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Kim Forrester is an award-winning author,
holistic well-being educator, and consultant.

Kim Forrester Consulting

PO Box 6494
North Dunedin
Dunedin 9010
NEW ZEALAND

e: kim@kimforrester.net
p: +64 22 154 8108
WhatsApp: +64 22 154 8108

kimforrester_

Blending science & spiritual philosophy to inspire deeper wellbeing. New book: www.thrive52book.com

Do you have drama or concerns living rent-free in

Do you have drama or concerns living rent-free in your head? Let's talk about dealing with rumination.

Let's face it, we can all struggle with recurring thoughts that won’t leave and replays of drama or conflict that run around our minds. Here's a tip for those times of rumination: Try gifting them a set timeframe. Allow yourself 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or even a day to ruminate - acknowledging the need to process is healthy! But when the 'rental period' is up, it’s time to say goodbye.

Banishing those thoughts can sound like: “You’ve had your time, now you’re no longer welcome in my mind.” This practice empowers you to take control and make space for clarity and calm. 🦋

Throughout April, I have been exploring the importance of taha hinengaro - emotional wellbeing. Be sure to like or comment to see more wellbeing tips from me in May!

#MentalHealth #WellbeingTips #TahaHinengaro #HolisticWellbeing

Suppressing emotions can weigh heavily on our well

Suppressing emotions can weigh heavily on our wellbeing. Embracing and exploring even the hardest feelings helps us grow stronger and more self-aware and helps us flourish.

To help you remain aware of your authentic emotions, try this simple exercise from the Greater Good Science Center: take three minutes to reflect on a challenging situation, using third-person language and your name to describe your emotions. For example, “Rosie feels disappointed. She hoped others would be supportive.”

This approach creates distance from your feelings, letting you observe your emotions without feeling overwhelmed. 📝 What insights can you uncover today?

#EmotionalWellbeing #WellbeingTips #TahaHinengaro

How can we support the emotional wellbeing of othe

How can we support the emotional wellbeing of others? When a loved one seems overwhelmed, sometimes the best way to support them is to listen with empathy and care.

Here are a few gentle, thoughtful questions you can ask to help them feel seen and heard:
“How are you feeling today?”
“What’s been on your mind lately?”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Would you like to talk about it, or just have some quiet company?”
“What’s one thing that’s been bringing you comfort or joy?”

Remember, your presence can make all the difference. 💕

#TahaHinengaro #emotionalwellbeing #relationships #compassion

Dealing with emotional overwhelm? Feeling overwhel

Dealing with emotional overwhelm? Feeling overwhelmed can cloud our clarity and drain our energy but, thankfully, there are simple ways to navigate those challenging moments:

💚 Start with *self-awareness* - a small portion of your focus turned inward can help you avoid pitfalls and recognise the moments you need to pause and reset.

💚 Practising *mindful breathing* offers instant relief; anywhere, anytime, focus deeply on your breath as it fills your body, calming your mind in the process.When overwhelm sets in, be open about your limits.

💚 *Vulnerable communication* is key - share honestly with others, whether it’s expressing that you're at capacity or letting loved ones know you care but need space.

💚 Equally important is finding moments of *gratitude*; amidst difficulty, recognising blessings - even small ones - brings lightness and perspective.

💚 And lastly, never underestimate the power of *sleep*. Prioritise rest by crafting a calming bedtime routine and ensuring your body and mind are recharged for what’s ahead.

Remember, you’re stronger than you think, and small steps can lead to big wellbeing benefits. Leave a 🦋 below to see more of my wellbeing tips in your feed.

#EmotionalWellbeing #tahahinengaro #holisticwellbeing #wellbeingtips

Happy Mother Earth Day! This Mother Earth Day, 22

Happy Mother Earth Day!

This Mother Earth Day, 22 April, I encourage you to embrace the healing power of the natural world:
🌿 Walk barefoot to ground yourself.
🌿 Immerse in forest bathing to calm your mind and strengthen your body.
🌿 Tend to a garden or move your body outdoors.
🌿 Undertake an Awe Walk to savour nature’s beauty.

Each moment spent in nature restores and rejuvenates. 🌍 What will you do today to honour our Earth Mother?

Find more simple, powerful ways to flourish in my new book, Thrive. 🔗 www.thrive52book.com

Is emotional pain good for you? Absolutely! In fac

Is emotional pain good for you? Absolutely! In fact, experiencing a rich mix of emotions can be vital for your happiness and wellbeing. Research by Iris Mauss shows that embracing emotional diversity - joy, sadness, and everything in between - builds resilience and strengthens mental health.

