Self Care

How to Effortlessly Cultivate Wellness in Your Remote Job

September 7, 2023

In the evolving landscape of remote work, prioritizing wellness has become paramount. This article presented by NMC Coaching delves into practical strategies to seamlessly integrate well-being into your remote job routine, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling work-life experience.

**How to Effortlessly Cultivate Wellness in Your Remote Job**

Establishing an Exercise Program

Incorporating physical activity into your remote routine can boost energy levels and mental clarity. As a working mom, finding time for exercise might seem challenging, but the benefits are worth it. Regular exercise not only enhances your physical health but also positively impacts your mood and productivity. Simple home workouts like yoga, stretching, or short cardio sessions can easily be incorporated into your daily schedule. Aim for consistency rather than intensity, even if it means starting with just a few minutes each day. A brisk walk during breaks or some calming stretches can make a world of difference in boosting your remote work wellness.

Care for Yourself

Remote work can blur the boundaries between work and personal life, making self-care essential. As a working mom juggling various responsibilities, taking care of yourself might feel like a luxury, but it’s a necessity. Dedicate time to practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply stepping away from your desk for a few minutes to recharge. Create a designated workspace that promotes relaxation and minimizes distractions. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal time will help you maintain focus, reduce stress, and boost your overall well-being.

Develop Healthy Eating Habits

Crafting nutritious meals while working remotely can positively impact your energy levels and productivity. As a working mom, meal planning can be a lifesaver. Design a weekly meal plan that includes a mix of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Opt for balanced snacks that keep you energized throughout the day. Staying hydrated is equally important, so keep a water bottle handy on your desk. By nourishing your body with the right foods and staying hydrated, you’re setting the foundation for a healthier and more productive remote work routine.

Staying connected while working remotely

Develop Social Connections

Isolation can be a challenge in remote work, especially for working moms who are used to bustling family environments. Prioritize staying connected with colleagues, friends, and family through virtual meetings, group chats, and online communities. Schedule virtual coffee breaks or catch-up sessions with colleagues to maintain a sense of camaraderie. Join online groups or forums where you can share experiences and gain support from other working moms navigating the remote work landscape. These connections will not only combat feelings of isolation but also enhance your remote work wellness.

Wellness Made Easy: A Remote Worker’s Guide to Self-Care

Taking Pride in Success

As a working mom, you’re accomplishing feats both big and small every day. Acknowledging these achievements is vital for your motivation and mental well-being. Celebrate milestones, whether work-related or personal, by treating yourself to a favorite snack, taking a short walk, or simply reflecting on your successes. Creating a positive work environment that acknowledges your efforts can boost your self-esteem and overall satisfaction with remote work.

Going Outside

Fresh air and sunlight can work wonders for your remote work wellness. As a working mom, taking breaks outdoors can offer a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. Consider incorporating short walks during breaks, having outdoor lunches, or even setting up a temporary outdoor workspace if feasible. These outdoor moments can help clear your mind, reduce stress, and enhance your focus when you return to your tasks.

Digitizing Documents into PDFs

Efficiency is key in remote work, especially for working moms who often juggle multiple responsibilities at once. Streamlining work processes, such as converting important documents into PDFs, offers easy sharing, accessibility, and compatibility across devices, ultimately saving you time and stress when searching for essential information. If you need to convert to PDF online, utilize tools that allow you to annotate, highlight, and make notes on PDFs, further enhancing your remote work efficiency.

Remote Work Wellness: Tips for Staying Healthy and Happy

Balancing wellness and remote work is not only feasible but essential for sustained productivity and happiness. By integrating exercise, self-care, healthy eating, efficient document management, etc., remote-working moms can effortlessly cultivate a thriving and fulfilling work routine. Remember, taking care of yourself ultimately benefits both your work and your family, creating a harmonious and rewarding remote work experience.

0 comments

Productivity

How to Adjust to a New Routine

September 12, 2022

I’ve been talking to my audience and one thing that keeps coming up is the struggle with adjusting to a new routine. It’s September, so that means back to school. That means getting up earlier, rushing out of the house and having to be on your kids about getting dressed and doing anything to get them out the door. If you struggle with this, you are not alone. Here are several strategies to adjust to or create a new routine that your family will love. If they don’t love the new routine, it will be at least tolerable. Maybe even enjoyable.

