Ok, so I know there are a LOT of coffee lovers out there. You may be one of them. I was one of them. I had my first cappuccino when I was 15. And I quickly took a liking to my weekly cuppa coffee, which then became a morning cuppa coffee or two, once I began working in radio, writing … Read More
Ep.33 Could laughter be the medicine you need right now?
Hahaha…. hehehehe heeee heeeee heeee… hahahaha…. (laughter) That’s the sound of me pumping happy chemicals round my body… That’s the sound of me feeling good… That’s the sound of me giving myself a daily dose of self-love! Yes, laughing daily really is a gift to our body, our mind and our very dear soul. So if you’re ready to embrace … Read More
Ep.32 Bye bye blues: My journey out of depression…
Depression is no walk in the park. I’ve been there, done that. And decided it wasn’t for me! Yes, in my 20s I was experiencing severe clinical depression, and was on the verge of being put in a mental home, after continual attempts to take my own life. What changed? I changed. I decided to start loving myself, instead of … Read More
Ep.31 Get rid of anxiety in 2-minutes flat!
If you experience anxiety, I feel you. In my 20s I had my fair share of anxiety attacks. It was awful. And really impacted my life and my relationships in quite devastating ways. That was before I learnt what I’m about to share with you in today’s episode on I Love Me The Podcast. Yes today, I’ll teach to a … Read More
Ep.24 Heartfelt wisdom: Tapping into the power of the heart brain.
We’ve all heard the expression ‘Follow Your Heart’, but what does that really mean? How do we tell the difference between what our heart is guiding us to do and what our brain thinks we should do? Our heart speaks to us every moment of every day, but most of us have stopped listening to its signal; it’s like we’ve … Read More
Understanding self-sabotage
If you’re ever tried to create change in your life, even just a small change such as learning something new – perhaps a language or a musical instrument – then chances are you’ve probably experienced at least a little self-sabotage. Self-sabotage is where we either consciously or unconsciously (the latter usually being the case) act and behave in a way … Read More
How to overcome depression
If you’re here, it’s because you want to overcome depression OR you want to gain some insight to perhaps support someone you know in overcoming depression. So if you’re the person who’s in the midst of depression, I feel you! If you’re familiar with my story, I spent my teens and early 20s depressed. Like really depressed. The trying-to-commit-suicide-every-other-weekend kind … Read More
How to survive adversity
We all experience adversity – unpleasant or difficult situations – at various points in our life, especially right now, with what’s going on in the world. How you travel through these times, depend entirely on how solid you are within yourself. How connected you are to yourself. And perhaps as you’re reading this, you’re wondering what it means to be … Read More
Boosting immunity amid the Coronavirus
If you’re not tucked away in a little mountaintop cave without wifi, chances are you’ve heard about the Coronavirus. The Coronavirus is everywhere, and it’s scaring people into all sorts of fear-fuelled behaviours. Now while I don’t claim to be a medical expert, from my work helping people overcome various mental and physical illnesses, I do know a few important … Read More
The problem with problems.
This is a quick little blog to help you find some peace around any problem or difficult situation you may be experiencing right now. Because hey, I know life can seem like a struggle sometimes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The first thing you need to understand is that: Our ‘perspective’ plays a huge role in how … Read More
Is social media the new cocaine?
‘Why am I on social media?’ Have you stopped to ask yourself this simple question? Many of us end up on social media because everyone else is, without really thinking about whether or not it’s a positive influence in our life. Before we know it, we’re checking our phones morning, noon and night (for most people more often) for fear … Read More
Letting go of the busy…
While I’m not usually one for New Years resolutions I did spend 2018 setting some clear intentions for 2019. My husband and I had decided we’d pack up and leave our home at the end of October 2018, spend three months on the road travelling and visiting family – including a one month stint in Bali so I could further … Read More
Do you lose your sh*t and does it shock you? Emotional turbulence.
Most of us are familiar with at least a little emotional turbulence. And if you’re perfectly honest, you’ve probably lost your sh*t at some point in your life. Maybe for you it’s a rare occurrence, or perhaps it happens to you on a daily basis. It could take the form of a little outburst that’s done and dusted in minutes. Or … Read More
Sleep issues? Maybe you need a bedtime yoga ritual.
You’re certainly not alone if you have trouble getting to sleep, staying asleep, or waking feel more tired than when you first hit the hay. Why does this happen? There are a few contributing factors, but the main one is this… We live in a world chock-full to the brim of ‘information’. There’s just so much information that our brains … Read More
Chris Cornell, anxiety, death and hope.
I write this blog you after receiving some very sad news last night. I was lying in bed, about to turn the light off, when I received a call from my husband. He always calls (or texts) when he finishes a gig, to let me know he’s on his way home. Yet last night, his call came with some awful … Read More
Deadlines: Enjoy the journey, not just the end point.
Over the past few months I learnt a very important lesson to do with deadlines. And I decided to share it with you today, in the hope that it might help you create more freedom and more happiness in your life. So let’s begin with just one question… How do you feel about deadlines? Do they choke you with fear, … Read More
‘I can’t (insert desire)’. Sure you CAN!
