Wednesday, 10 April 2019

Boost your energy levels with a nutritious breakfast

47435512_MDo you want your day to go well? As a recovery counselor or coach, you can expect busy, emotionally and intellectually demanding days. One of the ways to ensure you can make the most of the day is to start off with the right breakfast. What you feed your body in the morning can help set your path. It can set you on the road to feeling tired, hungry and irritable or it can set you off on a path to feeling satisfied, full and energized.

Making breakfast in the morning can take a little bit of time. If you’re a busy person, you may be tempted to skip it in order to save a few minutes. However, doing so can actually waste time. This is because when you eat a good breakfast, it can boost your energy levels and help you stay focused. This will, of course, make you more productive overall. It also will help cut down on any emergency snack breaks.

What does the magical formula look like? The right breakfast will include fiber, complex carbohydrates, and protein. Turn to whole grain breads, fruits, oatmeal, and high fiber cereals in the morning. Add in eggs, yogurt, maybe some low-fat cheese, nuts and nut butters. If you want something quick, whip up something the night before. A fast and easy choice is overnight oats. You can fuel your morning without taking up too much time. Avocado toast, which has been trending for a while now, is another great choice for the morning. It pairs healthy fats with whole grains, and if you top it off with an egg, you’ll get a fair amount of protein as well.

Don’t start off your morning with high sugar or simple carbs. Eating fast food or jelly donuts may taste good, but they will leave you wanting more. You’ll likely be left feeling exhausted way too early in your day. Get yourself going with a highly nutritious and filling breakfast that will be sure to boost your energy levels.

Friday, 15 March 2019

Recovery is possible, just ask Jodie Sweetin

woman open arms under the sunset at seaIf you ever watched “Full House” and you’re familiar with Stephanie Tanner, you can’t help but picture a young girl saying, “You got it, dude.” It was her key phrase for some time on the show. When you think back to that young, adorable girl or watch reruns, it’s hard to believe everything she’s gone through since.

When the show ended Jodie Sweetin found herself struggling. She ended up turning to alcohol and eventually to drugs as well. She battled as years went by, doing occasional TV spots and a mockumentary. But, after years of struggling and her addiction seemingly on the path to getting deeper, she turned around. She knew it was time to get help. Jodie Sweetin went to rehab and started a new life in 2008.

Her experience caused passion to stir in her, so she became a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She worked helping others in treatment and shared with the world in her book “UnSweetined.” Sweetin also went on to act in some Lifetime Movies, the movie “Walt Before Mickey” and appeared on the TV series “Hollywood Darlings.” In 2016, she returned to her original famous role as Stephanie Tanner in “Fuller House.”

Her path to recovery led her to being honored at the 2019 Experience, Strength & Hope Awards Show on February 28th. She was also asked to speak at Georgia Southern’s Armstrong campus on March 10th.

Jodie Sweetin is someone who’s been on the other side. She’s walked the tough road to recovery. She knows the ins and outs. She knows the struggles. But she wants people to know it’s entirely possible to get through it. This is a lady who battled the ugly face of addiction and made it through to become a successful woman who believes in the power of recovery.

Wednesday, 13 March 2019

Relapse and recovery: How to help your clients stay clean

Syringe and drugs with out of focus female addictIf you’re working with someone in recovery, it’s important to help them stay on the path, and get back on it if they fall off. It’s not uncommon to relapse. Many people don’t stay clean during their first try. That’s why it’s important for those seeking recovery to know how to avoid relapse and what to do if they do relapse.

Work with your clients in recovery to help them identify any potential triggers that could tempt them into relapsing. There are plenty of things that can trip a person up. It could be people in their lives, different environments, or even smells. Avoiding these people or circumstances can help them stay on the road to recovery. This may mean throwing stuff out, redecorating at home, or even moving, if need be.

Encourage your clients to write down their goals and why they want to stay clean. They should keep this list somewhere they can easily access it for times when they feel tempted to relapse. This list also can come in handy if they do relapse. They can look at it afterwards and remember why it’s important to get back on the path to recovery.

