Claim Your Inner Champion
Make Your Way Through
5 months. It’s already been 5 months, most of which was spent in lockdown in an apartment building with no yard. The effects of the current health crisis exist locally and globally are widespread. This time has not been easy for anyone.
I might be just like you...
I don’t shower everyday.
I don’t put on makeup everyday.
I don’t go on walks everyday.
I don’t sleep 8 hours per night.
BUT, I have some non-negotiable routines that I work to encourage and support each day:
I put on fresh clothes.
I find joy in the small things.
I give my kids choices from whatever is available.
I work to be present.
I keep a running list of tasks to complete.
Surprised to hear that I don’t have it all together? Don’t be.
Making your way through the day in general and especially in a pandemic does not need to be “glamorous”. In truth, it is about identifying your needs and how to attain or fulfill those specific components; despite all of the wackiness that may exist. You see, it’s mindset! One day, not that long ago, when my husband walked in the room and randomly said, “you’re the pandemic champion!”, I laughed and immediately replied, “why do you say that?” The back story, I used to be pretty inflexible. It wasn’t that I didn’t care about others’ opinions - I listened, however, I was quite set in my ways because I felt the things I was doing worked and my non-negotiable priorities were different. With these changes, I’m not losing who I am, instead, I am reframing what I need in this time AND I’m still the same person! In this odd time at home, he noticed things in me that I may not have noticed in myself. I looked organized, but I felt disorganized; however, I was accomplishing more in a day than usual, I was baking new recipes, completing cooking and craft projects with the kids, preparing experiments and activities; all while working multiple growing businesses from home without many complaints. I’m still learning to ask for help. Maybe, it’s because I worked to focus on the good, rather then allow myself to wallow in the endless negativity that exists. Maybe, it’s the focus that I bring towards gratefulness for what we do have, rather than longing for a different situation. Or, maybe, I’ve grown. Are you ready to claim your inner champion?
In my time working with Home Day Hero, I have the pleasure of working with other professionals and hearing about their experiences and the services they provide. I reached out to Eve Holston Ferguson, an educator and Health Coach who created a group called Chilled Out Mamas, special for busy moms; creating a space to not only destress, but find support within one another.
Here’s our interview:
Tell us a bit about you and what drew you to becoming a Health Coach.
“Absolutely! I’ve always loved helping people. I started out in education because I found so much joy in seeing children grow and develop as a result of something I taught them. But, after 15 years in education, it began to take its toll on me. Once I had my own children I found it extremely difficult to balance work, home, and all of the other commitments I had going on. At the core, I wanted to live a happier, healthier life, and ultimately help others do the same. So, I enrolled at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and began my journey of becoming a certified health and wellness coach. As my business progressed, I realized that my true passion was in helping busy moms like myself overcome stress and anxiety, so that they could be better for themselves and their families. And, that is how Chilled Out Mamas was birthed. I knew that if I could help to shift the atmosphere in the life of each mom I coached, it would have a ripple effect into the community and the world. So, it would be my small contribution to helping the world be a better place for us all.”
What are some of the general challenges that you are hearing from moms or families this summer?
“The biggest challenge I’m hearing is that of moms trying to find ways to manage their stress and anxiety during these unprecedented times in which we’re living. Outings and activities have been limited due to Covid-19 restrictions and there is also the challenge of adjusting to homeschooling and distance learning. Moms are looking for ways to cope and establish some sort of normalcy in the midst of this global pandemic. And I’m hearing this from all sorts of moms… working moms, stay at home moms, single moms… all looking for ways to cope with what our world is currently facing. It is so important for these moms to be intentional about putting into place practices that will nourish their mind, body, and spirit. This is what will sustain them and it will look different for everyone.”
What are the top 3 things parents can do to help themselves, so they can best help their kiddos?
“Have some sort of spiritual grounding practice - these are very challenging times in which we’re living. We’ve all been thrown into the deep end and we’re trying to survive while trying to learn how to swim. And, so the stress and overwhelm that comes with that is to be expected. Find some way to ground yourself… that can be through prayer, meditation, yoga, journaling, etc. Anything that allows you to quiet your racing mind will be helpful for you and ultimately your children. It’s going to give you the strength you need to handle the challenges that each day brings.”
“Find a way to incorporate some sort of physical activity into your routine. The release of endorphins is going to contribute to an increased mood and decreased stress. This may be taking a walk or jog around the block, or finding some online videos to work out to in your living room. Whatever it takes to get that heart pumping and blood flowing is going to be extremely beneficial.”
“Find ways to engage with your children and spend quality time with them is going to build a bond and strengthen the connection. Dust off those old board games, watch some family movies together, or take a walk as a family. When this global pandemic is a distant memory, these are the moments that your children will remember most. There has never been a time in recent history where we’ve been given this rare opportunity to reconnect with our loved ones. So, as much as possible, it’s important to make the most of it.”
What are the benefits of having a wellness coach?
“The benefits of having a wellness coach are far-reaching. A coach can help you to bridge the gap between where you currently are in life and where you want to be. They can also help you uncover some of the limiting beliefs that have prevented you from progressing forward. Many of my clients feel stuck, but they can’t quite put their finger on what’s holding them back. Working with a coach is helping them to unravel some of the underlying reasons why they’ve remained in their current situation for so long. By identifying the limiting beliefs and then reframing them, they have the courage to start setting some actionable goals that get them moving forward.”
What is one piece of advice that you’d like to share to encourage people to be more mindful and “take action” in their own lives?
“In terms of being mindful, start taking steps towards bringing your awareness to the present moment. Mindfulness is a moment by moment awareness of your thoughts, feelings, experiences and environment. Often, we function on autopilot; which causes us to miss out on the gift of the present. Becoming more present will do wonders in helping you build resilience to the stressors that life brings.
In terms of ‘taking action’, start setting some goals and find a trusted person to hold you accountable. Start small because setting too many can overwhelm and paralyze your efforts. Each day, I like to come up with five things I will accomplish that day. If I finish the five, I can always add more, but I start there because I can end my day with a feeling of accomplishment just by scratching those five things off my list. I have a couple of accountability partners that I send those goals to each day and they celebrate with me as I scratch things off the list. Those small wins build the momentum that is needed to keep coming back to a new set of goals each day.
Thanks so much to Eve for your time and commitment to helping mama’s everywhere!
Want to learn more about Eve’s Chilled Out Mamas Program? Curious about one-on-one coaching that takes moms from being “Stressed Out” to “Chilled Out” in 12 weeks? Be sure to visit her website for more information: https://chilledoutmamas.com