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#E32 Answering Your Questions: Navigating Abuse, Food, Boundaries and Self Care

#32 Answering Your Questions: Navigating Abuse, Food, Boundaries and Self Care

October 24, 202430 min read
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#E31 Answering Your Questions: Navigating Abuse, Food, Boundaries and Self- Care

Welcome to the season 2 finale of "Secrets in the Powder Room" with, Louise Bryant, your trusted host, coach and intuitive eating counsellor.

As the holiday season approaches, she invites you to join her for a very special Q&A session where Louise answers your most pressing questions from this season.

Whether you're grappling with holiday food guilt or struggling to set boundaries with family, She's got you covered. Together, you'll explore powerful strategies for overcoming challenges, enhancing self-care and fostering body confidence.

Released October 24th 2024

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Our Host 🫶🏻

Bethany Gettis

Louise Bryant is a professional certified coach, intuitive eating counsellor, and a trauma-informed domestic abuse specialist as well as survivor.

Through her platform, "Secrets in the Powder Room," Louise fosters open conversations about the often-hidden struggles women face, including social anxiety and trauma.

Her expertise, drawn from personal and professional experiences, aims to guide others in healing through alternative therapies, body kindness and intuitive eating.

Passionate about breaking the silence around women's issues, Louise provides free, simple tips and profound insights to ease anxiety and promote well-being.

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Secrets In The Powder Room

Newsletter 📧

🌼 Discover Empowerment and Self-Care: Join Us for an Inspiring Podcast Experience!

Dear Secret listeners,

I hope this email finds you well and thriving. As the year draws to a close and the holiday season approaches, it's a time of reflection, connection, and, for many, navigating complex emotions and boundaries. But fear not, you're not alone on this journey!

I'm Louise Bryant, your host of the "Secrets in the Powder Room" podcast, a safe and supportive space where we share stories, challenges, and insights to empower women like you to embrace healing and authenticity.

🎙️ End-of-Season Q&A Special In our latest podcast episode, I answer your most pressing questions about self-care, intuitive eating, overcoming trauma, and setting healthy boundaries. Whether you're seeking body confidence or strategies for stress management, you'll find practical advice and encouragement.

💡 Key Highlights:

  • Balancing self-care amidst a busy schedule

  • Personal stories of resilience and growth

  • Strategies for setting effective boundaries

  • Tips for starting your journey towards intuitive eating

🎁 Special Offer: 1-to-1 Coaching Sessions Are you ready to transform your holiday season experience? Until Christmas, I'm offering exclusive 1-to-1 coaching sessions to help you find peace with food, break free from restrictive cycles, and set empowering boundaries. Let's make this festive season a time of empowerment and new beginnings.

🔗 Click here to book your discovery call and take charge of your journey today!

🌟 Upcoming Season 3 and Workshops Stay tuned for Season 3 of the podcast, where we'll dive deeper into the 8 pillars of coaching, featuring intuitive eating, self-care, healthy relationships, and more. Plus, we'll have guests and workshops to support your growth and healing.

Thank you for being a valued member of our community. Your support and engagement inspire me every day. If you have any topics you'd like covered or wish to share your story, feel free to reach out!

Wishing you peace and empowerment this holiday season.

With love and gratitude,

Louise Bryant

P.S. Don't miss out on our transformative workshops and resources – join our mailing list to stay updated on all the latest!

 

Blog 🚨

Navigating Your Healing Journey and Embracing Self-Care and Intuitive Eating

Discover how to tackle the festive season with balance, set effective boundaries, and nurture body positivity for a fulfilling life journey.

As we wrap up the insightful Season 2 of the "Secrets in the Powder Room" podcast, it's clear that the conversations surrounding self-care, intuitive eating, and trauma recovery have resonated deeply with our audience. With the festive season upon us, a time often laden with pressure and stress, we're focusing on empowering you with tools and strategies to enjoy this period and beyond without guilt. Let's delve deeper into some of the compelling topics discussed this season and offer practical steps to enhance your healing journey.

