by Feeling Great | Mental Wellbeing
Mental Health Holistic Approach – 5 Things You Should Promise Yourself NOT To Do This Year
As the new year begins with lightning speed your mind fills with goals, aspirations, and plans — all designed to spur change and improve upon the person you were in the previous year.
A lesson well learned is to make sure you do all the above in a way that really honours you. So here are things you need to promise NOT to do this year.
Life is a journey, not a destination.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
5 Mental Health Holistic Approach (Not to Do this Year)
1. I will NOT put unrealistic demands on myself.
This includes any type of rigid schedule, goals set for the purpose of pleasing anyone other than myself or harsh lifestyle or character modifications of any type. Remembering that we thrive in a flexible, creative environment and even if someone else succeeds in other ways, those are not my ways. We will instead strive for attainable and healthy changes that are manageable and designed to truly improve my life in my own unique way.
2. I will NOT be my own worst critic.
This year, ease up on your own opinion of yourself. Give myself a break. Do not beat yourself up for past mistakes or perceived current shortcomings. Do not compare myself to anyone else because you are uniquely you.
3. I will NOT treat myself with any less love and kindness than I would show to anyone else.
We can be very quick to forgive and typically strive to see the best in others. However, that generosity of spirit is often lost when we review our own life and actions. With the “You can do better” mantra. This year, work towards recognizing the wonderful things you bring to the table. Celebrate your contributions to the world and speak to myself with kindness when you fall short of my self-imposed expectations — just as you would do for my friends and family members.
4. I will NOT focus on negative thoughts.
Every day we are bombarded with news stories that could make the most steadfast optimist cringe. It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of fear and negativity. But we can be a positive influence in the lives of others. We can radiate love and kindness and positivity designed to touch the hearts of those we encounter. By doing so, we just might make the world a slightly better place — and that’s enough.
5. I will NOT forget to have fun.
In a society where terms like success and accomplishment are used to identify someone’s worth, it’s easy to get caught up in a dust storm of busy-ness. It’s as if society has grown to believe that only by being constantly busy can we prove ourselves to be worthy, accomplished, successful.
Well, I’m going to discard that belief this year and work toward making space for the things I love. Striving to approach the day with a light heart and a good humour. Sure, you still have to work and earn money, but work should not define or control you.
Final Thoughts
This may be a hefty list to tackle all at once. I’ll add that do NOT expect miracles but allow time and practice to guide you to these goals. View it as a roadmap for a gentle, growth-centred journey to a happier you. So have an amazing year!
Here’s another information about holistic approach! The Holistic Approach to a Healthy Lifestyle and you can also read the Mood & Gut Connection and if you find this helpful, we love to hear from you. Book now for a healthy year and have more energy for the rest of the year!
by Feeling Great | Gut Health, Mental Wellbeing
Gut Health and Happiness – What’s the Connection?
Did you know your gut health can directly impact your happiness? It’s true! While juggling work, family, relationships, and daily stress, many overlook a key factor in their well-being—the gut microbiome.
Your body contains more bacteria than cells, and these tiny organisms play a crucial role in your mood, energy, and overall health. When balanced, they boost digestion, reduce inflammation, and even help you feel energized and clear-headed.
But if your gut is out of balance, stress levels rise, digestion suffers, and mental well-being declines. Let’s explore how a healthy gut can make you feel happier, sharper, and more energized.
7 Connection of Gut Health and Happiness
1. Strengthens Immunity for a Healthier You
Around 80% of your immune system lives in your gut. A strong microbiome protects against illness, infections, and allergies, keeping your immune system running smoothly.
What does this mean for you?
- Fewer sick days
- More energy for work, family, and fun
- A body that feels strong, resilient, and ready for anything
2. Increases Natural Energy Levels
Many rely on caffeine and sugar to stay energized, but your gut can naturally fuel your body. A balanced microbiome:
- Supports digestion for better nutrient absorption
- Produces energy-boosting B vitamins
- Regulates blood sugar to prevent energy crashes
With a healthy gut, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed—no energy drinks required!
