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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The key to motivation in work.

Defining motivation

When it comes to working, motivation is critical. But what exactly is motivation? Simply put, motivation is the desire to do something. It's the push that gets you starteDd

Culture has a profound impact on motivation in work. Different cultures value different things, affecting people's motivation in their work.

Collectivist cultures tend to prioritize the collective good over the individual. This means that people in these cultures are motivated by working together towards a common goal and are less likely to be inspired by individual rewards or recognition. On the other hand, individualist cultures place more emphasis on the individual. People in these cultures are more likely to be motivated by things like bonuses or promotions, as these signify success at an individual level.

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How does hypnotherapy work?

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses relaxation and suggestions to help people overcome psychological issues. It is sometimes used to help people quit smoking, lose weight, or overcome anxiety and phobias.

During hypnotherapy, the therapist will usually guide the person into a state of relaxation by having them focus on their breath or a specific object. Once the person is relaxed, the therapist will begin to make suggestions about overcoming their problem. For example, they may suggest that the person imagines themselves being successful in quitting smoking.

Some people are sceptical about hypnotherapy, thinking it's just a way for therapists to take advantage of vulnerable people. However, scientific evidence shows it can be effective in treating certain conditions. If you're considering hypnotherapy, you must find a qualified therapist with whom you feel comfortable.

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Ways to focus your attention.

Ways to focus your attention. 

There are several ways to focus your attention. One way is to use a technique called mindfulness. This involves paying attention to the present moment without getting caught up in thoughts about the past or future.

Another way to focus your attention is to set specific goals and then break them down into small, achievable steps. You can avoid getting overwhelmed and losing focus by taking things one step at a time.

Finally, it can be helpful to create a distraction-free environment when you need to concentrate. This means turning off all electronics and eliminating any other potential sources of distraction. If possible, find a quiet place to work where you won’t be interrupted. 

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The five love languages.

What are the five love languages?

Do you know what your love language is? Chances are, you do. People tend to naturally give and receive love in the best way they understand. According to Dr Gary Chapman, author of "The 5 Love Languages," there are five ways to express and experience love: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

People usually have one primary love language and one secondary love language. However, it's important to remember that everyone experiences love differently, so knowing all five love languages and how they might be relevant to your relationship is essential.

If you're not sure which love language you or your partner speak, Chapman suggests taking a quiz to find out.

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What's your attachment style?

Defining attachment styles

To understand attachment styles, we must first understand the concept of attachment. Attachment is the emotional bond between an infant and its primary caregiver. This bond is characterized by a sense of safety and security, forming the foundation for all future relationships.

There are four attachment styles: secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized. Secure attachment is characterized by a trusting and supportive relationship with the primary caregiver. Anxious-ambivalent attachment is characterized by a need for constant reassurance from the primary caregiver. Avoidant attachment is characterized by a tendency to withdraw from close relationships. Disorganized attachment is characterized by a chaotic and unpredictable relationship with the primary caregiver.

Each of us develops one of these four attachment styles based on our early experiences with our primary caregivers.

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Radical self acceptance.

Why self-acceptance is important

Self-acceptance is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. It's a way of acknowledging who you are - warts and all - and being OK with that. It's about not beating yourself up for your shortcomings or putting yourself down for not being perfect. Instead, it's about recognizing that you are just a human, flawed like everyone else but capable of greatness.

Self-acceptance is crucial because it allows you to move on from your mistakes. We all make them, but when we beat ourselves over them, we dwell on them, and they become a part of our identity. If we can learn to accept ourselves, flaws and all, then we can learn from our mistakes and move on to lead better lives.

Self-acceptance is also essential because it allows us to be happier.

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The truth about narcissism.

What is narcissism?

Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by grandiose thoughts and behaviours, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. A narcissistic personality disorder differs from healthy narcissism, a necessary component of self-esteem. People with a narcissistic personality disorder often have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships due to their inflated sense of self-importance and lack of concern for others' feelings.

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How to talk to your boss about burnout.

Defining burnout 

Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that occurs when we feel overwhelmed and unable to meet our work demands. It is characterized by feelings of cynicism, detachment, and apathy. It can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and heart problems.

Burnout is a serious problem that can hurt our health, careers, and relationships. If you are experiencing burnout, you must talk to your boss about it. Your boss may be able to help you find ways to reduce your workload or make other changes that will help you avoid burnout.

If you are feeling burned out at work, you can do a few things to try to improve the situation. First, try to identify the source of your stress. Is it your workload? Your job duties?  Your colleagues?

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Past life regression therapy.

What is past life regression therapy?

Past life regression therapy is a type of therapy that uses regression techniques to help patients access memories of past lives. Patients may be able to remember details about their previous lives, including who they were in past lives, what happened to them, and how those experiences have affected them in this life. Past life regression therapy can be used to help people heal from trauma, resolve unfinished business, and gain insight into their current lives.

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Am I lonely?

Loneliness is a feeling we all experience at some point

Loneliness can be defined as feeling isolated and disconnected from others. It's a common emotion we all experience at some point in our lives. Though it's often associated with negative connotations, loneliness can positively affect our lives. It can motivate us to reach out and connect with others. It can help us appreciate the relationships we have.

Though it's normal to feel lonely, chronic loneliness can lead to serious health problems. According to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, loneliness is linked to an increased risk of premature death. The study found that lonely individuals were more likely to die prematurely than those who were not lonely.