Let your patients know that although you want to encourage them to stay clean, you’ll be there if they relapse. It’s important for them to know they need to reach out for support if they fall off the path. Those who relapse need to know they can reach out to loved ones and professionals for support. They need to lean on someone to help them get back up and stay clean. Let them know they aren’t a failure and help them find the strength to move on.

Relapsing can be an unfortunate part of the recovery journey. Help prepare your clients to find ways to avoid relapse, but also share with them what to do if it should occur. Give your clients the best chance at establishing their ultimate goal of living in recovery.

Wednesday, 27 February 2019

What we can learn from Ben Affleck’s struggle with addiction

92690990_MMany people struggle with addiction, including people who seem to have it all. Take Ben Affleck, for instance, an actor who has been honest about his struggle with alcoholism. He’s been in rehab three times now, in 2001, 2017, and 2018.

There are a few things we can learn from Affleck about helping those with addiction. Affleck emphasized the importance of having support from friends, family and fans. He took to social media to talk about the support he received from those close to him and he thanked those who open up about their own battles. Support plays a key role in helping people get through addiction. It’s important that people walking this road don’t feel like they’re doing it alone.

Affleck also demonstrates the importance of honesty. When someone is dealing with addiction, they need to come to a point where they are willing to admit to themselves and others that there is a problem. Affleck did this and sought help — two key steps on the path towards recovery.

Affleck may live with an ongoing addiction, but he sought help. He has people in his life to show him support and a willingness to be honest about his struggles. What can we, as coaches, learn from his experience? We need to create a space where we are showing support for those we are coaching. We also need to strive to provide an atmosphere where people can feel comfortable enough to be open and honest about what they are going through. By doing this, we can help their chances at walking the road to recovery with success.

Wednesday, 13 February 2019

Find purpose in your career

60697255_MHow does it feel when you help others out? Do you get the inner sense of satisfaction from knowing you were able to bring positivity into someone else’s life? Being helpful can actually be good for your well-being as a whole. It can provide a deep feeling of meaning. And, it may even boost how many years you live.

But, when giving of yourself, it will mean more internally if you feel passionate about it. When you can pair helping others with something you’re passionate about, you’ll be more likely to have that deep satisfaction.

Coaching is a career that allows many to fulfill this purpose. It’s a career that is focused on helping others succeed. The coach’s job is to help others find their path and live out their lives the best way possible. It’s no wonder that people in the coaching career can also experience a lot of personal growth along the journey.

If empathy and understanding comes easy to you, and you have a passion for helping others, this could be the ideal career choice for you. Not only will you have the opportunity to help others, but you could benefit as well. You may find the feeling of purpose in this role and a newfound independence to live the life you’ve been dreaming of.

Wednesday, 23 January 2019

Find your emotional support outlet

Business woman and cat in kitchenAs a coach, you will probably be very invested in the people you work with. You’ll encourage them and want to see them succeed. When they stumble, you’ll want to see them get back up and start again. This investment is one of the reasons you became a coach, because you enjoy helping others succeed. However, being invested in others can also take its toll on you.

When you’re emotionally invested in others, it can run you down. As a busy professional, you probably constantly have something go on, juggling many plates. But all of this time and investment can have negative effects on your emotional well-being.

You’ll need to find an outlet to handle your emotions as well. Maybe that means you talk with a close friend or family member about other stresses going on in your life. You could confide in a trained professional, even coaches and therapists can have therapists.

However, if you prefer another outlet, consider journaling out your emotions. It allows you to free them from your mind and let them go. Pets can also provide great emotional support. You can tell them anything and relax with them, being comforted by their love and loyalty.

Being a support for someone else is rewarding, you get to help others make goals and see them through to the finish line. But, it can also be mentally exhausting at times. While you’re being an emotional support, don’t forget that you also need to find support to get you through the days ahead.

Wednesday, 9 January 2019

Time for a career change

44612269 - road that says success in the asphaltWhat does this new year look like to you? Is it full of possibilities? Every year, we decide on goals for how we want to improve. Last year, three resolutions tied for first place as the most popular: “Eat healthier, Get more exercise, Save (more money).” There were a variety of other resolutions of course too, focusing on additional ways to excel in the new year. One of which, hits close to home: “Get a (new) job.”