The Purpose of Your Routine

First, look at your why. Why does this new routine need to happen? It being September, the most obvious reason would be the kids going back to school, but there may be other reasons to start a new routine such as a new baby, a move, the start of a new job etc. Looking at the reasons behind any new routine will help you stay clear and focused.

Planning Your New Routine

To begin creating your new plan, ask the following questions. Write out the answers and share them with family if necessary.

What needs to happen in the morning?
What needs to happen at night?
Who needs to get up when?
What could you do to speed up your morning routine?
Who will do which tasks?

Routine Tweaks and or Suggestions

Create a schedule for use of the bathroom if you have to.
Maybe kids need baths at night instead.
Create a chore chart for the kids.
Set out clothes the night before.
Pack lunches the night before.
Start the routine a couple weeks before the actual change needs to happen.

Practice Gratitude

In order for change to be welcome and to stick, you have to find some benefit in it. It can take at least 21 days for new habits to stick, so don’t get discouraged if anyone in the family slips back to their old ways of doing things.

What are the benefits of the new routine?
What are you grateful for?
Will it give you more time to yourself.
Will it give your kids more structure?
Will you get more work done?

Relieve Your Anxiety

Is there any anxiety around your new routine? Change can be scary if it is a large change. Humans are creatures of habit so even small changes can be bothersome. If you find yourself resisting, it’s time to look at any anxiety you have around the new routine. Here’s a list of some examples, but you may have some that are different.

I’ll be late for work.
We won’t get enough sleep.
I’ll have to get up earlier and I’m not a morning person.
I won’t have enough time to myself.
I’ll be yelling at my kids.
I’ll feel rushed.
My kids can’t do enough for themselves yet and I’ll have to do everything.
I’ll be busy looking for things. The keys, a pair of shoes, the child’s homework etc.

Get Organized

One way to beat some of this anxiety is to get organized. Find places to keep things and make sure they are kept there. A basket by the door, a place for the backpack, a hanger for keys, Organize drawers so that clothing or personal items can easily be found.

Have a morning routine you love.

Do you feel stressed and hurried in the morning? If so, you will want to create some nonnegotiable rituals. Some examples may be Meditation, exercise, journaling, a cup of tea or coffee, watching the news, watching cat videos etc. Whatever gives you a boost, relieves some stress and can be done in a short amount of time, do it! Even if you have to get up a few minutes earlier. You may have to delegate some tasks or do them the night before. Doing something for yourself in the morning is so worth it. It starts your day on a more positive note and it may only take a few minutes depending on your rituals. If possible, do this before the kids are out of bed. This way you have some quiet time to yourself.

To summarize, get clear on why your routine needs to happen if it isn’t obvious. Then create a plan. Who does what tasks and when? Figure out what makes you anxious about the change and then get organized. Decide what you can let go of and what are your non negotiables. Through this process you will create a new routine that you love. If it’s not something you love, it will be a routine you can tolerate. Did I miss anything? What helps you get adjusted to a new routine? Tell me in the comments!

0 comments

Personal Development

30 Back To School Prompts for Teachers

September 10, 2022

Here are several prompts to help you through the transition of getting back to school. You may want to use these prompts to shift your mindset, get clear on your goals for the first quarter of the school year or create a self-care plan.

30 back to school journal prompts to help you through the transition30 back to school journal prompts to help you through the transition

School Related Journal Prompts

How do I feel about teaching at this moment?
What is my purpose for teaching?
What do I enjoy about teaching?
What do I dislike about teaching?
What lessons have I learned from teaching?
What are my favorite lessons to teach?
What plans do I have for the first quarter?
How will I stay energized throughout the day?
What will cheer me up if I have a bad day?
My plan for time management at school is…
What can I do if I feel unheard?
How can I be better at listening?
What can I learn from a failed lesson plan?

