Wellbeing Wednesday #48
Bitesized options for brightening up your hump day
Inspire
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
- Thomas Edison
Hi, I’m Holly, a certified coach and Breathworks mindfulness facilitator. I’m here to help you lead a life full of zest, zen, and purpose. Come join the supportive Zestful Zen community. ✨
Look
Yep, it’s a cliche; the obligatory holiday shot of a blue doorway in Chefchaouen, Morocco. But there’s something about doorways I find irresistible. Imagining what lives might be led behind them. The possibilities, family histories and late night stories passed down through generations. What celebrations and tribulations might have taken place here? I’ll never know, but I can always admire the rustic beauty.
Listen
The Science of Happiness host Dacher Keltner shares psychologist Prof. James’ Laird’s research on the power of smiles: people prompted to smile unknowingly felt happier. Recent studies also show subtle smiles lower stress and strengthen connection. In Happiness Break: Smiling From The Inside Out, Dacher also takes us through a short science-backed practice: the inner smile meditation.
Watch
If you you’re not sure whether journalling is for you, let and convince you though this 💛 REPLAY: Journalling for beginners and busy brains, with Tanya Lynch. They explore simple and accessible techniques. And there’s no right or wrong way to journal; as Tanya puts it, “your journal, your rules”.
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Read
hits the nail on the head again, when she reminds us that You Can't Take Your Vacation Hours with You When You're Gone. If you need a permission slip to take a proper break, tips on spotting when you need one, and a pep talk on how to find space for rest, she’s got your back.
Ask
In Saturday’s post, I wrote about our 3 Emotion Regulation Systems (threat, drive, soothing), including their purpose, upsides, downsides, and the importance of balance between them. You can read the full post here:
Some questions you could reflect on:
What do you notice in your body, when you’re in each emotion regulation system?
Which emotion regulation system do you spend the most time in?
Which system is dominating in this present moment?
How do you know when you’ve spent too long in one system?
What helps you to balance your three emotion regulation systems?
Do
Have a retreat day. While there are plenty of fabulous organised options out there, you don’t necessarily have to splash the cash to benefit. Why not do a solo self-led retreat? If you co-habit, kick everyone out for the day and plan whatever you’d like! Perhaps a leisurely breakfast, some yoga or meditation, a spot of journalling or lounging with a good book, some pampering with your favourite face mask, a nature hike, or an uninterrupted nap…the choice is yours.
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Wishing you all a wonderful Wellbeing Wednesday! 💖
For more self-care resources, dip into the Wellbeing Wednesday back catalogue, or check out my posts on self-care.
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Thank you for sharing our journalling vid 🤗 lots of nice feedback from viewers saying that people were delighted to learn that there’s more than one way to journal (and it doesn’t have to be daily ‘Dear Diary’ entries) 💛
Thanks for the share, Holly! I really enjoyed that journaling session with Toni and Tanya as well.