Embracing Intuitive Eating

One of the core principles of our podcast is intuitive eating—a philosophy that encourages listening to your body's innate signals of hunger and fullness, rather than adhering to strict diets. Over the years, many including myself have discovered that diets often fail to provide sustainable results. Instead, shifting focus towards understanding emotional and psychological needs can foster a healthier relationship with food. Approaching eating with a holistic mindset—attuning the mind, body, and soul—leads to a more balanced, joyful life. Embrace foods you enjoy without guilt, and consider working with an intuitive eating professional for guidance on this transformative journey.

The Power of Self-Care

Self-care is not an indulgence; it is a necessity. Many mistakenly associate self-care with luxury activities, but at its core, it is about prioritising your well-being in simple, everyday moments. Whether you find solace in meditation, walking by the beach, or spending quality time with loved ones, integrating self-care into daily routines is crucial for mental and physical health. Use these practices to nurture your body, revitalize your energy, and create boundaries that protect your personal space and time. This is particularly essential during the festive season, when external demands increase.

Building and Maintaining Body Confidence

Body confidence is a journey of its own, filled with ups and downs. Rather than obsessing over appearances, shift the focus to appreciating what your body does for you. Celebrate your body's capabilities, engage in movement that brings joy, and surround yourself with positive influences. Remember that self-worth isn’t determined by appearance—embrace and celebrate your unique beauty. Developing a strong, loving relationship with your own body and food is foundational, not just for well-being, but for fostering positive relationships and a fulfilling life.

Setting Boundaries for a Healthier Life

As we navigate complex social interactions and personal commitments, setting effective boundaries is vital for mental health. Understand your needs, communicate them assertively and kindly, and stand firm even when it feels uncomfortable. Consistent boundary-setting is an act of self-respect that also reinforces your self-care practice. Adjust boundaries as required and seek support from professionals if necessary. Establishing and maintaining boundaries, particularly around the festive season, can help prevent burnout and promote a sense of balance and peace.

Healing from Trauma and Domestic Abuse

For those on the path of recovery from trauma or domestic abuse, healing begins with acknowledging your experiences and seeking support from trusted individuals and professionals. Through therapy, community support, and self-care practices, it is possible to process emotions and rebuild resilience. Healing is a non-linear journey, requiring patience and compassion. Remember, you are not alone, and support systems are available to guide you each step of the way.

Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds

As we prepare for Season 3 of "Secrets in the Powder Room," our goal is to continue providing empowering, meaningful content. Future episodes will focus on the eight pillars of our coaching work, featuring practical advice on intuitive eating, self-care, body positivity, and healthy relationships. With exciting workshops and guest speakers on the horizon, we're dedicated to supporting our community in its healing and growth journey.


Thank you for being part of the "Secrets in the Powder Room" community. As you venture into the festive season, take these insights to heart and set the foundation for a healthier, more balanced life in the new year. Whether it's finding peace with food or mastering the art of setting boundaries, know that you're not alone and you have the power to create positive changes in your life. Embrace the journey with kindness and self-compassion.


Session Worksheet ✍🏻

Secrets in the Powder Room Podcast: Season 2 Finale - Q&A Worksheet

Welcome to the Secrets in the Powder Room worksheet! This worksheet is designed to help you reflect on and reinforce the topics discussed in the Season 2 Q&A finale. Take your time to answer each question thoughtfully, and let this exercise support you on your personal journey of healing and empowerment.

  1. 1. Personal Reflection on Self-Care

    a. Identify Your Self-Care Activities: List at least three activities you currently engage in for self-care. How do they make you feel?

    • Activity 1:

    • Activity 2:

    • Activity 3:

    b. Assess Your Self-Care Routine: How can you incorporate more self-care into your busy schedule, making it a non-negotiable part of your day?


    2. Understanding and Setting Boundaries

    a. Recognising Your Limits: Reflect on a situation where you felt your boundaries were challenged. How did you respond, and how would you like to respond in the future?

    b. Setting Effective Boundaries: Write down at least two boundaries you want to set in your personal or professional life. How will you communicate these boundaries assertively yet kindly?