Home and personal Time Journal Prompts

How will I take care of myself?
Create a self-care plan.
My plan for time management at home is…
How will I stay present with my family?
How will I deal with stress at home?
Who can I go to for support?
What tasks can I take off my plate and or delicate?
The activities that bring me joy are…

30 back to school journal prompts for teachers

Journal Prompts for Moving Forward

What is my biggest struggle right now?
What is the first step I can take to overcome that struggle?
What is coming easily to me right now?
How can I bring that feeling to other parts of my life?
What am I grateful for in this moment?
How can I bring more joy into my life?
What are my long-term goals? (Personally or professionally)
What action steps do I need to take to achieve my goals?
What small actions can I take? (Today, this week, this month etc)

There you have it. 30 journal prompts to help you through the transition back to school. You can pick the ones that call to you and work from there. Even if you write for five to ten minutes a day. Journaling is a great way to process thoughts and feelings as well as a brain dump. You can get rid of all that clutter in your head before starting the day or going to bed at night. Does journaling help you in any aspect of teaching? Let me know in the comments.

0 comments

Personal Development

5 Lessons I Learned From Starting a Meditation Practice

August 22, 2022

You may have noticed that I haven’t been very active on the blog this year. I have had a difficult year and perhaps I will explain more in a future post. I’m still pretty guarded with the details, but I will say that I am now using this time to improve myself. Personal growth can be a life saver in the difficult times, but one lesson I’ve learned is that we should never drop the ball on this.

We should always be growing and learning. Not that there’s anything wrong with where you are at, but in my experience the times where I’ve been stuck are the times when I’ve stopped caring for myself. Some of the things that I use to keep me grounded are gratitude journaling and having my crystalsaround me. One thing I’ve never been good at, but have recently added to my routine is meditation.

I was inspired by a course I was taking. The first module involved creating a morning routine that set the tone for the day. I found that the tone for my morning was frantic, irritated and generally grumpy. I’m a bear in the morning. I’ll admit it! It’s not pleasant, so I wanted to change this. First, I decided to get up earlier and do some journaling about what I’m grateful for. This allows me to focus on what’s good in my life as soon as I open my eyes. Then I added meditation to the practice.

5 lessons I’ve learned from starting a meditation practice

What does it mean to be good at meditation?

I decided that even though I’m not good at it, that’d I’d make it a habit, but when I thought about it, what does it mean to be good at meditation anyway? I’m picturing these people at retreats spending hours in stillness and silence. Other times I picture that people who are good at meditating have all these awesome visualizations and or revelations. I’m lucky if I can stop my mind from wandering. I picture people being able to meditate without any guidance. They can just go into this state of total relaxation and feel so refreshed afterward.

Lessons Learned from Meditation

I am good enough!

I can’t say that I’ve ever been in a meditative state, but I can say it’s relaxing. I can’t always still my mind, but I go with the flow. I have the thought and then try focusing back on the meditation. I use guided meditations, so I have something to concentrate on. Even though I sometimes find it hard to visualize, the guided meditations help with this.

Get in touch with your body

I’m learning that it’s okay not to be in a certain position. Sometimes I sit or lay down. I pick which ever position feels best to me at the time. Usually, I’m laying since it’s right after I wake up, but if I try meditating later in the day, I sit. If you need to be moving to stay focused, they even have walking meditations. Meditation is also a great way to check in with all parts of your body, but more on that later.

Trust Your Intuition

I used to feel guilty or bad if my mind wandered. Now I go with it because maybe those thoughts are the start of a break through. You never know unless you follow your intuition. You can use some of your thoughts while you are meditating for journaling as well if you feel you need to explore something further. You can also use your intuition to find which meditation will work best for you.

What you can learn from starting a meditation practice

You can Meditate on Anything

Is there a specific issue you are working through? There are meditations for just about anything as I’ve recently discovered. Some of the themes I’ve chosen are the beach, letting go, forgiveness, crystal healing and being more confident. I’ve even used a couple meditations for kids with Rosebud to help her calm down after a bad day. I had no idea of the possibilities open to me.

The importance of trying something new

One of the promises that I’ve made to myself is that I will take as many new opportunities as I can. Meditation has never been something I put much effort into, but it was relatively easy for me to try. I didn’t think it would benefit me, but I figured why not try? Here is what I found so far. It helps me get and stay more relaxed while starting my morning. I have a space to either think or zone out. It’s my choice. I can explore specific themes or just listen to some nature sounds or restful music. I can get in touch with my body. Where is the tension? Where do I feel pain? How am I feeling today? Finally, I can feel good about taking ten minutes each day to care for my mind and body.

There are numerous benefits of meditation, but each person’s experience is unique. I have learned that you don’t have to be good at meditation to get started. You should always trust your intuition. You can meditate on any topic. Meditation is a fantastic way to be in touch with your body. Last but not least, you won’t find the good stuff if you never try something new.

