Live the 8Wise™️ Way

Kim Rutherford

Welcome to Live the 8Wise™️ Way, a brand new podcast hosted by psychotherapist, therapeutic coach and author Kim Rutherford. The aim of this podcast is to help you develop better mental health and wellbeing, so that you can have a healthier, happier mind and live the life you want. I know the content in this podcast works because I used to battle my own mental health issues. Part of my recovery was realising I needed to implement practical tools and techniques that were going to work for me. After lots of research, what I found were these core elements to focus on. I used these to get myself back to where it needed to be, but I still use them today as a preventative tool to improve my wellbeing and keep my mental health in check. Today, I use this method with my private clients and I’m going to share it with you in this podcast. In each episode I’ll share the tools, the techniques and the method of the 8Wise™ Way If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and leave a review so others can find us. read less
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

Goodbye Part 4 - Take Care of Your Lifestyle Dimension
23-02-2023
Goodbye Part 4 - Take Care of Your Lifestyle Dimension
As we wind down the final few episodes of the Live the 8 Wise Way podcast, I am going to recap all of the key things, the real big stuff that you need to take from this podcast, if nothing else! Of course if you like what you hear, go back and listen to the whole series so you can get a full, in depth and completely free podcast talking you through my famous 8 Wise methodology. In the final episode of the series, we’re taking a look at the lifestyle dimension. This brings together the foundation dimension, the internal dimension and the external dimension and looks at how you can use all of the principles of 8 Wise to create a safe environment for you live your happiest, healthiest life.  Here are the highlights: (02:44) Two core elements of occupational wellness (04:52) Don’t be scared to move on! (09:02) It’s never too late to retrain and change career (15:46) What are your motivators? (18:43) Don’t be scared to seek help (21:18) Old age sneaks up on all of us (26:28) Our mental health is our responsibility  If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and leave a review so others can find us. You can also find out more about the 8Wise™ Way here:The 8Wise™ Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook If you would like to find out more about 8Wise, please come to one of my upcoming masterclass events:5th October 202214th October 2022Click the link to find out more and register now!
Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Part 3 – Debunking Stress Myths
26-01-2023
Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Part 3 – Debunking Stress Myths
Did you know that stress can be a factor in up to 75% of mental health issues, and is a contributing symptom to the six most common causes of death? Many of us, particularly career-driven individuals, wear stress like a badge of honour. A stressful day at work is seen as a productive day, or maybe you feel like you’re motivated by stress. Well this podcast episode is about to blow your mind on everything you think you know about stress! As we continue our mini-series on identifying, creating and implementing healthy coping mechanisms, this episode takes a look at some of the common myths around stress, inspired by Andrew Bernstein’s 8 Deadly Myths About Stress. We should be fighting stress, not celebrating it, and hopefully this podcast will help you reframe your understanding of it, and give you some of the tools to start managing stress better in your life.  Here are the highlights: (01:13) Stress is NOT a mental health issue (04:18) MYTH – stress comes from circumstance (06:08) MYTH – stress is a motivator (08:47) MYTH – some stress is good for you (10:13) MYTH – without stress you would be bored (12:11) MYTH – the best way to deal with stress is to exercise (15:57) MYTH – stress is a choice (18:02) MYTH – stress is inevitable (20:39) MYTH – everyone is stressed  If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and leave a review so others can find us. You can also find out more about the 8Wise™ Way here:The 8Wise™ Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook If you would like to find out more about 8Wise, please come to one of my upcoming masterclass events:5th October 202214th October 2022Click the link to find out more and register now!
Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Part 2 – Mindfulness & Meditation
19-01-2023
Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Part 2 – Mindfulness & Meditation
How are your New Year’s resolutions going? I predict that many of you have set big, huge goals which are now beginning to fail, and that’s because you’ve made them too big and too huge rather than focusing on the smaller, achievable targets. Maybe your frustration at not hitting your goals is causing some additional stress. Maybe you have a busy life, a challenging or unfulfilling job, or any number of things feeding your anxiety on a daily basis. Well it’s time to stop, take a step back, and breathe... As we continue our mini-series on identifying, creating and implementing healthy coping mechanisms, this special episode I am going to take you through a meditative process, which you can use at home whenever you want. Simply find a comfortable, quiet place and listen back to this episode. This exercise is a free practical exercise you can use when life is getting a bit overwhelming.  Here are the highlights: (00:39) Managing what life throws at you (02:31) Kim says relax (04:03) A self-meditative exercise (21:59) Learning to re-focus your coping mechanisms  If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and leave a review so others can find us. You can also find out more about the 8Wise™ Way here:The 8Wise™ Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook If you would like to find out more about 8Wise, please come to one of my upcoming masterclass events:5th October 202214th October 2022Click the link to find out more and register now!
Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Part 1
12-01-2023
Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Part 1
Are you ready to jump into the new year, hit the ground running and achieve all of your resolutions and goals? It’s ok to say no! There will be times, particularly at the start of a new year, when we will like things can get on top of us. Maybe we put too much pressure on ourselves, or perhaps we have so many plans that life just spirals away from us. Whatever causes you to speed towards a meltdown, it’s important to know what your coping mechanisms are AND know how to use them. This episode is first part of a mini-series where we look at exactly that and speak to some expert guests so that you can start identifying and managing your life with healthy coping mechanisms.  Here are the highlights: (00:34) Life can start to feel chaotic (03:05) Coping skills help you feel better (05:40) Unhealthy coping mechanisms (08:55) Problem-based coping skills (12:14) Journaling isn’t for everyone, but it could be what you need (16:04) Dance to the beat of your own drum (17:38) The emotions wheel (21:24) Vision boards  If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and leave a review so others can find us. You can also find out more about the 8Wise™ Way here:The 8Wise™ Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook If you would like to find out more about 8Wise, please come to one of my upcoming masterclass events:5th October 202214th October 2022Click the link to find out more and register now!
Hello 2023
05-01-2023
Hello 2023
Can you believe it – we have made it all the way to 2023. The new year is here, so I want to take the opportunity and thank you all for listening, and welcome those who have only just discovered the podcast. This episode is a bit of a recap of the 8Wise model, giving you a whistlestop tour of all the stuff we covered in the earlier episodes, so that you can feel refreshed and ready to dive into some of the amazing content I have coming up for you this year. In 2023 we will be joined by some truly special guests, who will share their stories, their expert advice, and their support. You will hear first-hand accounts from those who have experienced mental health issues, and get some valuable insight that can help you tackle your own mental health and wellbeing head on in the coming year. It’s time to start living the healthiest, happiest version of you – are you ready?  Here are the highlights: (01:36) It’s time to focus on you (04:00) How my own life spiralled (07:29) The world inside of us (10:32) Set your core goals (14:43) You are good enough (17:42) Amazing guests (21:08) Hear from others who understand you (23:42) The 8Wise Masterclass (26:28) An 8Wise plan to suit every budget  If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and leave a review so others can find us. You can also find out more about the 8Wise™ Way here:The 8Wise™ Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook If you would like to find out more about 8Wise, please come to one of my upcoming masterclass events:5th October 202214th October 2022Click the link to find out more and register now!
Ending the Year the Wise Way
29-12-2022
Ending the Year the Wise Way
As New Year’s Eve fast approaches, it’s a time many of us will be reflecting back on 2022. You will celebrate the things that went well, but you’ll also be dwelling on the things that didn’t go so well. In this episode I’m here to tell you to draw a line under it and move on. I was going to do a special episode about the new year, but instead I decided to share something a bit deeper and more personal with you, because 2022 was a year of significant change for me, and I have made a big decision: No more new year resolutions. Listen to the episode to find out why I’m abandoning this end of year tradition, and why my own journey in the past year can inspire you to make positive changes by using the 8Wise model to improve your mental health and wellbeing as you head into 2023.  Here are the highlights: (00:22) Have you survived the festive period? (02:38) The stigma around weight loss surgery (06:09) Resolutions are a thing of the past (08:28) “If you are overweight, you deserve to die first” (11:26) Acknowledging dysfunctional coping mechanisms (15:36) Life isn’t about the number on the scale (18:29) No longer eating the pain away (21:43) The face of 8Wise; the face of change (24:56) Opening my business to new opportunities (28:20) You are not perfect, and that’s ok (32:03) 2023 will be whatever it’s going to be  If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and leave a review so others can find us. You can also find out more about the 8Wise™ Way here:The 8Wise™ Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook If you would like to find out more about 8Wise, please come to one of my upcoming masterclass events:5th October 202214th October 2022Click the link to find out more and register now!
Managing the Festive Season - Part 4: Grief & Loss
22-12-2022
Managing the Festive Season - Part 4: Grief & Loss
We’re approaching the holiday season once again, and though ‘tis the season to be merry, many of us often feel this time of year brings other feelings such as stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Throughout this special mini-series I am going to help you manage your festive season better, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, something else or nothing at all. In this episode we will be focussing on grief and loss. Whether you have lost someone around the holidays, you have just recently lost someone, or you have ever previously lost a loved one, the holidays can be triggering. We can sometimes be overwhelmed by emotion as we surround ourselves with motifs of togetherness, family and good will. I am going to help you process and manage your grief at this time, because here’s the big secret: it never goes away, but that’s ok! It is completely ok to remember someone, to mourn them, and to be sad that they’re gone, but I want to help you turn that pain into a celebration of those you love and of the happy memories you have of them, so that your holidays are more manageable... dare I say even joyous again?!  Here are the highlights: (02:02) Tradition can be a hurtful reminder of our losses (06:31) The reality of grief (09:00) Reach out, make plans, and be there for those who need it (11:29) Don’t let the pain consume you (15:16) There’s nothing wrong in crying (17:10) Reach out if you’re struggling (21:02) A time for self-reflection  If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and leave a review so others can find us. You can also find out more about the 8Wise™ Way here:The 8Wise™ Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook If you would like to find out more about 8Wise, please come to one of my upcoming masterclass events:5th October 202214th October 2022Click the link to find out more and register now!