    3. Intuitive Eating and Body Confidence

    a. Embracing Intuitive Eating: List three ways you can start embracing intuitive eating. What small step can you take this week to honour your hunger and fullness cues?

    • Step 1:

    • Step 2:

    • Step 3:

    b. Boosting Body Confidence: Identify one body part or function you appreciate. Write a short statement on why you appreciate it and how it contributes to your life.


    4. Navigating Trauma Recovery

    a. Self-Compassion in Healing: Consider a challenge you have faced due to past trauma. How did you show yourself compassion during this time, and how can you deepen this practice?

    b. Building a Support System: Who are three people or resources you can turn to for support as you continue your healing journey? How will you reach out to them?

    • Support 1:

    • Support 2:

    • Support 3:


    5. Future Goals and Motivation

    a. Setting Goals: Outline one personal and one professional goal you are motivated to achieve. What are small, actionable steps you can take towards achieving each goal?

    • Personal Goal:

    • Professional Goal:

    b. Staying Motivated: Reflect on your “why.” What is the deeper reason behind your goals, and how can this keep you grounded during challenging times?


    6. Final Thoughts

    a. Gratitude Practice: Write down three things you are grateful for today. How does practising gratitude impact your mindset and overall well-being?

    • Gratitude 1:

    • Gratitude 2:

    • Gratitude 3:

    b. Reflect on This Episode: Which topic discussed in this episode resonated the most with you, and why? How can you incorporate this insight into your daily life?


    Keep this worksheet as a reminder of your growth and the steps you wish to take on your journey towards healing and self-empowerment. Remember, you are not alone, and support is always within reach.

    For further support, consider reaching out to Louise Bryant for coaching or explore resources mentioned in the podcast.


    Thank you for participating in this reflective exercise, and we look forward to supporting you in Season 3 of Secrets in the Powder Room!


Transcript 📝

NOTE: This podcast was transcribed by editing tool, Please forgive any typos or errors

Hey. I'm excited to dive into this special q and a of our final session of season 2 answering your most pressing questions about all the topics that we've covered this season. And as we approach the end of the year, I know the holiday season can bring extra stress around food, family, and boundaries, but it doesn't have to be that way. If you've struggled in the past with binge eating over Christmas or feel overwhelmed by social pressures, I want you to know that now is the perfect time to take control. You've got 9 weeks until Christmas and I'm here to support you in finding balance so you can enjoy the season without any guilt or stress. Stick around to the end to find out my special offer of 1 to 1 coaching which will help you feel more empowered, calm, and in control as we head into the festive season. Welcome to the secrets in the powder room where we share stories and open up conversations about all the secrets women are forced to keep out of fear and shame. I'm Louise Bryant, professional certified coach, intuitive eating counselor, and trauma informed abuse specialist and survivor.

Louise Bryant00:01:09 - 00:01:59

We're here to support you in your healing journey and help you feel like you're not alone. This is not to be a replacement of your own professional, medical, or legal advice. This podcast contains adult language and content. Listener discretion is advised. So after asking my audience if there's any questions they would like to ask me, I had loads sent through. So I've just kind of put them all together and created this podcast, just answering some of your questions that you have for me. So, first of all, someone asked what inspired me to start the podcast secrets in the powder room. So I started the secrets in the powder room podcast because I wanted to create a safe and supportive space for women to share stories, challenges, and professionals to give lots of advice.

Louise Bryant00:01:59 - 00:03:18

And having worked in the domestic abuse space, I have firsthand seen the power of community and the healing that comes from sharing our experiences. And this podcast is a way to reach as many women as possible and provide them with the tools and the support that they need to navigate their own journey. So I was also asked, how do I balance self care with busy schedule? Obviously, self care is something that I have a course about, and I, in every single one of my programs, I prioritize self care, and I ask people every time what they're doing for self care, and it's basically the foundation of everything that I do. But for me, balancing self care with my busy schedule has always been a challenge. But as it's so crucial for maintaining my own personal well-being, I prioritize my self care by setting boundaries and carving out the time for activities to, you know, rejuvenate me, I guess, like meditation, journaling, walking. I like to go and walk on the beach. I always find time for exercise, even if I'm not doing a natural training program, I'll always try and find some sort of fun movement exercise within my day. Also, spending quality time with my loved ones is really, really important and a nonnegotiable.