Why you should start a meditation practice

Do you have a meditation practice? What have you learned along the way? Do you have any favorite meditations? I’d love to hear in the comments!

0 comments

Personal Development, Self Care

60 Journaling Prompts To Tell Your Story

August 14, 2022

I was inspired by a quote I saw today. It was about how we are all unique and have our own story to tell. There are so many benefits from not only journaling, but telling our stories as well. We can work through feelings, think creatively, express ourselves, share our ideas with others, let others know that they are not alone and once we feel comfortable with our story, we become more confident.

60 Journaling Prompts to tell your story

You may be wondering what telling our stories has to do with career coaching. Well, I find that when exploring possible new careers or if you are in the job search process, it takes a certain level of confidence and or courage. You will make mistakes. You will face rejection. You may wonder if you are making the right decision. You may be telling yourself stories about yourself that keep you stuck. That leaves you feeling under valued and less confident.

This type of activity may not work to build confidence for everyone and that’s okay. Take what works for you and leave the rest. You may just want to use some of the prompts to explore. If you are a teacher, these prompts may be useful to some of your students. These prompts can be a fun way to get you thinking outside the box which is something you need for career exploration and or job searching these days. The cherry on top is if you enjoy writing, consider it a form of self-care.

Questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?
What was your funniest memory?
What is precious to you?
What have been your biggest adventures?
What are your travel experiences?
What makes me unique?
Who inspires me?
What is my biggest fear?
What is my biggest regret?
What was the darkest time in my life?
What was the happiest time in my life?
What is your dream job?
What do you remember most about your pets?
What if anything do I admire about other cultures?
How do I stay active?
What is the best way to express myself?

Self Reflection

What do I value?
What do others think of me?
What do I think of myself?
What do I no longer need to Cary with me?
What brings me happiness?
How do I cheer myself up after a bad day?

Autobiographical Prompts

My future goals are…
My childhood was like…
My school life was like…
My favorite place is…
My favorite things are…
My favorite person is…
My favorite things to do are…
My hero is…
My dream home is…
My experience in love has been…
The craziest time ever was…
My most valuable possessions are…
My worst job was…
My biggest accomplishments are…
My favorite feature is…
My family is…
Success means…
My best decade was…
My physical and mental health has been…
My worst habits are…
My experience with religion has been…
My scariest experience was…
The strangest food I’ve ever tried was…
I had the most courage when…
The best conversation I ever had was…
My wish that came true was…

Creative Prompts

If I were writing a book, I’d write about…
If I were invisible I’d…
If I had a time machine, I’d…
My super power is…
If I were an animal I’d be…
If I were something in nature I’d be…
If I wind the lottery I would…
If I could talk to anyone in the world, we’d talk about…
My dreams mean…
If I could live anywhere it would be…
If I could buy anything, I’d buy…

Tell your story with these 60 journaling prompts

Did you try any of these? If so, let me know in the comments. To get my other tips and inspiration, follow me on Instagram.

0 comments

Motherhood, Self Care

Self-care for Nursing Mothers: A How-to Guide

October 5, 2021

Nursing is a wonderful way to bond with your baby when you’re a new mom. That said, breastfeeding isn’t always easy! Sometimes it can be challenging, frustrating, or downright uncomfortable. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time. By investing in self-care, you will ensure that you are mentally and physically feeling your best. You will then be able to give your child the best care possible.

This guide covers self-care for nursing moms.

Self-care for Nursing Mothers: ! How-to Guide

Make breastfeeding easier with the right tools

The right tools can help make nursing easier, safer, and more comfortable for you and your baby. People has a list of handy items worth checking out, including disposable nursing pads, breast pumps, and milk screens to check for alcohol in your breastmilk after you’ve had a drink. You can even get a radiation protection cover to shield your little one from the radiation of cell phones and other devices.

Create a soothing space for breastfeeding your baby

Nursing can take up a good chunk of your time every day. Make sure you have a comfortable space to get the job done. Create a quiet corner where you can soothe your baby and relax while nursing. A nursing chair is a great investment. To choose a chair, consider characteristics like comfort, support, and practicality. For example, prioritize models with stain-resistant fabric that’s easy to clean. For more tips on family living and reviews on home products, visit Home Life Daily.