3. Supports a Healthy Weight
Struggling to maintain your ideal weight? Your gut microbiome plays a key role in metabolism, digestion, and fat storage. It helps:
- Balance blood sugar, reducing sugar cravings
- Produce hormones that signal fullness
- Improve nutrient absorption, preventing malnourishment
When your gut is thriving, it’s easier to reach and maintain a healthy weight without restrictive dieting.
4. Sharpens Focus & Mental Clarity
Ever feel foggy-headed or forgetful? Your gut is directly linked to brain function. Good bacteria send positive signals to the brain, improving memory and focus.
But when bad bacteria take over, they produce toxins that cause:
- Brain fog
- Memory issues
- Mood swings
By keeping your gut healthy, you’ll stay sharp, focused, and mentally clear.
5. Balances Mood & Reduces Stress
Your gut produces 90% of serotonin, the happiness chemical that affects mood, sleep, and stress levels. A thriving microbiome:
- Lowers cortisol (stress hormone)
- Reduces anxiety and depression
- Helps you feel calm, positive, and emotionally balanced
A happy gut means a happier you!
6. Enhances Skin Health & Radiance
Your skin is a reflection of gut health. When digestion is off, inflammation rises, leading to:
- Acne and breakouts
- Dryness and irritation
- Premature aging
A strong microbiome boosts nutrient absorption, leading to glowing, youthful skin from the inside out!
7. Protects Your Smile & Oral Health
Did you know your mouth has its own microbiome? Good bacteria protect against:
- Cavities and gum disease
- Bad breath
- Tooth sensitivity
A balanced gut promotes a bright, healthy smile, making you look and feel your best.
Final Thoughts: A Happy Gut = A Happier You – Gut Health and Happiness
When your gut thrives, your body and mind do too. From energy and focus to mood and skin, your microbiome plays a crucial role in overall happiness.
Ready to boost your gut health and feel amazing? Start today—your happiness depends on it!
Want to read more about Microbiome? Read This! Need help getting your microbiome in tip top shape? Click here to book online.
Hoping this article helped you understand your body a little better. Know anyone who would benefit from it as well, please pass it on.
Loads of gut health and happiness, Julie xo
by Feeling Great | Mental Wellbeing
Holistic Life – Live a Happy Life
Embrace Change with Holistic Life
Let’s explore how to embrace change, build resilience, and step into a life filled with purpose and joy with Holistic Life.
“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell
Life doesn’t always go as planned—and that’s frustrating!
Sometimes, unexpected challenges shake our world. You may have lost a job, ended a relationship, faced health struggles, or experienced the heartache of losing a loved one. These moments can knock you off course, leaving you feeling uncertain and overwhelmed.
But here’s the good news—you can navigate these obstacles and emerge stronger than before. With the right mindset and tools, you can rebuild, grow, and find happiness again.
Holistic Life – Moving Forward When Life Feels Uncertain
“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”
When life throws curveballs, it’s easy to feel stuck. However, your challenges don’t define you—your response does. Every setback holds an opportunity for growth. Resilience is the key to pushing through difficult times and creating a life that truly fulfills you.
A holistic life coach helps you shift your perspective, develop inner strength, and take action toward a brighter future. Whether you’re facing emotional struggles, career transitions, or personal loss, there are resources to support you.
How to Overcome Life’s Challenges – Tools for Resilience
“The most challenging times bring us the most empowering lessons.”
Building resilience is essential for moving forward. Life’s struggles can unearth hidden courage and lead to a more authentic, fulfilling journey.
Here are some powerful resources to inspire you and help you break through fear, uncertainty, and self-doubt:
1. Get Past Your Fears – Les Brown
This classic motivational talk is packed with inspiration. The setting may feel a little old-school, but the message is timeless: You have the power to overcome fear and take control of your life.