We’re going to turn our focus to this particular resolution, because we think it’s so important to have a job you’re passionate about. You’ll spend a lot of your lifetime on the job, so you want it to be one you care about. You don’t want to spend endless hours in a dead-end job that doesn’t provide you with satisfaction. Instead, you want to find something that fills you with purpose.

We have a great opportunity for those looking for more freedom and independence in their job. This is a job best suited for people who are passionate about helping others succeed in their journey. If you’re resolution is to find a new career, it’s time to consider coaching. It’s a career choice that allows you to really make a difference and be an incredible impact on the lives of others. It also has the ability to give you renewed energy by reigniting your inner being with purpose.

If you’d like to learn more, we invite you to check out our website. We have three great professional coaching programs. CPRC — offering a recovery coaching credential, CPC — a program that provides a life coaching credential, and CPRC Dual — allowing you to earn both credentials in one program.

It’s a new year. The perfect time to make a career change. Are you ready?

Wednesday, 26 December 2018

How to eat healthier with a busy lifestyle

20506880 - casserole of fresh vegetable marrowsYou’re a busy person. It’s hard to make time for eating, especially healthy eating. Healthy eating can seem more time consuming. It’s something that typically has to be planned for. When you’re in a hurry, you’ll be more inclined to grab what’s fast and easy, i.e. fast food, takeout, or snacks from the vending machine. They’re quick. You can grab and go, get fed, and move on.

Eating like this on occasion may not be detrimental, but over time it can add up. Instead, choose a healthier way. First, start off your day with a healthy fix. Breakfast is a very important foundation for your day. It helps to set the pace for how you’ll feel and how you’ll perform the rest of the day. It provides you with energy to get moving and helps keep you fueled till lunch. There are plenty of quick fixes for the morning that are also healthy. Try a piece of whole grain toast spread with almond butter and slices of banana. You could whip up some scrambled eggs, or an egg sandwich to-go on whole grain toast with avocado spread. If you want something really quick, make a casserole ahead of time, something you can just cut, heat up, and eat in the morning.

Take this smart eating with you throughout the day. Keep healthy snacks available like almond packs, hummus to-go packs, raisins, granola, and cheese sticks. When you have something healthy within easy reach you can skip the vending machine and the tempting treats it has to offer. When it comes to meals, have your food prepped ahead of time or have it delivered from a restaurant nearby that offers healthy selections. If you go out to eat, be sure to choose grilled meats instead of fried, and opt for water over soda.

When you’re in a hurry it can be tempting to skip eating, eat while you’re on the job, or make unhealthy food choices. None of which are good for your overall wellness. Take time, even if it’s just a little, to eat good foods. Make it convenient and ready for when you need it, so you’ll be able to get everything accomplished without sacrificing your health.

Wednesday, 12 December 2018

Is coaching the right career for you?

Coaching DefinitionHave you been considering coaching but you haven’t made a final commitment yet? We understand it can take some time to make a decision, especially when it comes to your career. So, we’re here to help you decide if this could be the right path for you.

Do you get satisfaction out of helping people?

If you have a desire to help others, coaching is a great career choice.

Are you looking for a change and want to help others change their lives?

Coaching can provide you with the opportunity to change and grow personally. It can also give you the tools needed to coach others on the road to success.

Do you want a job that allows you the freedom to grow independently?

When you work as a coach, you can be gifted the freedom to choose your clients and your hours. It provides you with the opportunity of independence and the potential for financial growth.

Are you self motivated?

When you’re a coach, you should have some self-motivation ingrained in you. This allows you to keep going and help motivate others to live their best lives.

Do you see potential in others?

As a coach, you’ll need to believe that others have the potential to grow and become the best version of themselves. If you can see that potential in others, it will help you be a great coach.

After reading through these questions, do you think coaching sounds like the right fit for you? If so, please head on over to our website to learn about the great coaching programs we have to offer.

Wednesday, 28 November 2018

It’s time to make your life coaching goals a reality

63388629 - make a difference signpost on building backgroundHave you been considering becoming a life coach? What are you waiting for? As a life coach, you can positively impact many lives, by providing a safe environment for others to talk about their decisions and goals. In the Certified Professional Coach (CPC) program, we offer in-depth training on life coaching essentials. We will be with you every step of the way.