What happens when you say you ‘I can’t do it’? It automatically sets up an expectation that you can’t do whatever it is that you would like to do. I can’t eat well, I can’t change jobs, I can’t find a good man, I can’t afford that course, I can’t find the time to have a self-love practise, I can’t get ahead in life, I can’t… and the list goes son and … Read More
What happens when you self-nurture?
It’s really easy to say I will self-nurture once I get all these other tasks I ‘have’ to do out of the way. I’m sure you’ve said it. Hell, I used to say it ALL the time! I’ll just do these dishes, answer these emails, help my friend with her… what was I helping her with again? And then I’ll … Read More
Forget willpower! Life can be easier than having to use willpower.
Is willpower really the way? So often I hear people saying: ‘Just use willpower!’ ‘Willpower, that’s what you need to stick to that diet, to get your work done, to get ahead in life, to…’ Problem is, willpower doesn’t work? Why? Because you have to ‘will’ yourself to do it, which to be completely honest, is hard work. You have … Read More
‘You can overcome anxiety’, Bay Lifestyle magazine, Spring 2015
Anxiety can be like having a lasso around your neck. Just one small tug and you’re left gasping for air. I remember my days when I would experience severe panic attacks – before I learnt what I’m about to share with you – and how horrible that was. Yet life doesn’t have to be this way. You can overcome anxiety. Firstly … Read More
You are limitless! Simply let go of the beliefs that have you thinking otherwise.
I remember when the movie Limitless came out. It really opened my eyes to what was possible. For those of you who haven’t seen the movie Limitless, it’s about a guy named Bradley whose life is completely transformed when he takes a top-secret ‘smart-drug’ that allows him to use 100% of his brain and become a perfect version of himself. … Read More
Does your body run like an old car? Stress-free tips for a healthy YOU!
Too much stress and your body will soon be broken down on the side of the road. It’s as simple as that. Believe it or not, stress is responsible for 70% of all illnesses and diseases. Yes, it’s that huge! And when you look at how stressed most people are today, is it any wonder so many people are in … Read More
Emotional Health: Poisoning your mind with what you eat?
Our emotional health is intimately connected to the food we put in our body. We may not think it is, but next time you eat a block of chocolate take the time to notice how you feel emotionally half an hour later. Down. Low on energy. Perhaps even a little cranky? Why is this? Refined sugar is one of the main foods … Read More
Are you the target of someone else’s emotional pain?
It can be really difficult when someone shoots a vindictive arrow your way. I’m sure you can remember a time (or 50) where someone fired at you. Perhaps they said something mean or maybe they did something unforgettable that broke your trust. It hurt, yeah? Much more than a physical wound. You see, while physical wounds heal with time, emotional … Read More
Do you know the difference between feelings and emotions?
Often people put feelings and emotions in the same basket. Now while they are certainly similar, there are some distinguishing differences you really should know if you’re serious about living a happy life full of positive relationships. Put simply:Feelings are how you feel in the moment. Emotions are past unresolved feelings. To put that into context: Someone accidentally spills coffee on your lap. … Read More
Ghosts of the past: Are you haunted by your memories
We all have memories. And that’s because we all have a past. All those happy memories are great to reflect upon. It’s the awful, sometimes horrific memories that have the ability to unhinge us, break us down and haunt our daily existence. The great news is, no matter what ghosts are residing in your most precious self, they can be … Read More
News Toxicity: Are you poisoning your mind?
How much news do you consume on a daily basis? Are you a news junkie or do you take small bites? This week I wanted to look at how news can actually make us take on a more pessimistic view of life and even trigger depression and low moods. It’s not surprising, given that our environment has the ability to … Read More
Shhhhhh… It’s a secret! Or should it be?
Most of us have some sort of secret being held hostage inside. And sure, keeping a surprise birthday secret is one thing, but when it comes to deeper issues, be it a health disorder, cheating on a lover or any other thing that causes embarrassment or concern, then letting it out is the only way forward. The reason people often … Read More
Inner Mean Girl/Dude: How nasty is yours?
We all have an inner meanie. You know the one I’m talking about. She/he’s negative, judgmental, constantly comparing you to other people and how well they’re doing or looking. She/he also likes to sabotage you in any way possible, such as keeping you busy doing all the things that will keep you from your dreams. You know your inner mean … Read More
Are you having a nervous break ‘down’ or break ‘through’?
When was the last time you lost your sh*t? Had a go at a lover or work colleague, spewed out some toxic emotions or simply thought: ‘Life’s too hard’? Well I’ve been there, plenty of times. As you’ll read in this week’s Take 5 magazine, I was one of those people ready to end it all, because I just couldn’t get out … Read More
Victim or Victor: Which one are you?
Do you have a sob story you like to re-run in your head or to your friends, family or shrink? Are you someone who feels sorry for yourself and thrives on sympathy from others? If so, you are playing the role of a ‘victim’ and we all know what happens to victims, yeah? Bad stuff. They’re like negativity magnets. When … Read More
Mind fit: Are you exercising your most important muscle?