2. Emotional Flood – Tony Robbins (6-Minute Gratitude Tool)
Gratitude is a game-changer. This quick 6-minute exercise can instantly shift your mindset. Try it first thing in the morning or whenever you need a mental reset.
3. Watch “Finding Joe” – A Journey into Self-Discovery
Looking for a meaningful movie? Finding Joe explores the hero’s journey—a reminder that challenges are stepping stones to personal transformation.
4. The Power of Vulnerability – Brené Brown
Embracing vulnerability can help you build deeper connections, boost confidence, and find true strength. Brené Brown’s insights are life-changing.
The Secret to Lasting Change – Focus on the Future
“The secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates
Instead of dwelling on what’s lost, shift your focus to what’s possible. Each challenge is an opportunity to redefine your future. By focusing on growth, healing, and self-discovery, you can create a life that brings you genuine happiness and fulfillment.
The road ahead won’t always be easy, but with the right mindset and resources, you can move forward with confidence and strength.
Interested about ways to De-stress Life? Read This! and Book Here for a consultation with me!
💙 Much love and happiness,
Julie
by Feeling Great | Personal Growth
Naturopath Mental Health Melbourne: The Power of Mindfulness
What Is The Power of Mindfulness and How Can It Benefit You?
Mindfulness has gained significant attention recently, as it’s recognized for its ability to reduce stress, boost self-awareness, and enhance emotional intelligence. It also helps manage difficult thoughts and emotions effectively.
Although mindfulness is now embraced in Western psychology, it has deep roots in Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Yoga. At its core, mindfulness is about consciously focusing on the present moment with openness, interest, and receptiveness. It involves waking up to our experiences, connecting with ourselves, and appreciating the fullness of each moment. This practice significantly enhances emotional and psychological resilience while improving life satisfaction.
How Practicing The Power of Mindfulness Can Help You
Mindfulness is the simple yet profound ability to be fully present, aware of your current experience, and not overwhelmed by external events. According to Mindful, it involves being fully in the here and now, without becoming overly reactive to the things happening around you.
By practicing mindfulness, you can:
- Be fully present in the current moment
- Safely experience unpleasant thoughts and feelings
- Become aware of what you might be avoiding
- Build a deeper connection to yourself, others, and the world around you
- Increase your self-awareness
- Be less reactive to stressors and negative emotions
- Learn to distinguish between yourself and your thoughts
- Experience life directly, rather than through your mental filters
- Realize that thoughts and feelings are transient, like weather patterns
- Cultivate emotional balance and stability
- Enjoy greater peace and calmness
- Foster self-acceptance and self-compassion
Mindfulness and Mental Health: Proven Benefits
Clinical studies have shown that mindfulness can help with a variety of mental health conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, substance abuse, and borderline personality disorder.
The skills developed through mindfulness practice offer numerous benefits, including:
- Reducing stress
- Overcoming self-limiting beliefs
- Enhancing focus and concentration
- Promoting calmness and emotional regulation
- Managing challenging emotions like frustration, resentment, boredom, and anxiety
Mindfulness equips you to:
- Improve focus and concentration
- Increase self-awareness
- Minimize the impact of stressful thoughts and emotions
- Enhance your relationships
- Identify and replace self-defeating behaviors
- Let go of negative thought patterns
Ultimately, mindfulness brings three major benefits: improved performance, reduced stress, and greater satisfaction in both work and life.
How Mindfulness Benefits Therapists and Coaches
For therapists and coaches, mindfulness offers additional advantages:
- It enhances empathy, compassion, and unconditional positive regard
- It helps you stay focused and present, even when your clients are emotionally overwhelmed
- It allows you to remain grounded and composed during emotional turmoil
- It fosters a healthy perspective on therapeutic outcomes—neither complacent nor overly attached
- It helps you maintain direction and focus in therapy sessions
- It increases your ability to observe and respond to clients’ emotional cues effectively
Final Thought
Mindfulness is not just a technique; it’s a transformative practice that can significantly enhance both personal well-being and professional effectiveness.