Our program is based on positive psychology. We believe in focusing on strengths and on possibilities. When you work with a client as a life coach, you can take the essentials you learn and help them grow. You can use the information we shared with you to help others build on their creativity, talents, and ability to make authentic decisions.

In this program, you’ll walk through different modules. You’ll learn everything you need to get started, from how to maximize your personal growth to how to build your business. We’ll even include sample forms you can use, including coaching agreements and new client intake forms.

When you complete this program, you receive the tools you need to move into your life coaching career. You’ll have the skills to help others find transformation in their lives.

This credential works great for people who desire to become a life coach. Counselors, therapists, people in recovery, or people looking to change careers can find success in the coaching business. Save time and energy by investing in a program that already has all the materials you need to take the next step in your career. Learn more about this credential and others by visiting our website.

Wednesday, 14 November 2018

One simple trick to boost your mood

4548409_LThere’s one thing you can do more every day to improve your overall well-being. And an added bonus, it’s easy and enjoyable! Listen to more music.

Listening to more music is a great way to boost your mood, release stress, and even sleep better. Studies have shown that listening to music before bed can help you have a better night’s rest. Of course, you’ll want to choose relaxing music, typically tunes that fall into folk, classical, or jazz genres. Something that is between 60 to 80 beats per minute (bpm). So if you struggle to get a restful sleep, you may want to add music to your nightly routine.

Evening isn’t the only time you can enjoy the benefits of music. When you’ve had a hard day and you’re feeling stressed, turn on some music that boosts your mood or lets you wind down. You have to find which tunes really help you get out of your funk and feel better. Maybe it’s a relaxing channel with a warm bath that soothes you or maybe it’s some dance music that you can really get moving and singing to. You have to figure out what makes you feel the best.

Music can give you a reprieve from the daily grind. It can also help you forget about the worries you’re facing. You can just let it go and zone into the tunes.

Music’s effect on the brain is seen in so many ways. People use it to help them focus, to relax, and to get motivated. It can benefit you no matter what mood you’re in. You just have to find the right tunes for the given scenario.

We often forget this simple, easy tool that’s available to us. Next time you need more energy, to unwind, or to get some rest, try turning on some music.

Wednesday, 10 October 2018

Robert Downey Jr’s amazing comeback story from addiction

81095233_MThere’s nothing quite like a great comeback story. One that proves to us that people really can come back from anything, even a longtime struggle with addiction. Robert Downey Jr., otherwise known as RDJ to his loving fans, is a poster child for comeback stories.

When he was just 6 years old, his dad introduced him to marijuana. His dad struggled with addiction and for some time, this addiction became a bond for RDJ and his father. Robert Downey Jr. would go on to try other drugs and become an alcoholic.

In the 1980′s, he was building a name for himself. He acted on SNL, had roles in movies such as Weird Science and The Pickup Artist. His fame continued to rise when he starred in Chaplin and gave an amazing performance. However, in his personal life, things were rocky. He ended up getting arrested after cops pulled him over for speeding and found heroin and cocaine. This was the start of his arrests, time in rehabs, and jail time.

In 2001, he almost got another break when he was cast to play a role on Ally McBeal. However, after just 2 seasons, he was fired. He faced an arrest and had to go to a rehab session. In 2003, he recovered. His second wife pressured him to get better and with the help of yoga, meditation, therapy, and 12-step programs, he’s stayed sober.

He’s now one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood. He got his first role since recovery in The Singing Detective. Since then, he’s become hugely famous for his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel Universe Franchise. He’s had several roles since 2003, including staring in Sherlock Holmes. You can see him in Sherlock Holmes 3 in 2020 and the new Avengers movie next year.

Robert Downey Jr. is an example that with motivation, the right resources and support, you can move past addiction. Even though RDJ was exposed to it at a young age, he is now living proof that there is life after drinking and drugs — a life that can be full of happiness and success.

