I love how the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) defines mental wellness.
“Mental wellness is an internal resource that helps us think, feel, connect and function; it’s an active process that helps us to build resilience, grow and flourish.’’
According to the GWI 85% of the world’s population are not ‘’mentally well.’’ They do not have a diagnosed mental illness, but they are not thriving or flourishing because of pervasive stress, worry, loneliness, and other challenges. They do not necessarily need counseling or psychotherapy, but they do need help to get ‘’unstuck’’ in their thoughts, emotions, and consequent behaviors.
The purpose of coaching is to help the whole person ‘’balance the various aspects of their lives and improve their ability to function with one another, with their work, with the world and with themselves.’’ (Coaching with the Brain in Mind by David Rock, Linda J. Page, PHD)
Perhaps the most powerful place to start is your relationship with yourself. How comfortable are you in your own skin? Can you look yourself in the mirror and say, “I love you,’’ not in an egotistical, self-absorbed way, but in a genuine, authentic way that shows appreciation and gratitude to yourself for who you are and are becoming? It’s almost impossible to have love and compassion for others if you don’t have it for yourself. How can you have grace and patience with others, if you don’t have it for yourself? I believe this is the foundation of mental wellness or wellbeing. A healthy sense of self-worth, a belief that you have value, is a good place to start.
Most people desire to reduce suffering, have meaning, purpose, and connection, and find inner peace and joy. We all want to think, feel, connect, and function better.
Coaches are trained to help you help yourself. We ask questions to encourage you to think differently. Did you know that seeking an answer to a question you have never asked before changes your brain? This process enables you to think, feel, and behave differently, which unlocks new possibilities, opportunities, and experiences.
Jeffrey M. Schwartz says coaching is a way to facilitate self-directed neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and adapt due to experience. Remember, the mind stretched by a new experience can never return to its old dimensions. (Oliver Wendell Holmes). Coaching is a fantastic way to stretch your mind in a safe and supportive space, where you can be curious, without judgment, and be challenged to think about what else is possible.
It’s time to consider mental wellness and well-being as an opportunity to balance the various aspects of your life to think, feel, connect, and function better. It is an opportunity to improve your ability to function with others, work, the world, and most importantly, yourself. It’s an opportunity to thrive! Is that not worth investing in?
Book your free introductory call if you or your team want to think, feel, connect, and function better.