Invest in comfortable yet stylish clothing for nursing moms

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style as a new mom. Invest in cozy clothing that will have you looking and feeling your best while also accommodating nursing. Kindred Bravely is a one-stop shop for all kinds of cute maternity gear, from joggers to leggings, nursing tank tops, lounge shorts, pajamas, and more. You’ll find clothing in a variety of colors and materials, ensuring you can find pieces that suit your personal style.

Eat healthy meals to maintain your energy

Did you know that you burn more calories while breastfeeding? According to Healthline, nursing moms burn up to 500 additional calories every day. It’s important to feed yourself the fuel you need to stay healthy and energized during this time. Since you may have trouble finding time to cook, focus on easy-to-prepare meals that you can prepare in batches, freeze, and save for later.

Make time for exercise

Regular physical activity will help you stay fit and can help you shed the baby weight. That said, giving birth takes a toll on your body and it’s important to take your time as you ease back into a fitness routine. Prioritize exercises that are well-suited to postpartum bodies. The Bump offers a roundup of suitable activities, from weight training for arms to core exercises. Best of all, you don’t need a gym and can do these moves at home.

Schedule some “me” time every day

As a new mom, it’s easy to get lost in your baby’s world. You want to do all you can to keep your little one happy and healthy, so it’s understandable that you’ll give them a lot of attention. However, it’s also critical to schedule some “me time” into your day. Give yourself 15 minutes every day without the baby. Use this time to do something that you enjoy, like reading a book or taking a bath. This is your chance to unwind, relax, and focus on yourself.

Exhausted mom Working while nursing baby

Try to get the sleep you need

The average adult should get about seven hours of sleep per night. As a new parent, this can be tough. Your baby likely won’t sleep through the night at first, making seven straight hours of uninterrupted rest a remote possibility. Luckily, there are other ways to get that much-needed slumber. Experts recommend sleeping whenever your baby sleeps, for example, and using a white noise machine to soothe your baby to snooze.

Connect with other new moms

Motherhood is exciting but it can also be exhausting. Connecting with other women who share your feelings and know exactly what you’re going through can be useful. If you have friends or family with kids, make time to talk to them. If you don’t know many women with children, you can still find a supportive community online. There are many virtual platforms specifically for moms, including CafeMom.com and CircleofMoms.com.

Don’t hesitate to use your support network for help

As a new mom, you may sometimes feel isolated or like you’re in this by yourself. Don’t let yourself fall into this trap. You likely have plenty of friends and family who will be happy to give you a helping hand. You simply have to ask! Getting hands-on help from your support network will free up your time for self-care. Ultimately, this will allow you to be a better mother to your baby.

When you’re a new mom, it’s easy to focus solely on your baby. However, it’s also important to take care of yourself. The above tips will help you keep fit emotionally and physically.

Emma Grace Brown lives her life by her rules; and it works! When she’s not snuggling puppies, Emma promotes female empowerment through her website. Her mission is to help those who live with self-doubt to realize they don’t have to mold themselves to conventionality.

0 comments

Productivity

Time Saving Tips for the Busy Mompreneur

July 12, 2021

Today, I have a guest post by Tina Martin. It is so important to create a work life balance. Especially if you are a business owner. Tina has shared some useful tools that will help you save time and energy. Doing Business Is Great but Downtime Is Crucial — Here’s How to Accommodate Both

When you own a business, it may feel as though you cannot get a break. Between monitoring employees, fulfilling orders, and meeting customer expectations, running a business can leave entrepreneurs feeling depleted and burned out. Taking a break can prevent burnout and refresh your energy. Entrepreneurs who take breaks and maintain a routine that includes time off make better decisions and are more likely to have better work-life balance.

How to increase productivity while having more free time

NMC Coaching helps business-owning parents manage the multiple responsibilities of both jobs, learning ways to be present at work and at home. One important aspect of establishing a good balance between work and home life is delegating tasks to reduce the burden. Using apps will also reduce the strain on business owners and free up time for relaxation.

Delegating and Scheduling

Business owners who delegate responsibilities to employees often find that it improves morale among workers. Reducing your workload will also result in growth for employees. You can delegate tasks like doing inventory and reordering supplies, for instance. Inventory management apps will also speed up the process, making the most out of a business owner’s time and resources.

