Mental health was once a taboo topic, often shrouded in secrecy and isolation. However, times are changing, and mental health is now stepping into the spotlight.
There is a growing conversation about increasing the importance of wellbeing, the continuum of mental health, and how organisations can support individuals in their journey towards mental health improvement.
But what exactly is mental health, and why is it so important?
The world Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as:
“a state of well-being in which every individual realises their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community”
At InnerBloom Coaching we refer to mental health as a positive state of emotional, psychological, social, and physiological well-being. It means having the cognitive and emotional capabilities to navigate life’s joys, challenges, and stresses effectively.
Being mentally healthy does not mean feeling good all the time, as life inevitably brings difficult moments.
When we encounter stress, our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol to help us respond and overcome perceived threats. However, if we remain in a state of ongoing stress without taking appropriate action, these hormones can disrupt vital bodily functions and contribute to various health problems such as anxiety, depression, memory and concentration issues, sleep disturbances, weight gain, and digestion problems.
This is where coaching comes in as one of the most effective ways to support mental health and well-being.
Coaching helps individuals identify what they want to experience more of in life and how to bring those experiences to fruition, even during challenging times.
A coach acts as your guide in building resilience, self-regulation, and discovering powerful insights and strategies to navigate difficult situations.
The coaching process can be tremendously beneficial in determining your desired life experiences. When you have good emotional health, you release supportive natural hormones like oxytocin and dopamine, which enhance mental clarity and effectiveness in managing stress, challenges, and difficult circumstances.
Coaching has numerous benefits for mental health and wellbeing, including:
- Cultivating mindful awareness
- Being more present with yourself and others
- Gaining a deeper understanding of how your mind and emotions work
- Developing a clearer vision of what you truly want in life
- Creating a roadmap to achieve your goals
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Boosting confidence, self-esteem, and overall quality of life
- Feeling empowered and in control of your life
- Reframing negative thoughts and adopting a positive mindset
- Assisting with recognising the need for self-care to avoid burnout
- Facilitating decision-making and alleviating the anguish of indecision
- Bringing clarity to your life purpose and guiding you toward it
- Establishing healthy routines and exercises to strengthen your mental health
Coaching not only helps you feel better, empowered, fulfilled, and inspired each day, but it also enables you to perform at your best, increase productivity, and maintain focus. It builds resilience, allowing you to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease, while also deepening your connections and presence with loved ones.
In conclusion, dedicating time and resources to personalised professional coaching is a worthwhile investment for enhancing mental health and well-being.
Engaging in coaching empowers you to develop the necessary skills to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of challenging circumstances, ultimately leading to a significant improvement in life satisfaction.
If you’re interested in discovering how coaching can support your mental health and wellbeing, connect with us. We are dedicated to helping you improve your well-being and live a more fulfilling life.