Louise Bryant00:03:19 - 00:04:26

And I also practice intuitive eating and mindful eating and mindful movement to keep my body in sync. And it's about finding what works for you and making it a non negotiable for you and part of your daily routine. So sometimes it's hard for women. I speak to so many women and they think that self care is all the bubble baths and the massages and, you know, all these extravagant things going out and buying yourself new shoes and handbags. But sometimes it's just about being with yourself, with your thoughts, and just finding time for breath and being, you know, present with things like washing up or when you're cooking or, you know, just being in the shower instead of taking, you know, your kids and the conversations at the office and, you know, all the other stress and stuff into the shower with you. If you can just be in that present moment, self care also comes from that decision that you make to prioritize yourself. So another question I was asked was, can you share a spur can you share a personal story about overcoming a challenge this year? Okay. So I've had a couple of challenges this year.

Louise Bryant00:04:26 - 00:05:22

One has been the one of the biggest ones is recovering from another lot of hand surgery. I've had 6 operations on my hand since 2017, and this has been an ongoing issue. And the other challenge I've had this year is trauma therapy. I've undergone some very intense trauma therapy and having to navigate that. So that's my 2 biggest challenges. I think these were quite difficult periods in my life as I had to make sure that I balanced the rest and my family and my professional commitments. And I think it's also taught me a lot about patience and the importance of listening to my own body. And with the support of my family and the amazing women in my community, I gradually gained the restrength in my hand and I, you know, went through all the trauma exercises that I had to do.

Louise Bryant00:05:22 - 00:06:04

And this experience has really reinforced my values and the resilience and the importance of this strong support system that I have. Okay. Another question I was asked was how has your approach to intuitive eating evolved over the years? Okay. So okay. Initially, it was about learning to listen to my body and hunger and fullness cues. And I've had very much had ups and downs with the intuitive eating. I've definitely explored or, you know, dipped my toes back into the dieting world and found that all my training and all my knowledge and all my understanding has just proved to me that for me, definitely. And I know for a lot of people that I work with diets just don't work permanently.

Louise Bryant00:06:05 - 00:07:03

And I think over time, it's become more about understanding the emotional and my psychological needs and the aspects of my relationships with food. I think I focus on the holistic connection between my mind and my body and my soul and how nurturing all things can lead to a healthy and more balanced life. So, yeah, I think it's influenced my coaching practice and it's been it's allowed me to support my clients more effectively, definitely with all the elements that I do, not just in terms of eating, but the domestic abuse, the healthy relationships, the body movement, the positive body image, the healthy relationships, and having that healthy relationship with yourself, your body, and food. It's it's kind of the foundation of everything that I teach. And then another question was, what advice would I give someone who struggles with body confidence? And again, this has been something that I've had to really, really work on. Just becoming an intuitive eating counselor was not the answer. I still had to do the work. I still have to do the work.

Louise Bryant00:07:03 - 00:08:02

It's constantly, constantly something that I've had to work on. And I'm definitely think that I'm there now in the confidence of my own body. And to anyone who is struggling with their own body confidence, I would say just be gentle with yourself. Body confidence doesn't come overnight, and it is a journey and it is ups and downs, But just start by appreciating what your body can do for you rather than focusing on how it looks. I'm always kind of sharing that on my social media and stuff because I think we are so fixated on the way that our body looks or the imperfections that we have. You know, even when I was really slim, really fit, really young, there were still issues that I found or created in the way that I looked instead of really appreciating what my body could do. And I'd also say surround yourself with positive influences and no practice self acceptance or even self love if you can find yourself there daily. But remember that your worth is not defined by your appearance.