So please remember friends, a fulfilling life isn’t about avoiding negative feelings; it’s about finding balance, exploring the full range of emotional experiences, and learning from every emotion.

#emodiversity #holisticwellbeing #mentalhealth

Taha Hinengaro, our emotional wellbeing, is the fo

Taha Hinengaro, our emotional wellbeing, is the foundation for a fulfilling and balanced life. But challenges like stress, uncertainty, or self-doubt can sometimes disrupt our inner equilibrium. Today, I want to share a simple yet effective practice designed by the team at MeQuilibrium to help you manage those moments - Trap It, Map It, Zap It:

🌀 Trap It: Catch the thoughts that trigger negative emotions. These might be worries, frustrations, or critical self-talk. Recognising them is the first step toward taking back control.
🗺️ Map It: Identify the cause of these thoughts. Ask yourself: What is making me feel this way? Sometimes, just understanding the root can help untangle the knot.
⚡ Zap It: Actively shift your focus to something constructive or affirming. Replace the negative thought with a positive affirmation, action, or intention.

This empowering practice encourages mindfulness and builds emotional resilience, one step at a time. Save this post for later or share with someone who needs some emotional support today. 💙

#WhareTapaWha #EmotionalWellbeing #HolisticWellbeing

Want to enhance your emotional wellbeing? Build yo

Want to enhance your emotional wellbeing? Build your Emotional Intelligence!

EQ - our ability to understand, manage, and express emotions - is a cornerstone of taha hinengaro, our emotional wellbeing. It’s not just about being “good with feelings”; it’s about creating a harmonious balance within ourselves and with those around us through self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation.

Studies show that developing EQ can reduce stress, enhance self-esteem, and contribute to lasting happiness. What’s one way you practise Emotional Intelligence to support your emotional wellbeing? 🌟

#HolisticWellbeing #MentalHealth #WhareTapaWhā

Let's celebrate our small wins for big emotional w

Let's celebrate our small wins for big emotional wellbeing 🌟 We often overlook the beauty of our small achievements—but acknowledging the incremental improvements in our lives can bring daily joy, build confidence, and nurture emotional wellbeing. When we take time to notice and celebrate progress, we feel more fulfilled today and we boost motivation, helping us reach our bigger goals in the long run.

So, pause for a moment. Are you happier, bolder, or more self-aware than you were last week? Maybe you’re more organised, showing more kindness, or taking small steps toward a larger goal. What can you celebrate about yourself today? You’re worthy of every bit of praise. ❤️

#CelebrateSmallWins #Wellbeing #TahaHinengaro #EmotionalWellbeing

Humility isn’t weakness or self-deprecation - it

Humility isn’t weakness or self-deprecation - it’s a quiet strength that enriches our wellbeing and helps us thrive. When we let go of the need to always feel certain, we can cultivate greater balance and connection in ourselves and in our relationships.

If you ever notice yourself acting “too big for your boots”, pause and reflect. Could this stem from feeling unsafe or uncertain? Seeking healthier ways to boost your wellbeing can empower you to embrace humility and grow with grace. 🌸

#wellbeingtips #humility #holisticwellbeing

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or overthi

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or overthinking? The 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness exercise is a simple yet effective way to gently ground yourself in the present moment. By focusing on your senses, this practice helps break free from unhelpful mental states like rumination, panic, and fear—offering calm and clarity when you need it most. Here’s how it works:

5️⃣ Identify five things you can see around you. Notice the details,
textures, and colours.
4️⃣ Find four things you can touch. Feel the fabric of your clothing,
the smoothness of a surface, or the texture of an object.
3️⃣ Listen for three sounds you can hear. It could be birdsong, distant
voices, or even the hum of an appliance.
2️⃣ Identify two scents you can smell, or think of smells you enjoy.
1️⃣ Become aware of one thing you can taste, even if it’s just
imagining your favourite flavour.

✨ When emotions run high, this exercise is your go-to anchor to help you feel calm, centred, and connected to your surroundings. Give it a try!

#Mindfulness #CalmThroughSenses #HolisticWellbeing

Can colour help us be more mindful? It sure can, i

Can colour help us be more mindful? It sure can, if you apply this simple daily trick ...

Another great snippet from my chat with @jack_vandy on @radiowanaka Breakfasts. Enjoy!

#mindfulness #wellbeingtip #holisticwellbeing

Is it possible to avoid the dreaded mid-life crisi

Is it possible to avoid the dreaded mid-life crisis? How can we avoid soul-sapping drama in our lives? Why does living authentically mean prioritising values over opinions?