Wednesday, 26 September 2018

One time management tip that can help you plan for the week ahead

76179458 - businesswoman with alarm clock in officeAre you struggling to keep up with your daily routine? Do you often feel like there should be more than 24 hours in a day? If you’re nodding yes, then it probably means you should reevaluate your time.

Every day we’re given 24 hours to accomplish everything we need and want to in a day. We need to allocate that time effectively to get the most out of our day. Start by determining how much time you have each day to actually put in the work. For example, if you allocate 8 hours to sleep time, at least 2 hours to have three meals a day, 1 hour to get ready in the morning, and 3 hours for family time, this leaves you with 10 hours. However, you may need to subtract time for commuting if you work in an office outside the home.

Once you know how much time you have to work with that day, you can prioritize what needs to be done and what can wait. Although, you may have some repeating needs, such as sleep time, there are some things that may be able to be adjusted depending on your calendar. Map out each week prior to it starting. You could make this a ritual every Friday. Sit down at the end of the day, when you’ve completed your to-do list and map out next week. Make a to-do list from Monday-Friday for the following week. This will help you get a good picture of what time you have to work with each day. Plus, it allows you to look at the week as a whole and move things to the day that it best fits. Some things may not be able to be moved, such as appointments, but other things may be able to be adjusted like paperwork. You may even need to create this to-do list further out, if a week doesn’t give you enough time to strategize.

Prioritize your list based on what items have to be done that day and the items that can wait, if needed. Just be sure not to overbook your day. By getting a good look at your week in advance it allows you to have a better plan in place. It will also help you stay on track and keep you from becoming too overwhelmed. Start off the week right with a plan of action.

Monday, 17 September 2018

from Recovery Coach Training https://ift.tt/1TsXvyT
via IFTTT
from Recovery Coach Training https://ift.tt/1TsXvyT
via IFTTT

Friday, 14 September 2018

Help others create a positive lasting legacy for themselves and their family. Assist them in getting past barriers and blocks that have stemmed from deeply ingrained patterns that developed in their family of origin. Enroll in our program called Family Issues in Recovery, Releasing the Authentic Self. https://goo.gl/NFuvEo


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Pause for the Applause

60118854_MDid you know there is an entire month designated to honor and recognize people in all forms of recovery? Now in its 28th year, Recovery Month kicks off in September to highlight the achievements of individuals who have reclaimed their lives through long-term recovery, and to honor the treatment and recovery service providers who make healthy recovery possible. These people include Behavioral Health Therapists, Social Workers, Addiction Counselors, Peer Recovery Mentors, and Professional Recovery Life Coaches.

Recovery Month also celebrates the gains made by people in early recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by people who are managing other health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and even cancer.

We know there are millions of people in North America whose lives have been transformed by recovery. Because these successes often go unnoticed by the broader population, Recovery Month provides a showcase for everyone to applaud these accomplishments.

The Recovery Month theme is carefully developed each year to invite individuals in recovery and their families and support systems to spread the message and share the successes of recovery. This year’s theme is JOIN THE VOICES FOR RECOVERY: invest in health, home, purpose, and community. YOU can get involved! Go to recoverymonth.gov to post your recovery stories, post events, get banners, posters and more.

It’s time for all of us to Pause for the Applause in September! Have you made any plans yet for September? Personally, I’m heading out to Los Angeles to a wonderful conference for women called She Recovers. This is a growing movement of and for women that began as an online community on Facebook. Dawn Nickel and her daughter Taryn Strong are the cofounders of She Recovers. They warmly welcome women who are recovering in all areas of their lives and who follow all pathways of recovery.

I encourage each one of you to be on the lookout for events in your area like a public “walk for recovery” or a marathon, or Recovery Festival or Picnic/Barbecue or a movie series or art show or online telesummit. All these events are designed to help individuals and organizations relax and enjoy one another as they pause to recognize the wonder of restored lives. And also, to increase awareness of the power of recovery and to encourage citizens to take action to expand and improve the availability of effective services in prevention, treatment and recovery support.
To locate an event in your area, call a local treatment program or recovery center or your state agencies for substance misuse and/ or mental health services. You can also find events here: https://ift.tt/2Mvyyqh

Make sure you and your family and friends take time to Pause for the Applause for the Miracle of Recovery!