Louise Bryant00:08:02 - 00:08:54

And, you know, like I said, just celebrate your unique beauty and the amazing person that you are. So someone else asked me, what are some key strategies for setting effective boundaries? So I think setting effective boundaries starts with understanding your own needs and limits. So you need to communicate clearly and assertively, but with kindness. And it's important to be consistent and stand firm with your boundaries even when it's uncomfortable. And just remember that setting boundaries is an act of self respect and self care, and it's also helpful to reflect on your boundaries regularly and adjust them as they're needed. So I'd also say don't be afraid to seek support from a coach or a therapist if you're struggling with this. I have a boundary setting workshop that I do regularly. So if you haven't already signed up to my mailing list, it might be worth signing up to that.

Louise Bryant00:08:54 - 00:09:36

So when I do them again, or if I sell the recording, that will be available to you. But, yeah, definitely prioritizing yourself. Definitely. And Someone else has asked me, how can I start my journey towards intuitive eating? Okay. Starting your journey towards intuitive eating begins with letting go of the diet mentality and, you know, embracing a new nonjudgmental approach to food. So begin by paying attention to your hunger, your fullness cues, and allow yourself to eat foods that you enjoy without guilt. Educate yourself about intuitive eating principles and consider working with myself or another professional if you need guidance. And it's a process that takes time.

Louise Bryant00:09:36 - 00:10:19

So be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. Remember, you've been eating a certain way for most of your life. So it can take time to change the way that you think and feel around food. So be patient. Someone else asked me what has been the most rewarding part of hosting the secrets in the powder room podcast. That's interesting. There's been so many rewarding parts, but most rewarding part of the hosting the secrets in the powder powder room is hearing from listeners about how this podcast has impacted their life. Receiving emails and Instagram messages from women who feel seen, heard, supported for our episodes is incredibly fulfilling.

Louise Bryant00:10:20 - 00:11:26

And knowing that we are creating a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of our listeners is what keeps me motivated and passionate about this work. You know, I've had people message me and say that it's literally saved their life listening to the podcast and helping people who perhaps can't have these conversations around them. They can listen and know that they're not alone. Someone says, how do you stay motivated to pursue your goals? Okay. I think, you know, I'm human and staying motivated involves a combination of self reflection, I guess, support, self compassion. And I regularly visit my why and the deeper reason behind my goals, which keeps me grounded and focused and leaning on my my support network and also the, the community that I'm in for business, my business membership group that I have and people that I work with around me in person and online. My, they provide me and I provide myself with encouragement and accountability. And yeah, I think practicing self compassion reminds me that it's okay to have setbacks and that each day is a new opportunity to move forward.

Louise Bryant00:11:26 - 00:12:40

What are my plans for future secrets in the powder room? So looking ahead, I'm excited to continue growing the secrets in the powder room and dive deeper into the topics that resonate with our listeners. So in season 3, we'll be focusing on the 8 pillars of my coaching work, offering practical advice and insights on intuitive eating, self care, healthy relationships, body positivity, so intuitive movement, and I'll be introducing new workshops and having lots of guests on. I'm gonna have a guest a month, and hopefully we can provide some additional support and resources. And my goal is to keep creating content that empowers and uplifts our community. So feel free to reach out to me if you feel like there's anything you would like to hear on the podcast or you'd like to be a guest. I'm always happy for guests to come in to talk about either their story or if you're a professional who wants to help women who've been through trauma or abuse and you have some helpful tips or resources for the women to listen to. I'm always happy for that. How can I start the healing process after experiencing domestic abuse? So the healing process after experiencing domestic abuse begins with acknowledging your experience and seeking support.

Louise Bryant00:12:40 - 00:13:22

So reach out to trusted friends, families, professionals, coaches, therapists who specialize in in domestic abuse and the trauma related to that. It's important to create a safe environment where you can process your emotions without judgment. Self care practices, such as mindfulness journaling or gentle movement can also be incredibly helpful. And remember that healing is a journey and it's okay to take it one step at a time. Have a look at my resources, sign up to my emails. I do run a free course for women who have been subjected to domestic abuse that has, so much information. I also work one to 1 with women who have been through domestic abuse, and I have a community of women who support you. So you don't have to reach out to me.