Are you ready to take the step and become mindful? Get in touch with me! Naturopath Mental Health Melbourne & Online Video Consults Over Australia
Read the Taking Back Your Power! It could just change how you experience life! You can also read this Holistic Life – Create Balance and Find Fulfillment and if you find it helpful, share your experience with us!
by Feeling Great | Personal Growth
The Secret to Happiness and Self-Love
Why Self-Love is the Key to Happiness
The final Secret to Happiness – Self-Love – is here!
We often hear phrases like:
“You need to love yourself more.”
“You can’t truly love someone else until you love yourself first.”
“If you had more self-love, that wouldn’t have happened.”
Advice about self-love is freely given by friends, family, and even strangers, all with the best intentions. But what does it really mean?
Self-love isn’t about makeovers, new clothes, or romantic relationships. While those may bring temporary happiness, they don’t build lasting self-worth. True self-love comes from appreciating yourself and taking consistent actions that nurture your physical, emotional, and spiritual growth.
When you truly love yourself, you:
- Accept yourself – flaws and all.
- Stop seeking approval from others.
- Develop compassion for yourself and those around you.
- Live with purpose and confidence every day.
Now, let’s explore six simple ways to cultivate self-love and create a happier, more fulfilling life.
6 Powerful Happiness and Self-Love Tips
1. Own Yourself – Be Unapologetically You
Get clear on your thoughts, emotions, and desires. When you understand yourself deeply, outside opinions don’t shake you. You feel stable, grounded, and confident, even when life throws challenges your way.
- Try this: Journaling daily helps you gain clarity on what truly matters to you.
2. Choose Your Needs Over Temporary Wants
Loving yourself means choosing what nourishes you, not just what feels good in the moment. It’s like junk food—it may taste great now but could harm you in the long run.
Avoid habits or relationships that drain your energy. Instead, prioritize healthy choices that keep you strong and moving forward.
- Try this: Ask yourself, “Does this support my growth or hold me back?” before making a decision.
3. Practice Self-Care Daily
You show love for yourself when you take care of your body and mind. Simple acts of self-care boost confidence and well-being.
Prioritize:
- Nourishing foods
- Daily movement
- Quality sleep
- Positive relationships
Try this: Set a self-care non-negotiable each day, like a morning walk or a healthy meal.
4. Set Boundaries – Protect Your Energy
True self-love includes saying no to people, situations, or habits that drain you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
You don’t have to please everyone. Setting clear limits ensures you have the time and energy for what truly matters.
Try this: Practice saying “No, that doesn’t work for me.” without guilt.
5. Surround Yourself with the Right People
Some friendships nurture your soul, while others bring negativity. “Frenemies” may pretend to care but secretly take pleasure in your struggles.
Choose to be around those who uplift and inspire you. Your circle should support your happiness, growth, and success.
Try this: If a relationship feels draining, take a step back and assess if it’s truly healthy for you.
6. Forgive Yourself – Embrace Imperfection
Nobody is perfect, and mistakes are part of growth. The key to self-love is learning from experiences rather than punishing yourself.
Shift your mindset:
- View mistakes as lessons, not failures.
- Accept that you’re a work in progress.
- Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d show a close friend.
Try this: When you feel self-criticism creeping in, pause and ask: “Would I speak to a friend this way?”
Start Boosting Your Happiness and Self-Love Today
Pick one or two of these tips and start applying them today. The more you love yourself, the healthier your relationships become, and the more happiness you attract into your life.
Remember: True self-love isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you love yourself fully, you create a life filled with joy, confidence, and fulfillment.
Here’s a 19 Self-Care Strategies for you! Which self-love tip resonates with you the most? Let’s chat in the comments! If this inspired you, share it with someone who needs a little self-love reminder today.
Book Here for a session with me.
