Wellness Diaries: change and transformation coach and author Niamh Ennis

I wake at…
I’m definitely a morning person. I wasn’t always this way but now I usually wake before the clock goes off at 5.30. I’ve become one of them! Yet, to be fair I’m in bed by 8 and asleep by 9 so it balances itself out. I don’t believe you can be both and I absolutely need my 7 hours of sleep!

The first thing I do every morning is…
I must admit that I look at my phone. I allow myself to check in on just one Instagram account and that’s @Niall.Harbison. He spends his days looking after the street dogs in Bali and, quite honestly, it lifts and inspires me to see all that 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 very defined routine that constitutes my daily practice. The order can vary depending on the time of sunrise, but includes the following: 20-30 minutes of journaling, 40-minute dog walk in the woods with Bella, where I also do a 5-minute walking meditation and intention setting, 30 minutes of spin class, 15 minutes reading, shower and have breakfast. I just love that there are no distractions at this time of the day; I never feel a need to rush and yet I always aim to have everything done and be at my desk when Ryan Tubridy comes on the radio at 9am!

I can’t go to work without…
A strong cup of coffee. I only drink one coffee a day but I make sure it’s a true turbo booster!

The self-care tool I use every day is…
Journaling. Like so many others, I am prone to living too much in my head, so journaling connects me to my inner self more than anything else. I find it such a powerful way to get everything that’s in my head out and down in front of me on paper. It instantly regulates and grounds me and prevents me from catastrophising and overthinking. I’ve journaled since I was six years old so it’s a big part of me now but what I love most about it is that it’s the one form of communication where I don’t ever feel judged or that I need to engage a filter. It is the honest me.

The best part of my day is…
When I get to go back into the woods with Bella at lunchtime. We go a different route than morning time, but it always feels so decadent to be at the desk one minute and amongst the trees the next and is honestly the best head cleanser possible.

The most challenging part of my day is…
Technology is not my friend. I’ve got an excellent Online Business Manager, Lauren, but when something goes wrong at my end, I can be heard releasing some colourful expletives. It’s fair to say that I don’t handle tech failure well!

I engage with self-care every day by…
Consistency. Small things repeated every day create big changes. On the very rare occasions that I can’t fit it in, I really feel it. It’s why it’s a non-negotiable for me!

My daily self-care checklist routine includes…
Journaling, movement, nature, reading and reality television.

The quickest, smallest thing I do for myself every day is…
Glance at the photo of my dad on my desk. I get such reassurance from it.

I know it’s been a good day if…
I feel that sense of satisfaction. Everything that needed to, got done!

I switch off from work by…
Watching reality television. I’m not going to say it’s my guilty pleasure as that implies, I’m ashamed of it, which I’m not! These programmes could not be further from my own life but they really get me out of my head and that kind of escapism is always welcome!

Before I go to bed, I’ll…
Write a list of everything I did that day. This provides me with closure to a productive day.

After a long work week, I destress by…
Friday night dinners at home are my absolute favourite; fillet steak and caramelised onions with home-made chips and a nice glass of red wine. I don’t really drink any more but I look forward to that one glass of red all week.

My go-to comfort meal is…
That Friday night dinner!

When I really need a moment to myself, I always…
Grab the dog and go to the woods.

Something I try to do for myself every day is…
Go inward. Quieten the noise of my brain and check in to see what’s looking for my attention and then give it.

The most reflective moment in the day is…
When I turn off the light and I’m lying there releasing the day that was and feeling grateful.

The one person, place or thing guaranteed to give me joy is…
Bella, my dog! (Sorry, Michael!)

I wish I could do ___ more mindfully…
Meditating. It just doesn’t come naturally to me but I do persist. There are times if I’m listening to a really good guided meditation it works instantly, but other times, I’m mentally writing out the food shop and unable to detach from daily life. When I succeed, I always feel calmer and more connected but when I fail, I feel infinitely more frustrated!

Everyone should try…
Journaling. I’ve witnessed it literally transforming lives. Nothing helps you understand yourself more than seeing your words laid out in front of you. It helps organise your thoughts and shows you the patterns so that you can take note of areas that might need your attention. There is no escaping from your truth when you journal regularly. If one person tries it having read this then I’ll consider my work here to be done!

Niamh Ennis is Ireland’s leading Change & Transformation Coach and Author who through her private practice, writings, programmes, workshops and podcast has inspired, activated and helped thousands of people to make significant changes in their lives. She is an accredited Personal, Leadership & Executive Coach and the Lead Coach in the IMAGE Business Club. Check her out on Instagram @1niamhennis or at niamhennis.com.