in association with life coach Mandy Perry, Cert. SMC Dip. HSM at AMC Mentoring Ltd.

A guide to managing your emotions to fulfil your potential

Being yourself means being relaxed, fulfilled and natural. When we feel at one with ourselves we are at our best. We feel energised, healthy and able to cope with everything life throws at us.

But sometimes… well, sometimes we aren’t quite ourselves. We feel out of sorts, maybe a little under the weather, sometimes a little tearful, not coping as well as we normally do, as if something isn’t right. And sometimes we need a little help to get back on track.

If you find it hard to identify your emotions then listen to what your body is telling you today. Take a moment. Inhale deeply. As you exhale start to scan your body from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. Can you identify any part of your body that feels

tense, for example, your shoulders? Take three deep breaths and as you breathe out let the tension flow out with the air, this not only help you relax but clears the mind and refreshes the brain.

Heart ache?Sick with worry?

Butterflies in your tummy?All fingers and thumbs?

Lacking guts?What feelings go with what your body is telling you?

Dr Edward Bach

Our language is full of informative body imagery.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Either write or draw your feeling in this space, or think of a colour that suits your mood.

Don’t give yourself a hard time – we’re only human. Statistics from our survey* of over 500 women in the UK show that you’re not alone if you feel that you’re not quite on top of your emotions:

Learning to manage your emotions is a life long journey, so have fun getting to know yourself along the way.

* Lightspeed research conducted for Nelsons with 3,500 women globally. 2006.

– Original Writings of Dr Edward Bach

Now pin the list to your fridge and make a pact with yourself to do at least one thing from your list each week. You deserve it!

Flash your pearly whites. Not only will it lift your spirits but you’ll start to notice others smiling too.

Look up at the world and not down at your feet, what you see may surprise you!

Make a list of the little things you would do if only you had the time. Make them realistic and achievable, for example:

Try replacing your negative thoughts with positive affirmations

Now stand in front of a mirror and repeat them to yourself.

Be your own best friend. Sometimes we talk to ourselves in a negative way. We would never dream of talking to our friends (or even our enemies for that matter) in this way, so why do we do it to ourselves?

Next time you find your head filled with negative chatter, check your thoughts. Imagine you are talking to your friend. Would you speak to them in this way? Never use a negative, i.e. I’m not feeling overwhelmed

Try to keep your affirmation in the present tense… I am feeling, or I feelKeep it short

Back in the 1930s a forward thinking doctor, Dr Edward Bach, discovered 38 flower remedies that can help us when we need to a little extra encouragement and support to blossom. The remedies help us manage our emotions, balancing negative thoughts and feelings, and allowing us to find our hidden strengths and potentials.

– Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner and trainer, Patricia Campbell-Parker

Patricia recommends:

Our fears can hold us back from doing some of the things we’d love to do, if only we dared! By moving from a negative state to a positive one of courage and bravery we can open new doors and expand our horizons.

The Bach Original Flower Remedy Mimulus can help us to overcome shyness and specific fears.

Maybe it’s a lack of confidence in your abilities that is in your way to moving forward. Empower yourself with a couple of drops of the Bach Original Flower Remedy Larch to rediscover your self belief.

You’re wonderful!

If it’s not work or home then it’s the state of the world that can leave us feeling more than just a little overwhelmed. You know you’re capable but sometimes the support of the Bach Original Flower Remedy Elm can help you up your mountain.

It’s hard to concentrate and feel happy when your mind is filled with negative worries, playing round and round in your head like a stuck record. Find your tranquillity and calm with White Chestnut.

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Bach Original Flower Remedies, Nelsons House, 83 Parkside Wimbledon SW19 5LPLearn more at: www.bachremedies.co.uk

© Bach Flower Remedies Ltd 2007. Bach and the Bach signature are trademarks of Bach Flower Remedies Limited, London, England.