The reason I write this blog is because it’s come to my attention recently that there’s a lot of fear around looking at oneself and the role a person plays in creating their outcomes in life. Which is fair enough – who wants to be held accountable for all the crappy things that happen to them when it’s much easier … Read More
The Darker Shade of Grey – Say ‘No’ to Suicide
Having travelled the roller-coaster of suicide attempts and lived to tell the story, I am more than familiar with the darker shades of grey – you may know them as depression. Unfortunately, there are many more who did not make it, with suicide being the leading cause of death for Aussies under the age of 44. The reason I bring … Read More
Do You Have Hysteria?
Do you have hysteria? If so, maybe you’re not getting enough … ! If you’ve watched the new movie, Hysteria, you’ll have at least a vague understanding of the need for sexual satisfaction. Without it, women can cause all sorts of trouble, from road rage and acting out to experiencing depression and creating emotional scenes from seemingly nothing. The word … Read More
The winter blues
The cold dreary days of winter are upon us and that can be dangerous for those prone to depression. But we don’t have to get SAD. We’re all familiar with depression these days, but how much do you know about it’s seasonal cousin? Seasonal Affective Disorder or ‘sunlight starvation’ usually strikes at the start of winter and ends in spring … Read More
Is anger making you unhappy?
Contrary to its bad press, anger is a defining emotion. It is the gift of setting boundaries. Yes, anger can act as a barometer for what has gone wrong, where people have overstepped a person’s limits, or where injustice is occurring. It happens far too often, we let our anger make us unhappy. We get caught up in the emotion, … Read More
Love is Laughter
The secret ingredient in love is laughter, and as Oscar Wilde once said “relationships are too important to be taken seriously”. Relationship therapist Tamra Mercieca looks at how laughter can enhance relationships. Laughter in a relationship is a treasure. It is one of our primary reasons for even wanting a partner. All of us can feel the magic power of … Read More
Overcoming Fear
Fear can freeze us; stopping us from moving forward. In this blog I share some tips tips on how to overcome our fears. We are taught fear at a very young age. It is a learned behaviour, therefore it can, if we wish, be educated out of us. Fear is a way of thinking that has the ability to hinder … Read More
‘Leaving the pit of negativity,’ Women’s Health and Fitness, 2010
Leaving the pit of negativity Depression can be a life sentence, but only if you choose it to be. Tamra Mercieca talks about how she overcame this debilitating illness the natural way and how you can let go of the negativity too. I didn’t just wake up one day with the sads, nor was it some horrendous event that sent … Read More
‘Natural Depression Busters’, Women’s Health and Fitness, 2010.
Natural Depression Busters Anti-depressants are now taken by thousands of Australians, and many people credit them with changing, or even saving their lives. But they’re not for everyone. Tamra Mercieca explores some alternatives. People take prescription drugs every day to help them find relief from the different forms of depression. Anti-depressants give the perception that relieving depression is as easy … Read More
‘Facing Your Fears’, Women’s Health and Fitness, 2009
facing your fears The first American journalist to be expelled from Nazi Germany,Dorothy Thompson once said: “Only when we are no longer afraid do we begin to live”. Success Coach Tamra Mercieca explains the truth behind this. We are taught fear at a very young age. It is a learned behaviour, therefore it can, if we wish, be educated out … Read More
‘Healing Injuries from the Inside’, Oxygen Magazine, 2008
Healing injuries from the inside Feeling down about a physical injury could do more than simply give us the blues. As Tamra Mercieca found out, if could actually hinder the healing process. So you injure yourself. Maybe you were lifting weights that were too heavy, or pushing yourself too hard around the training track. Maybe you just didn’t warm up … Read More
‘An Ear for Hayfever’, Women’s Health and Fitness, 2008
Could the answer to hayfever all be in the ear? Sneezing your way through spring can be an arduous task, but with the right treatment it can be a breeze. Wellness coach Tamra Mercieca explains how she was able to leave the tissue box at home. Hay fever has been a problem for me for as long as I can … Read More
‘Emotional IQ (EQ)’, Women’s Health and Fitness, 2008
What’s your emotional IQ (or EQ)? We’ve been conditioned to believe that IQ is the best measure of human potential. In the past ten years, however, researchers have found this isn’t necessarily the case. In actuality, your emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) might be a greater predictor of success. Success Coach Tamra Mercieca explains. IQ may be a solid indicator of … Read More
‘Active Therapy’, Fernwood Fitness, 2008
exercise therapy Keeping fit, managing your weight, and warding off disease are all side-effects of exercise. But did you know getting physical can do wonders for your mental health too? Tamra Mercieca explains. Though it may seem impossible sometimes, exercise is one of the best ways to deal with mental illnesses. Physical activity alters brain chemistry and leads to feelings … Read More
‘Laughrodisiacs’, Women’s Health and Fitness, 2007
The secret ingredient in love is laughter, and as Oscar Wilde once said “relationships are too important to be taken seriously”. Tamra Mercieca looks at how laughter can enhance relationships. Laughter in a relationship is a treasure. It is one of our primary reasons for even wanting a partner. All of us can feel the magic power of laugher after … Read More