If you're feeling lonely, you can take steps to improve your situation.

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Love the work you do.

Finding fulfilment in your work. 

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget what we're working towards. We often find ourselves stuck in a job that doesn't make us happy, feeling like we're just going through the motions daily. But it doesn't have to be this way! There are ways to find fulfilment in your work, no matter what field you're in.

One way to find fulfilment in your work is to identify your passions and focus on pursuing them. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? When you follow your desires, you'll naturally be more engaged and motivated in your work. Setting goals for yourself and striving to achieve them is also essential. This can help you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in your career. 

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The health benefits of being happy.

Defining happiness and what it means to be happy

What is happiness? According to Merriam-Webster, happiness is a state of well-being and contentment. Happiness is often used interchangeably with joy, bliss, euphoria, and other emotions. For some people, happiness might mean feeling satisfaction from completing a goal. Others might define happiness as having loving relationships or enjoying good health.

There are many different ways to be happy. Some people find happiness in their work or hobbies, while others find it in their relationships. Some people are happy when they are surrounded by positivity, and others find happiness in simply enjoying the moment. No matter how you define it, happiness is a state of being that everyone experiences in different ways.

Happiness has been linked with several health benefits, including lower stress levels, a more robust immune system, and improved heart health.

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The science of happiness.

What is happiness?

This is a question that has been asked throughout history and one that still perplexes us today. While there is no single definition of happiness, some common themes seem to recur. Happiness has been described as a state of well-being, a positive emotion, or life satisfaction.

Some scientific evidence suggests that happiness is not simply an emotion but a state of well-being. A study published in the journal Emotion found that people who reported higher happiness levels also had better physical health, more social relationships, and greater life satisfaction.

So what does this all mean? Happiness may not be easy to define, but it seems clear that it’s more than just a feeling. It’s a state of well-being that includes positive emotions and life satisfaction.

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Your mental health and wellbeing is the most important thing in the world.

Your mental health is important

Your mental health and well-being are essential things in the world. It's crucial that you take care of yourself physically and mentally. If you're not feeling well mentally, taking care of yourself physically can be challenging. And vice versa. That's why ensuring you're taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial. Here are some tips to help you do that:

• Get enough sleep: Most people need around eight hours per night. But everyone is different, so ensure you're getting the amount of sleep right for you.

• Eat healthily: Eating nutritious foods helps your body and mind to function at their best. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.

• Exercise daily: Move your body every day. Even if it’s just going for a short walk. Physical exercise has enormour benefits for mentla health. If you can, try to partkae in 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 times per week. And if possible exercise to a higher intensity at least 3 times per week. Use a mixture of cardio, strength and mobility routines.

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Stress in the workplace

Work stress is often caused by long hours, tight deadlines and demanding bosses. Too much stress can lead to health problems like anxiety, depression and heart disease. It can also make it difficult to concentrate and be productive at work. What can companies do to help their employees deal with stress in the workplace? How to manage stress in the workplace

Nearly half of all workers say they're so stressed out that they can't concentrate. Even CEOs and top executives report that work stress is a significant problem. Find out what's causing your stress and find ways to deal with it. Exercise, relaxation techniques and talking to your supervisor can help reduce stress.

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Mental Health & Well-being Coaching

Mental health coaches help clients develop action plans and lifestyle changes to improve their mental health. They can effectively treat various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, and bipolar disorder. Mental health coaching is a relatively new field but is gaining popularity as more people become aware of its benefits. If you're feeling stuck or lost in your mental health journey, working with a coach can help get you back on track. Mental health coaching can help you identify and achieve your personal goals. Coaches can also offer guidance and advice as you navigate challenges in your life.

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How to bring more joy into your life.

Why joy matters

In recent years, scientists and mental health professionals have increasingly recognized the benefits of joy. Joy is not only pleasurable, but it also has several benefits for our physical and psychological health. For example, happiness can boost our immune system, improve our cardiovascular health, and protect us from stress.

In addition to the physical benefits of joy, there are also psychological benefits. Happiness can help us to cope with difficult situations, increase our resilience, and improve our overall mental well-being. Additionally, joy can help us to build better relationships with others and make us more productive at work.

So why does joy matter? Because joy is essential for our physical and mental health and well-being. When we experience joy, we are not only happier and more fulfilled individuals, but we are also better equipped to deal with life’s challenges.

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SOMATIC MOVEMENT

What is somatic movement?

Somatic movement is a type of body-based therapy that emphasizes the role of the mind in affecting change in the body. It is based on the premise that our thoughts and emotions influence our physical well-being, and that by improving our mind-body connection, we can improve our overall health.

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Psychological hacks for the workplace.

What are psychological hacks, and how can they help in the workplace?

Psychological hacks can be used to influence or manipulate people's behaviour. They can be used to increase productivity, improve communication, and create a positive work environment.

Psychological hacks can be as simple as using positive reinforcement to encourage employees to meet targets. For example, if an employee completes their monthly sales target, they could be given a bonus or a day off. This type of hack can be used to motivate employees and improve performance.

Another psychological hack that can be used in the workplace is the priming effect. People are influenced by their environment and the cues around them. For example, if you want employees to be more productive, you could place a picture of a clock on their desk or in their office. This would remind them that time is ticking and they need to get work done. 

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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.