Scheduling apps can also create more time for business owners. Between meetings, scheduling employees, and other time-related tasks, it can be time-consuming just to manage your calendar. Scheduling apps will also ease the burden and logistics of staffing.

Inventory and Payroll

Inventory and payroll are two tasks that can be a time-drain for business owners. By using apps for either or both, entrepreneurs will save countless hours. Optimizing your wholesale distribution with a solution like QuickBooks Enterprise can be a game-changer. With automation, your business can order supplies from vendors more effectively and reduce costly errors. Having a centralized database for vendors will also give you more visibility on current purchase orders and identify where you can cut costs. Other features like efficient order management, multiple integrations, and barcode scanning will also guarantee healthy profit margins.

Investing in a payroll platform also saves time and aggravation. Ideally, look for solutions that offer seamless integration with existing software and simplify tax preparation and new employee onboarding.

Productivity

By freeing up time in your schedule, you value yourself. Business owners who wish to invest in their own wellness by taking time off will find that productivity apps will help you make more efficient use of your time. Trello, for instance, has a vast range of functions, from assigning tasks to calendar coordination. Not only does this free up a lot of your time, but it ensures that your projects and workflows continue to move forward efficiently.

Creating time for rest and relaxation should be a priority for business owners and entrepreneurs. Rested, refreshed business owners and employees make better business choices, which impacts the company positively in the long term.

For more guidance on finding a better balance between business and your home, learn more about what NMC Coaching can do!

“Tina Martin started her career in business administration but eventually decided to pursue something that actually inspired her: becoming a personal fitness instructor. Today she stays busy as a life coach and works hard to help herself and her clients achieve a healthy work-life balance. She started ideaspired.com as a side project to reach as many people as possible, and encourage them to put their dreams first.”

0 comments

Productivity

No More ‘Sunday Scaries’: 11 Resources for a Productive Weekend

June 8, 2021

This week, I have a special treat for you. A guest post by Elena Stewart. Do you wake up on Sundays already dreading the week ahead? Do you lose sleep on Sunday nights because your to do list is already a mile long? Read on to learn how to overcome those Sunday scaries and have a productive but relaxing weekend.

It’s a Sunday afternoon, and your stress levels are rising as you think about everything you need to do to finish up to get ready for the next week. The “Sunday scaries” are settling in, and this weekly phenomenon drains the joy from your final day off. However, if you’re a parent, working with NMC Coaching can help you figure out how to reclaim your time. Plus, these resources are packed with suggestions on getting rid of the Sunday scaries!

Taking Care of Your Body

It’s hard to continue eating healthy and working out on the weekends. Here’s how to keep up with these habits through Sunday.

● Using a smartwatch with a fitness tracking app will keep you on top of your routine.

● To make sure your smartwatch fits properly, you’ll need a snug watch band!●

By meal prepping on Sunday, you’ll already have your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners portioned for the week.

● Don’t forget to take your vitamins and supplements on Sunday night!

12 Resources to help you overcome the Sunday Scaries

Prioritize Your Mental Health

Maybe you’re used to feeling stressed every Sunday — but it doesn’t have to be this way. These resources will help you approach Sunday with a more positive attitude.

● Step away from the world for a while by having a home spa day.
● This bedtime yoga routine will give you sweet dreams!
● If you tend to have racing thoughts every Sunday night, meditation could be the solution.
● Taking care of little ones? A coach who works with parents can help you with stress management. Contact NMC Coaching for more information.

Clean Up Your Space

Starting the week with a clean home allows you to stay focused on things you need to get done.

● Block off an hour or so to take care of any clutter in your closet. ● Don’t start the week with a dirty kitchen! Wipe it downafter cooking on Sunday.
● Spruce up your bathroom in no time with these handy speed cleaning tips.

If you feel your mood dip every Sunday, it’s time to turn things around. You can turn Sundays into a day that you look forward to instead! By following the tips from the resources outlined above, you can overcome the Sunday scaries.

Is parenting making it tough for you to manage your time on the weekends? NMC Coaching can help you get your schedule under control! Contact us through our website to get started.

About Elena

Elena made the jump from a corporate job she wasn’t entirely happy with, to running her own business that gives her the financial freedom and flexible lifestyle she’s always wanted. As a life coach, she now gets the happiness of helping others get to the places that might seem out of reach. To learn more about Elena and her services, head on over to Elenastewart.com!

