EUROPE’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES
In a fast-changing world, it’s easy to get bogged down in self-doubt and negativity. Mindset coaching, a new route to self-improvement, applies psychological tools to instill a more upbeat, hopeful attitude toward life. Mindset coaching helps people break away from habitual negative thinking and behaviors that prevent them from seeing and reaching their potential. It is a relatively new field that evolved from two influential bodies of research — cognitive psychology, which helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns, and the work of psychologist Carol Dweck on “growth mindset,” a perspective that teaches people they can change and develop through effort and learning. It’s important to understand that mindset coaches are not therapists, nor are they licensed or regulated. Interested individuals should seek a qualified coach trained and certified by a reputable coaching organization. The training equips mindset coaches with tools to help clients cultivate resilience and positivity, including mindfulness, journaling, visualizing achievements, and cognitive restructuring or replacing negative thought patterns with more realistic, balanced views. Mindset coaches also help clients uproot limiting beliefs about themselves and reduce their fear of being evaluated negatively by others. For example, mindset coaching might help a software engineer struggling with self-doubt and fear of failure to reframe their thinking and view criticism as constructive feedback to help improve their skills. Also, a manager striving for a promotion might learn to value their skills and cultivate a belief in their ability to expand and acquire new competencies. Ultimately, clients are taught to reframe life as a journey of self-discovery and learning — a mindset so empowering that it can change lives!
EMBRACE YOUR CAPACITY FOR GROWTH Attitude Adjustment
Nature’s Nurture for Older Adults FOREST BATHING BRINGS PURPOSE, HEALTH, AND CONNECTION
If you’re older, you’ve probably heard countless times how important it is to socialize and involve yourself in a variety of activities. When you attend a dance, swimming, or exercise class, you are physically active while surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, which has physical, mental, and emotional benefits. However, not everyone is interested in joining a class or sports team. They might prefer to do something out in nature that provides the same benefits. Forest bathing is a popular activity that appeals to the older adults in Japan. The term “forest bathing” might conjure images that feel right at home in a Cialis commercial, but it actually refers to spending time in nature, utilizing all your senses. While many studies tout the benefits of spending time in nature, researchers from Penn State University
and two universities in Taiwan recently discovered an additional benefit that makes forest bathing even more appealing: Fostering social connections around nature-based activities could improve health and quality of life. The researchers questioned weekly visitors (over age 65) to a nature preserve in Taiwan about how much they think about their futures, the purpose of their lives, and more. Those who talked about their experiences in nature with others often had a greater sense of attachment to forest bathing and a stronger sense of purpose in life. “Forest bathing seems to connect people to the moment and the world,” stated Liang-Chih Chang, professor of living sciences at the National Open University in New Taipei City, Taiwan. “When
elders use that same experience to develop social connections and support, they may experience a broad range of benefits associated with physiological functioning and cognitive health. These are associations, not cause and effect, but the potential consequences are exciting to consider.” So, the next time you and your loved ones want something to do, consider exploring your local parks and nature preserves together. You’ll be amazed by the benefits it brings to your life.
2 EyePlasticMD.com
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