Louise Bryant00:13:22 - 00:14:17

There's just that option there if that's helpful. Someone else says, what role does self care play in trauma recovery? So when I started my own trauma recovery, I teach about self care, but my trauma therapist said to me, you need to slow down. You need to prioritize your self care while we're doing this trauma recovery. If you are as busy as you are and not putting your own oxygen mask on first, you can't heal properly. We can always mask all the healing, mask all the trauma, sorry, with with all the busyness that we have to do. But if we really want to recover from trauma, we have to prioritize because self care is crucial in trauma recoveries. It helps to restore balance and promote healing. So engaging in activities that nourish you, nourish your mind, your body, your soul can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

Louise Bryant00:14:17 - 00:15:13

And this might include regular exercise, eating healthy, meditation, hobbies, breathing, joy, sex, self pleasure, all these lovely things that you can do for yourself. But self care also involves setting boundaries and ensuring that you have time to rest and recuperate. And by prioritizing self care, you create a strong, a strong, really strong foundation for your healing and your resilience. And someone else asked me is how can I recognize the signs of stress and burnout? Okay. So recognizing the signs of stress and burnout involve paying attention to your body and your emotions. Common signs include fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed. You can also have some physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or changes in your appetite, your sleep pattern, and it can also indicate stress. And if you notice these signs, I think it's important to take a step back and reassess your workload and your self care practice.

Louise Bryant00:15:13 - 00:16:21

Early intervention can prevent further burnout, but we have lots of tours between the women that have come and spoken on my podcast. We've got lots of tips and techniques available to listen to the podcast and sign up to our emails. And there's lots of support there for you. It thinks how do you support someone who's going through trauma and domestic abuse? And I'm assuming that meant how do that person support someone? So supporting someone going through trauma or domestic abuse involve being compassionate and nonjudgmental, let them share their stories at their own pace and avoid pushing them to talk before they're ready. I would offer offer practical support, such as helping them find resources like a coach, a therapist, support groups, or a local charity like women's aid or solace, but most importantly, reassure them that they're not alone and that their feelings are valid. Your presence and empathy can make a significant difference to their healing journey and don't push them. I mean, leaving an abusive partner is one of the hardest things and also potentially the most dangerous thing someone can do. If they choose not to leave, that's their choice or it's, it's so hard for them to do that.

Louise Bryant00:16:21 - 00:16:55

Just respect that and keep your own boundaries. I would always say have your own boundaries set in place, take care of yourself, but at the same time, don't give up on them. It might come to a stage where you've had enough. They've left, they've gone back, They've left. They've gone back, or they're not leaving, but that's their life. And you could just you just need to be there to give them them that ear and let them know that you're there for them no matter what. And it might not mean you're physically there when you're actually put you know, if you've got your boundaries set in place, but just remember that it's hard. Have try and have some empathy and do some research.

Louise Bryant00:16:55 - 00:17:48

We do have a podcast on how to support someone who's been through domestic abuse. Yeah, how to support someone through domestic abuse. So go back and definitely have a listen to that podcast. So what are some effective strategies for managing anxiety related to past trauma? I would say managing anxiety related to past trauma has loads of different approaches. So techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and ground and exercise can calm the nervous system therapy, particularly trauma focused therapies like EMDR, CBT, but maintain a regular routine, engage in physical activity, and connect with supportive people. Self compassion and patience are obviously key to navigating this progress. Can you share a personal story of overcoming trauma and how it shaped your perspective. Wow.

Louise Bryant00:17:48 - 00:18:30

Okay. So overcoming trauma has been a significant part of my journey. There's been lots of traumas. I've had big t's, little t's. I've shared my story in my first podcast. If you really wanna go and listen to it all, feel free to go and listen to my first podcast. And there was times in my past experience of abuse that made me feel isolated and powerless and through coaching, through therapy, through, courses and a supportive community. I have learned to reclaim my strength and find my voice and know that my shame is not my shame.

