a goal is like a ship without a rudder- it will drift aimlessly. Alignment means that all the company's departments and employees work towards the same purpose. And employee engagement is critical because happy employees are more productive and more likely to stay with the company.

A study by Gallup found that only 15% of employees worldwide fall in the "engaged" category.. So it's clear that purpose, alignment, and employee engagement are vital for business success.

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Ways to boost employee morale

Employee morale is important for several reasons. Happy employees are more likely to be engaged in their work and produce quality results. High morale can help reduce turnover and save an organization money in recruiting and training costs. Promote a healthy work-life balance and give employees regular opportunities for development and growth. Clear communication is key to maintaining strong employee morale.

One in two workers don't feel valued at their jobs, according to Glassdoor. Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to be engaged and productive. There are a few ways to boost employee morale by providing opportunities for growth. Creating a fun workplace is one of the best ways to boost employee morale. When employees are happy, they are more engaged and more likely to go above and beyond for the company. Happy employees are 12% more productive than their unhappy counterparts, according to a study.

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Health and wellness programs to incentivize your employees.

Employers should invest in health and wellness programs for their employees. These programs can lead to a decrease in absenteeism and increase in productivity. For every Euro invested in these programs, there is an average return of €3.27 in savings on healthcare costs. Employers should take a holistic approach that incentivizes employees to participate in healthy activities. These programs can help to reduce healthcare costs, absenteeism, and presenteeism. Employers can create a culture of health and wellness within their organization by initiating them.

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Emotional intelligence coaching. Introducing it to your workforce.

Organizations are increasingly interested in emotional intelligence coaching to boost employee performance and satisfaction. Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to be aware and understand emotions and how they affect people. Coaching can help employees become more self-aware, leading to improved work performance and greater job satisfaction. It is estimated that only 20-30% of people have what it takes to be emotionally intelligent. This means that the majority of people are not able to manage their emotions effectively.

As a result, they often struggle in the workplace. Emotional intelligence coaching can help employees identify and understand the feelings of others.

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Avoid these mistakes when implementing an employee wellness program.

Employee wellness programs are essential because they can lead to improved employee health and productivity. There are many different types of employee wellness programs, so it's crucial to find one that fits your workplace. Get buy-in from leadership before implementing any employee wellness program. Communicate the benefits of the program to employees effectively. Employees need to know how the program will benefit them personally to be motivated to participate.

Employers often focus on the wrong things when it comes to employee wellness programs. Employers should also be focused on whether the program is improving employee health. There are a few key metrics that can help employers measure success:.

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Solution focused coaching. How it can help improve morale and productivity

In the business world, it's essential to have a high level of productivity and morale. Solution focused coaching is a type of coaching that helps individuals identify and achieve their goals. It can help employees identify areas where they need to improve and develop a plan to do so. Solution focused coaching is a type of coaching that helps individuals identify solutions to problems instead of dwelling on the problem itself. This coaching approach can help improve morale and increase productivity by helping employees feel empowered and motivated to achieve their goals. Ultimately, solution focused coaching can help create a more positive and productive work environment.

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Start your journey

WHY IS IT SO EASY TO REPEAT BAD HABITS BUT SO HARD TO MAKE GOOD ONES?
We make it hard to change our habits because we try to change the wrong thing, and we try to change our practices in the wrong way.
To become the best version of yourself, you must keep changing your beliefs and upgrading and expanding who you are.