Personal and Corporate Coach Tasneem Kagalwalla shares how therapy is not what many people think it is. She offers three do-it-yourself techniques for emotional balance for you to test-drive the benefits of therapy.
What?! Therapy?!? Not for me…. I don’t need it…. No way!
If you are one of those ardent critiques of the new age of holistic health and well-being, then you will be undeniably surprised to know that “therapy” is the new wellness mantra!
My best friend Susan quit her job and started her own business. Leila got over her failed relationship and was looking forward to finding love again. Steven overcame his phobia for creepy crawly insects. George started exceeding his sales targets and Mariam was able to get rid of her addiction to cola.
These are just a few of the people who have tried and tested different genres of therapy and successfully managed to change their lives around.
In that sense then, therapy today is much more than being limited to the traditional concept of it being associated with a “treatment” or “psychotherapy”.
ther·a·py
the treatment of disease or disorders, as by some remedial, rehabilitating, or curative process, or anything which has a curative power or quality. Any act, hobby, task, program, etc., that relieves tension.
Source:Dictionary.reference.com
Therapy today falls under a wide spectrum of any practice that acts as an educational and motivational tool in promoting one’s overall well-being by driving positive change.
Professional coaches today use a variety of tools and techniques to help individuals overcome challenges and achieve goals, thereby facilitating a process to lead a prosperous, balanced, and healthy lifestyle. One which we all wish and want. Most coaches use a combination of different techniques to optimize maximum results and ensure success.
Some of you may still be skeptical of whether you should or should not. You may still wonder whether you can afford to or not, whether it really works or not or whether it’s best for you or not?!
Why not try some do-it-yourself techniques for common emotional challenges you may have to test-drive this idea of therapy yourself?
3 Do-It-Yourself techniques for Emotional Balance
① When you feel sad, low, unhappy or down
Do the opposite.
If you are feeling down, look up. Literally.
When we are feeling sad or low we tend to look internally. As a result you unconsciously look down, which only makes you feel worse. An example is when we cry, the head is dropped.
The next time you are feeling unhappy, look up and notice the immediate difference to your mood and outlook.
② When you feel stressed, overwhelmed, out of options + possibilities and/or for universal well-being
Reframe! Reframe! Reframe!
Axe out negative phrases and statements from your everyday life.
Rephrase the words you use aloud or even your internal dialogue with a positive spin.
Our thoughts determine our reality. When we stop thinking about what we don’t want or can’t do and begin thinking about what we do want and can do, our day and life begin to transform.
Instead of working against our desires and intentions, we move into alignment with them. For example, instead of “I am a bad person and I have such an ugly past” try “I am a wise person and I have learned so much from my past.”
③ When you feel nervous, anxious, tense or edgy
Focus on a point on the ceiling, directly up and above from where you are standing. Inhale deeply and exhale fully. Do this a minimum of three times to feel calmer, relaxed, and more in control of the incident or event.
These are quick tips. When used repeatedly, they will become over time an unconscious habit that will help you feel energized, confident, and in control. You may find that you resonate with some tips more than others. That is only natural.
A vast reservoir of techniques exists to choose from. Seek and select what is supportive of your growth and assists you in moving forward to positively alter the course of your life.
To the question of “What therapy?!”, the answer is “What therapy works best for you!”
More tools? Check out 4 Simple Tools for those Tough Moments