Managing the Festive Season - Part 3: Loneliness
15-12-2022
Managing the Festive Season - Part 3: Loneliness
We’re approaching the holiday season once again, and though ‘tis the season to be merry, many of us often feel this time of year brings other feelings such as stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression. Throughout this special mini-series I am going to help you manage your festive season better, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, something else or nothing at all. In this episode we are focussing on loneliness, because as many people gather with their families over the holidays, there are also many individuals who feel increasingly isolated and alone at this time of year. I know that feeling well. I’ve been there. However, it doesn’t have to be this way, and I am going to talk you through some of the things you can do to get more social, feel more connected and improve your wellbeing over the festive period.  Here are the highlights: (01:35) The self-isolation creeps up on you (04:01) Humans are naturally social animals (09:02) Make a plan of activitie (13:02) Get involved by giving back (15:07) People do care about you (19:07) Loneliness can impact our stress levels (22:07) Being in the same room is not the same as feeling connected to people (25:50) Man’s best friend  If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and leave a review so others can find us. You can also find out more about the 8Wise™ Way here:The 8Wise™ Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook If you would like to find out more about 8Wise, please come to one of my upcoming masterclass events:5th October 202214th October 2022Click the link to find out more and register now!
How Did I Get Like This?
24-11-2022
How Did I Get Like This?
One of the most common questions I get asked by my clients is ‘how did I get like this?’ That’s why, in this episode, I’m going to talk you through a timeline exercise I do with my private clients. By doing this, you will start to reflect in so much more detail on all of the significant moments in your life; some will be good, some will be negative, and some you may have buried deep in your subconscious, but this exercise will help to bring all of those memories back to the surface. This is about understanding the things that made you who you are, and accepting that you are the sum of all of these parts, good and bad, and that’s awesome. By understanding and owning your timeline, you will take control of your mental health and stop worrying about how you got like this. Remember, you are not broken, you are uniquely, perfectly you, and it’s time to stop excusing it and start celebrating!  Here are the highlights: (01:54) Why are you the way you are? (04:27) Mental health is like a gun (08:45) It’s time to go deep and swim around your subconscious (14:11) The negatives are easier than the positives (18:36) We can change our mindset if it’s not working for us (22:02) Understand how the past impacts the present (24:22) Don’t underestimate the first decade (28:45) You have the ability to overcome anything  If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and leave a review so others can find us. You can also find out more about the 8Wise™ Way here:The 8Wise™ Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook If you would like to find out more about 8Wise, please come to one of my upcoming masterclass events:5th October 202214th October 2022Click the link to find out more and register now!
Forever Fearing Fear
10-11-2022
Forever Fearing Fear
In this episode of Live the 8 Wise Way we are talking about something that affects every single one of us – fear. Fear comes in all shapes and sizes. In some people it’s an addiction and we know them as adrenaline junkies, but in others it can manifest in other ways and have more serious, debilitating impacts on our mental health, wellbeing and overall quality of life. So I am going to dispel some myths about fear. I am going to explain how and why we experience fear. And I am also going to explain how you can put tools in place to manage your fears. Spoiler alert: it won’t be easy, but if you take my advice and start working on your fears (or phobias) you can get it under control!   Here are the highlights: (02:10) Imagine watching a horror movie... (06:58) Your fear dictates the action you take to manage it (10:46) A threat to your psychological wellbeing (14:04) Fear can be a symptom of mental health conditions (18:58) Get in control of the situation (24:26) The fear of panic attacks (26:58) Phobias (30:58) The best way to overcome is to understand  If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and leave a review so others can find us. You can also find out more about the 8Wise™ Way here:The 8Wise™ Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook If you would like to find out more about 8Wise, please come to one of my upcoming masterclass events:5th October 202214th October 2022Click the link to find out more and register now!
Is It a Mid-Life Crisis?
27-10-2022
Is It a Mid-Life Crisis?
In my job, as a psychotherapist, I speak to a lot of people who tell me they’re having the symptoms of a mid-life crisis. But here’s the thing: many of them are quite young. In fact, there are so many twentysomethings now having a so-called ‘quarter-life crisis’ that it makes you wonder how many more crises we can fit in our lives!! However, the actual science pointing to evidence of a mid-life or quarter-life crisis condition is slim. That doesn’t mean you are not still feeling a lack of purpose, a lack of motivation or any of the other signs, but maybe it’s not really a crisis at all – maybe, using the 8Wise method, we can find a way for you to deal with these feelings head on and get your mindset back on track! In this episode we look at the signs of a mid-life crisis, the possible triggers, and how you can manage it to keep your mental health and wellbeing in check.  Here are the highlights: (00:52) Do not struggle alone (04:34) A transition of identity and self-confidence (09:17) How long does a mid-life crisis last? (15:12) The triggers of a mid-life crisis (20:01) Question yourself (23:29) I don’t believe in a mid-life crisis (27:55) Are you living authentically?  If you like what you hear, please subscribe to the podcast, share with friends and leave a review so others can find us. You can also find out more about the 8Wise™ Way here:The 8Wise™ Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook If you would like to find out more about 8Wise, please come to one of my upcoming masterclass events:5th October 202214th October 2022Click the link to find out more and register now!