All that, and more, was covered in my interview with the delightful @jack_vandy_ on his @thedailygreats podcast. Plug in for 45 uplifting minutes, and learn why authenticity is difficult ... and vital! 📢 Listen now on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or via link in bio.

#authenticity #wellbeingpodcast #holisticwellbeing

A vital reminder! PLAY is not just a carefree use

A vital reminder! PLAY is not just a carefree use of our time – it is a powerful tool for enhancing our wellbeing! And here's a hot tip - there are *different types* of play:
😇 Creative
😇 Competitive
😇 Physical
😇 Comic and humorous
😇 Theatrical and imaginative
😇 Adventurous
😇 Through the collection of items or experiences

If you find yourself struggling to feel playful, it may be that you're not gifting yourself the kind of play that comes naturally to you! Reflecting on the list above, what's the type of play that brings you most alive?

#play #playfulness #holisticwellbeing #mentalhealth

A key to true emotional and mental wellbeing is be

A key to true emotional and mental wellbeing is being able to recognise and label how we are *actually* feeling. 💚 Recognising our true emotions can be tricky because emotions often overlap or show up in complex layers. For example, frustration might mask underlying sadness, or anger might stem from feeling vulnerable. Social norms, personal upbringing, and cultural expectations can also shape how we process and label emotions, making it difficult to articulate what we're truly feeling. Add to that the speed at which emotions can change—it’s no wonder it’s challenging!

The ability to accurately label emotions is like having a map for your inner world. It can:
😶 Help us understand why we’re reacting a certain way and make more informed decisions.
😶 Strengthen relationships by expressing ourselves clearly to others.
😶 Reduce stress, as identifying emotions often makes them feel less overwhelming.
😶 Allow for better emotional regulation, leading to improved mental health.

It’s like going from blurry to crystal-clear vision when navigating life’s emotional landscapes.

If you're looking for a simple practice to help you recognise your true feelings and nuture your emotional wellbeing, check out Naming Your Emotions at the Greater Good Science Center: 🔗 https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/naming_your_emotions

#mentalhealth #EQ #tahahinengaro #holisticwellbeing

How can we build resilience for life's inevitable

How can we build resilience for life's inevitable challenges? Bank your positivity! 🌟 Here's a snippet from my recent chat with @jack_vandy_ on @radiowanaka Breakfast.

#wellbeing #mentalhealth #thrive

It's time to nourish heart and mind! Throughout Ap

It's time to nourish heart and mind! Throughout April, let's take a look at Taha Hinengaro - the emotional and mental pillar of the Whare Tapa Whā model of health.

This pillar highlights the importance of caring for our thoughts, feelings, and mental wellbeing.
Attending to our mental health equips us to face challenges, nurture meaningful relationships, and approach life with clarity and balance. This means we need to:
🫶 be more self-aware and self-compassionate
🫶 prioritise emotional equilibrium
🫶 strengthen our Emotional Intelligence
🫶 seek help or solutions if our feelings or thoughts are disrupting our ability to thrive

Nearly 1 billion people worldwide experience some form of mental illness. Are *you* taking care of your precious emotional and mental wellbeing? Leave a 🦋 below to let the algorithm know you'd like to hear more from me this month.

#mentalhealth #tahahinengaro #wharetapawhā #holisticwellbeing

Kindness is all around you - if you look for it! 😇 Here's an inspiring little snippet about the power of choosing happiness from my recent chat with @jack_vandy_ on @radiowanaka. #happiness #wellbeing

Aust/NZ: Looking for a great Mother's Day gift? 🌷

Thrive is beautiful and full of goodness and inspiration; the perfect way to say, "You matter, and you deserve to be nurtured". Learn more at thrive52book.com (🔗in bio)

#mothersdaygifts❤️ #wellbeingbooks #formum

Taha Whānau / Social Wellbeing in the workplace.

Taha Whānau / Social Wellbeing in the workplace. 🌟 Studies show that nurturing friendships at work can enhance your happiness and mental wellbeing. Even without becoming 'friends' you can improve your health and mood by engaging with colleagues. Here are three beneficial ways to connect at work:

🫶 Cultivate personal bonds: Ask about weekend plans and activities.
🫶 Be supportive: Show empathy after tough meetings.
🫶 Engage in social events: Join work gatherings and organise fun outings.

#WorkWellbeing #Friendship #MentalHealth #Community #WhareTapaWhā

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