Louise Bryant00:18:30 - 00:19:26

And this process taught me the importance of self compassion and the power of resilience. And it's helped shape my perspective, making me passionate about helping others to navigate their own healing journey and find their own inner strength. I am so passionate about women supporting women, and I want women to uplift each other and not drag each other down. I mean, my whole journey, I'm I'm a great and those of you who've worked with me, we hear me say this a lot, that the stuff didn't happen to me. It happened for me. And if all of them people didn't do what they did to me or that stuff didn't happen to me, then I wouldn't be here today helping the 100 of women that I help. And hopefully that leads on to helping thousands of people and them women that I help, they then go on to help people. And this has a real knock on effect.

Louise Bryant00:19:26 - 00:20:18

And, you know, this is what shaped me today, and this is why I do what I do. And I am so grateful for everything that happened because without it, I wouldn't be who I am today. So how can someone build a support system after having an abusive relationship? A support system after leaving an abusive relationship starts by reaching out to trusted individuals who can provide emotional and practical support. And this might include friends, family, support groups, or practical support. And this might include friends, family, support groups, or professionals. I know I speak about coaches, therapists, counselors, joining a community or activities can also help you connect with new people. Remember, it's important to surround yourself with those who respect your boundaries and offer positive reinforcement. So what advice would you give to someone who feels stuck in their healing process? If you're stuck in the healing process, it's important to acknowledge that healing is not linear and the setbacks are normal and part of the journey.

Louise Bryant00:20:18 - 00:21:23

So consider revisiting your self care practice and seeking new forms of support, such as different types of therapy or a new support group, reflect on your progress. And then no matter how small and celebrate those victories, sometimes changing your environment or routine can also provide a fresh perspective and renewed energy for your healing. How can you maintain hope and motivation when you're going through such difficult times? I think maintaining hope and motivation, especially in difficult times involves focusing on small achievable goals and practicing gratitude. Gratitude is so powerful. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you and remind you of your strengths. Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment and allow yourself to rest when needed. Reflect on past challenges you've overcome can also reinforce your resilience. And remember, it's okay to seek professional help if you need extra help and support during these times, reach out.

Louise Bryant00:21:23 - 00:22:04

It's not it's no shame in asking for help. You know, we all need help at times. And lastly, what are some practical steps for setting boundaries to protect your mental health? Okay. Setting boundaries to protect your mental health involves identifying your limits and communicating them clearly to others. So start by recognizing what drains your energy. Do you have any energy vampires out there that want to suck it all out of you and work out ways to replenish it? Communicate your boundaries assertively, learn to be assertive. You know, we can always be passive, passive, aggressive, assertive, or aggressive. You know, it's really honing in on your assertiveness skills, but do it kindly.

Louise Bryant00:22:04 - 00:23:04

And don't be afraid to say no to things that don't serve you. It's also important to stick to your boundaries consistently and make self care priorities we've been speaking about throughout this whole podcast. Thank you for listening to this episode of the Secrets in the Powdering podcast with me, Louise Bryant. I hope you found today's q and a session insightful, helpful, as you continue your healing journey. If anything that I discuss resonates with you and you're ready to take the next steps, now is the best time. I'm offering 1 to 1 coaching sessions designed specifically to help you navigate the challenges of the holiday season. Whether it's finding peace with food, avoiding the holiday binge restrict cycle, or setting healthy boundaries with others, there is so much work we can do together over the next 9 weeks. Let's make Christmas different so that you can enter the new year feeling empowered and ready without the need to fall into another January diet trap.

Louise Bryant00:23:05 - 00:23:26

Head to the links in the description and book a discovery call and let's make the holiday season the start of your whole new approach to food, self care, and boundaries, and I can't wait to work with you. Don't forget to like and subscribe and share the podcast with anyone that you feel could benefit some extra support as we wrap up the year. Take care and I'll see you in season 3.

Q&A end of season 2

Me

1x

0:00

Professional Certified Coach, Nlp Practitioner, Intuitive eating Counsellor, Domestic abuse specialist and survivor

Louise Bryant

Professional Certified Coach, Nlp Practitioner, Intuitive eating Counsellor, Domestic abuse specialist and survivor

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