Wellness Journal: Change and Transformation Coach and Author Niamh Ennis
I wake up at…
I am definitely a morning person. I wasn’t always like this but now I usually wake up before the clock strikes 5:30. I have become one of them! Still, to be fair, I’m in bed by 8 and sleeping by 9, so it balances out. I don’t think you can be both and I absolutely need my 7 hours of sleep!
The first thing I do every morning is…
I have to admit, I’m looking at my phone. I allow myself to register on a single Instagram account and it is @Niall.Harbison. He spends his days looking after the street dogs in Bali and quite honestly it lifts and inspires me to see all he does. Following the adventures of Chopper, Mr Fluff, Beyonce, Ryan Gosling, Mr Boop, Jumbo and Snoop is truly the best start to any day.
My morning routine is…
No matter where I am, I have a well-defined routine that constitutes my daily practice. The order may vary depending on the time of sunrise, but includes the following: 20-30 minutes of journaling, 40 minutes of dog walking in the woods with Bella, where I also do a 5 minute walk of meditation and intention, 30 minutes of spinning class, 15 minutes of reading, shower and breakfast. I love that there are no distractions at this time of day; I never feel the need to rush and yet I always aim to get everything done and be at my desk when Ryan Tubridy is on the radio at 9am!
I can’t go to work without…
A cup of strong coffee. I only drink one coffee a day but I make sure it’s a real turbo booster!
The self-care tool I use every day is…
Logging. Like so many others, I tend to live too much in my head, so journaling connects me to my inner self more than anything else. I find it’s such a powerful way to put whatever pops into my head in front of me on paper. It instantly regulates and grounds me and keeps me from catastrophizing and overthinking. I’ve been keeping a journal since I was six, so it’s a big part of me now, but what I love the most is that it’s the only form of communication where I never feel judged or that I need to engage a filter. It’s the honest me.
The best part of my day is…
When I get to get back to the woods with Bella at lunchtime. We’re taking a different route than in the morning, but it’s still so decadent to be in the office one minute and among the trees the next and it’s honestly the best head wash possible.
The hardest part of my day is…
Technology is not my friend. I have a great online business manager, Lauren, but when something goes wrong on my end, I can be heard posting colorful expletives. It’s fair to say that I don’t handle technical breakdowns well!
I take care of myself every day…
Consistency. Small things repeated every day create big changes. On the very rare occasions when I can’t adapt, I really feel it. That’s why it’s a non-negotiable for me!
My daily self-care checklist routine includes…
Journaling, movement, nature, reading and reality TV.
The fastest and smallest thing I do for myself every day is…
Look at the photo of my father on my desk. I take such assurance from it.
I know it’s been a good day though…
I feel this feeling of satisfaction. All it takes is done!
I quit work in…
Watch reality TV. I’m not going to say it’s my guilty pleasure as it implies, I’m ashamed of it, which is not the case! These programs couldn’t be further from my own life, but they really pop out of my head and this kind of escape is always welcome!
Before going to bed, I will…
Write a list of everything I did that day. It allows me to end a productive day.
After a long week of work, I de-stress by…
Friday night dinners at home are my absolute favorite; beef tenderloin and caramelized onions served with homemade fries and a good glass of red wine. I don’t really drink anymore but look forward to that glass of red all week.
My favorite comfort food is…
That Friday night dinner!
When I really need a moment to myself, I…
Take the dog and go to the woods.
Something I try to do for myself everyday is…
Go inside. Quiet the noise in my brain and check out what is seeking my attention, then give it away.
The most thoughtful moment of the day is…
When I turn off the light and lay there, releasing the day that was and feeling grateful.
The only person, place or thing that guarantees me joy is…
Bella, my dog! (Sorry, Michael!)
I wish I could do ___ more conscientiously…
Meditate. It doesn’t come naturally to me, but I persist. There are times when I listen to a really good guided meditation that works instantly, but other times I mentally write the food store and am unable to detach myself from everyday life. When I succeed I always feel calmer and more connected but when I fail I feel infinitely more frustrated!
Everyone should try…
Logging. I have seen him literally transform lives. Nothing helps you understand yourself more than seeing your words laid out in front of you. It helps organize your thoughts and shows you patterns so you can take note of areas that might need your attention. It’s impossible to escape your truth when you journal regularly. If anyone tries after reading this, I’ll consider my job here done!
Niamh Ennis is Ireland’s leading change and transformation coach and author who, through her private practice, writings, programs, workshops and podcast, has inspired, activated and supported thousands of people to bring about change significant in their lives. She is accredited Personal, leadership and executive coach and the Lead Coach of the IMAGE Business Club. Check it out on Instagram @1niamhennis or at niamhennis.com.
