1. What first interested you in pursuing a career in wellbeing?
Sadly, from not living a lifestyle that supported my wellbeing! In 2016, wellbeing wasn't really a thing, I noticed that around winter every year, I would feel depressed, demotivated and disconnected from myself. I went to the doctor and was prescribed vitamin D vials and later learnt that I was experiencing SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
To support my wellbeing, I became more active, especially in the winter months and started to explore meditation and the benefits of mindfulness - it all started there!
2. Do you find your own experiences with mental health in the workplace have shaped how you work with clients?
100%! Ironically, the job I had was as a wellbeing teacher, which ended in me being signed off work for stress. I understand how the quality of your wellbeing affects the work you produce and the capacity of how you show up in different environments. People spend a lot of their time at work, therefore their wellbeing must be protected, respected and prioritised.
Wellbeing and self-awareness are core components of how I work with people. Life most definitely has its challenges, but what I find is that many people abandon their own needs, which leads to a lot of suppressed emotions and takes them further away from prioritising their wellbeing.
3. What does being an embodiment coach involve?
Bringing people back to their bodies! Having a deeper sense of awareness and learning more about themselves! The body has so much wisdom and often people live life very much in their head without acknowledging their body.
When working with people, the body is very much a part of the conversation and process! This helps them gain a deeper understanding of themselves and also experience a deeper presence and richer quality of life. I specialise in dance and intentional movement and help women to feel more connected and confident in their bodies. I use movement as the pathway to their self-awareness and development.
4. What do you think are some of the challenges young people face when looking after their wellbeing in the workplace?
I think the misconception about wellbeing is that it's relaxing, and it's fun. But the truth is sometimes it's just not. Sometimes wellbeing means feeling like your own worst enemy in that moment to become your own best friend afterwards - it is a deep devotion of self-love and understanding your worth. Being a young person has so many challenges! Trying to find yourself in the world, while also wanting to fit in and connect with others, which can sometimes do the opposite and disconnect them further from themselves and their own needs.
I think understanding what you NEED to do vs what you WANT helps a lot because then you start to develop the skills of discipline and resilience. which is uncomfortable in the beginning but is transformational.
In the workplace, young people can protect their wellbeing, by understanding their worker rights, so they are not being overworked and taken advantage of. Taking regular breaks: sounds simple but starting with the basics, hydration and good nourishing food are extremely important - what we consume fuels our bodies and quite literally builds our cells, it informs the quality of our health.
5. Tell us how you market your work - how do you ensure you provide a personalised service whilst doing this?
I like to connect with people organically. My main social media platform is Instagram, I also have a growing email list and in-person events - I love connecting with people, and I think there's something special about creating genuine authentic connections.
I trust that the people who are led to my spaces, whether that's retreats, events workshops, coaching or even my little podcast are meant to be there, it resonates for a reason. I still have some improvement to do with my marketing. I'm enjoying the process!
6. What advice do you have for young people wanting to run a practitioner-led business?
Integrity.
Intention.
Stay true to yourself.
Practice patience.
Trust yourself.
Have a strategy!
There are so many methods and ways of doing things nowadays, but I do think finding your stamp and staying in your lane, not duplicating what someone else is doing because you can only be yourself, and that - as cheesy as it sounds - is your superpower!
Build your knowledge and network, and be surrounded by inspiring, authentic and genuine people, that are excited by life and its possibilities.
Connect with Tamara Josephine:
Instagram: @tamara.josephine_
Website: www.tamarajosephine.com
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