0 comments

Motherhood, Personal Development, Self Care

How To Accept Your Uniqueness

December 10, 2020

I had a plan for this week. I was going to talk a little about self-care and do a list of stocking stuffers to pamper the moms in your life. While gift guides are great and we all need to take care of ourselves, I wasn’t feeling compelled to put it together. Right now, there is something more important in my heart. It is still a form of self-care, but it’s not the tangible measurable kind. It’s the kind that you feel in your heart and soul. It’s the kind that helps you feel at peace and at ease with yourself.

Accepting Uniqueness

Today I want to share an amazing strategy for working on self acceptance. Some people say these things are flaws, imperfections or quirks. I prefer to see it as your uniqueness. It’s the stuff that makes you who you are. The stuff that makes you like no one else. The stuff that makes you interesting!

Embrace Yourself

Last weekend, Rosebud really wanted to paint, so I decided to let her paint while I worked on Instagram posts. By the time she was done, there was paint everywhere. It was all over her, her tray and dripping off the paper. It was the kind of painting I couldn’t keep. I lifted it to put it on the counter to dry and the paint poured off. It upset Rosebud, but it went straight to the trash. Honestly, I was bothered by the mess. It took me forever to clean it up and while I know messy play is important for kids, I hate dealing with it. I clean up after kids all day at work. I don’t want to do it here too. It’s not fair to Rosebud, but it’s a fact. I do set up messy play opportunities for her, but they are few and far between.

The No Paint Mama

My anxiety about clean up goes through the roof and I hate feeling that every time. At first, I started thinking about what a failure I am as a mom. How my child needs this and maybe I’m depriving her of something, but am I really or am I too focused on the shoulds and coulds. In that moment, I decided to embrace the fact that I’m not a messy play mom. I told one person on Instagram that I’d be the no paint mama.

When I thought about it, Rosebud enjoys many forms of sensory play like water, the rice bin, kinetic sand, play-dough,, water beads, shredded paper etc. She does drawing, water colors, gluing, cutting and decorating with stickers, so she gets plenty of exposure to arts and crafts. Even after all that, why was I hung up on the paint? She doesn’t need to do messy finger painting every day to be a well rounded child. Those voices popped up in my head. Those annoying shoulds.

What They Tell Us

Then today during a coaching call, I had this amazing break through. This is why I love coaching so much. We were talking about marketing strategies for my business and how to make the best use of my time. I told her how I felt I was making the most of my time by using Instagram, but there are the shoulds. The experts saying that you need to be on all forms of social media and be doing all things. You need to post videos, write blog entries, send out a newsletter, create podcasts, schedule multiple posts on every platform etc.

In real life, this is too much for one person. This involves hiring tasks out. While this is possible for a successful business owner, you can’t always do this when you are first starting out. I need to simplify, so for now I am focusing on one social media platform. While so many people recommend Facebook for this purpose, I had to choose the one I’m having the most fun and best interaction with. Even if it goes against the advice of the so called experts who don’t know me or my audience. I need to follow my own path.

Living in the Present

My next battle with the shoulds was about creating a marketing plan. The experts say to create a 60 or 90 day marketing plan. While this works great for sales, tracking income etc, it wasn’t working for me with social media marketing. I have a 90 day plan laid out in a spread sheet and you know what? I used none of it. You might be wondering why. It’s because I need to create content around what I’m feeling in that moment. What am I struggling with? What can my audience relate to? How can I be the most authentic?

If I’m focusing on something from three months ago, I may not be feeling that way today. Everything surrounding children and motherhood change so fast, that I have to scrap my plan. This is a metaphor for motherhood, right? Nothing goes as planned. As soon as you have something figured out, it changes.

The Strategy

Speaking of metaphors, that is the strategy. My coach asked me what I took away from our sessions, but she asked me if there was one image that I could hold in my mind that embodied everything I’ve learned. It didn’t make sense at first, but the first image that came to mind was a fluffy white cloud floating along in the sky. The more I thought about it, a girl floated on top of the cloud. As I explained the cloud metaphor to my coach, it started to take shape.

I am embracing my uniqueness and every cloud has its own shape. Clouds are floating. The wind is carrying them, but they have an energy of their own. They are not listening to the other clouds, they are on their own path, reaching their own destination. Their shapes may change over time. They may rise or fall. They may come together to touch other clouds or break away on their own, but in the end, they have their uniqueness. Isn’t that why we look at them? Isn’t that where we find the beauty?

Chipping Away

This strategy isn’t an easy fix. Accepting yourself is life long work. It changes from day to day. I see it like creating a sculpture. Each day, you chip away and get one step closer to where you want to be. The beautiful sculpture starts to take its shape and then is revealed over time.

What is Your Metaphor?

What do you need to embrace? What is your image or metaphor that can help you accept your beauty? Your uniqueness. The things that make you interesting, authentic and wonderful. If you need help with this process, let’s jump on a

discovery call. I’d love to help you celebrate your uniqueness.

1 Comment

Gratitude, Personal Development

What To Do When You Want to Feel Grateful, but Don’t

November 30, 2020

I was going to end my gratitude series with a post on the 20 things I’m thankful for in 2020, but whenever I sit down to write this post, I’m not feeling grateful. I’m thinking about all the things that are not working for me right now and I’m thinking about everything wrong in the world. That doesn’t leave much head space for gratitude. Rather than try to force myself to write a post that’s not coming, I thought why not share strategies to help you when you are having difficulty feeling grateful. Here are three strategies that can help you when you want to feel gratitude, but don’t.

Accept Your Feelings

Everyone knows that it’s better to have positive thoughts. I don’t think anyone consciously wants to stay in a negative thought pattern, but it’s easy to get stuck there. I think of it as a spiral. Something negative can happen to me in the morning and it can effect me for the rest of the day. On the other hand if something really positive happens, your thoughts start to go upward and you notice the positive things that are happening. This is why well meaning people say things like, “think positive” or “be grateful for what you have.” Well, there are times when life feels pretty shitty and you can’t see the beauty because you are living your nightmare day after day. The nightmare is different for everyone. It could be an abusive relationship, a horrible job, a bad break up, losing a loved one etc. There is usually something to be grateful for in the end no matter the situation, but sometimes it can be microscopic.

If you’re the person who needs the magnifying glass right now to see beauty in your life or to find that shred of gratitude, it’s okay. I’ll say that again, it’s okay not to feel grateful every moment. It makes those moments when you feel real gratitude even more powerful. Just notice how you are feeling and let it pass. You are not a horrible person if you weren’t spilling over with gratitude over the Thanksgiving holiday. I know I wasn’t and I felt guilty about it, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it is healthier to accept my feelings.

Make a Happy List

While there are so many benefits of gratitude, that doesn’t matter if you are not feeling it. Your mindset doesn’t change over night. Sometimes, we have to take baby steps. Rather than thinking about things you are grateful for, start by thinking about or making a list of what makes you happy. What makes you smile? What makes you laugh? You may be thinking, but isn’t that a gratitude list? Well, in a way it is since gratitude and happiness are closely linked. I want to take gratitude out of the equation for now because if you are not feeling grateful, you may feel pressured to come up with things you are grateful for. On the other hand, it’s not usually hard to come up with a list of things that make you happy.

This list can be as short or long as you want. It can be things from both past and present. Here’s a sample list I came up with.
Rosebud, mocha coffee, cupcakes, making people laugh, the beach, reading a good book, when someone says something I wrote helped them, wearing a pretty dress, snuggling with Diamond, hot chocolate, cheese cake, days off, chats with friends, when I’ve helped a coaching client, baby laughter, etc. I could go on and on, but you get the point. After you’ve made your list, how do you feel? Do you feel happier? Are you feeling more grateful than when you started?

Reverse Bucket List

When you think of a bucket list, you usually think of all the things you want to do in the future. Well, a reverse bucket list is all the amazing things you’ve already done.

What have you accomplished that you are proud of?
What events have made your life meaningful?
What have you really enjoyed about your life?

The purpose of doing this list is to remind yourself of the great things you’ve done in your past. Some examples may be having your children, meeting your partner, your wedding day, an amazing vacation, getting an advanced degree, a career switch, buying a home, learning an important lesson etc. You may in fact be grateful for these things, but haven’t stopped to appreciate them. This way, if you aren’t feeling grateful in the moment, you can recall things that will bring you back to feeling gratitude.

Did you have trouble feeling gratitude this season? What do you do when you are feeling ungrateful? Tell me in the comments.

0 comments