Mental Wellness Mastery: Mental Health Expert Diane Bruno On Everyday Life Hacks For Optimal Mental Wellness
An Interview With Eden Gold
Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries to protect your mental space and energy. Learn to say no to tasks or commitments that exceed your capacity or do not align with your priorities. Prioritize activities that contribute positively to your mental health and well-being.
In our modern, fast-paced society, mental wellness is a crucial aspect of leading a fulfilling life. However, for many people, achieving and maintaining good mental health can be a challenging task, with obstacles such as stress, anxiety, depression, and more. That’s why it’s essential to have practical and accessible strategies for mental wellness that can help build resilience, emotional intelligence, and overall well-being. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Diane Bruno.
Diane Bruno is the founder of Diane Bruno Life Coach LLC and Diane Bruno Freelance LLC. She is passionate about empowering women to live authentically! In her role as a Certified Life Coach, she is dedicated to guiding and partnering with her clients, committed to their success through life’s challenges and opportunities.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about cultural sensitivity, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I am the owner of Diane Bruno Life Coach LLC and Diane Bruno Freelance LLC. A certified life coach blogger, freelance writer, digital content writer, former funeral director, and former public relations professional, I specialize in life transitions. No stranger to life’s detours, after more than 20 years as a public relations professional in New York City, I decided to make a seismic career change and became a funeral director.
Years later, after working as a funeral director an injury sidetracked my career, and I transitioned once again deciding to tap back into writing, but something was missing — my desire to help people and make a measurable difference. I embraced the role of a life coach, and I could not be happier!
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
It’s a small world! One of the most interesting experiences I’ve had as a life coach occurred when I was working with a new client. Little did I know at the time, this client would lead me down a path of unexpected connections and rekindled friendships.
I was working with a young woman and as we delved into our sessions, I couldn’t help but notice certain subtle cues and shared experiences that hinted at a deeper connection between us.
It turned out that this client was the daughter of an old friend with whom I had lost touch many years ago. The realization was both astonishing and heartwarming.
I knew it was time to reach out to my long-lost friend. Reconnecting with her was a joyous occasion filled with laughter, reminiscence, and the rekindling of our friendship.
However, being mindful of potential conflicts of interest, I made the decision to refer her daughter to a trusted colleague for further coaching sessions. It was important to ensure that my client received the support she needed in an unbiased and ethical manner.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
As a life coach, three key character traits have been instrumental in my success:
Empathy: Understanding my clients’ struggles and aspirations deeply allows me to tailor my guidance effectively. For instance, when a client faced a major career transition, empathetic listening and genuine understanding helped them gain clarity and confidence in their new path.
Adaptability: Flexibility is essential in responding to the ever-changing needs of clients. During a coaching session focused on goal-setting, I quickly adapted when my client unexpectedly needed emotional support. This flexibility enabled us to address their immediate needs effectively and deepen our rapport.
Integrity: Upholding ethical standards is paramount in maintaining trust in the coach-client relationship. When I discovered a personal connection with a new client, I prioritized integrity by maintaining professional boundaries and ensuring unbiased support. This commitment reinforced trust with my client and strengthened my reputation in the coaching community.
These three all work in every situation is life — as a society we more of these characteristics.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview about mental wellness mastery. What is one often overlooked daily habit that can significantly improve one’s mental wellness?
Being mindful of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations throughout the day can significantly improve our mental wellness. By practicing mindfulness, we cultivate awareness of the present moment without judgment, allowing us to better manage stress, regulate emotions, and enhance overall well-being. Simply taking a few moments each day to pause, breathe, and tune into our inner experiences can have a profound impact on our mental health.
How do you recommend individuals recalibrate their mental wellness after experiencing a significant setback or failure?
After experiencing a setback or failure, I recommend individuals prioritize self-compassion, reflection, and seeking support. This involves acknowledging their emotions, learning from the experience, and gradually redefining goals to move forward with resilience and renewed determination. Learn from it, and don’t dwell!
In your experience, what is a common misconception about mental health that hinders people from seeking help or improving their wellness?
In my experience, a common misconception about mental health that hinders people from seeking help or improving their wellness is the fear that seeking support will reveal something dark or shocking about themselves. Many individuals worry that acknowledging their mental health struggles means admitting to weakness or abnormality, leading to feelings of shame or stigma. This misconception can prevent people from reaching out for help, even when they desperately need support. However, it’s essential to recognize that seeking help is a courageous step towards healing and growth, and professional assistance can provide valuable tools and resources for navigating mental health challenges.
Can you share a transformative moment or client story that highlights the power of a specific mental wellness strategy?
Certainly! One transformative moment involved a client struggling with anxiety worsened by excessive social media use. By prioritizing digital detox and mindfulness, they reclaimed their mental well-being. As they disengaged from comparison and negativity online, they found clarity, inner peace, and self-acceptance. This strategy led to newfound confidence, meaningful connections, and pursuing fulfilling activities offline. By prioritizing mental health and embracing mindfulness, the client experienced a profound transformation in their life.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Everyday Life Hacks For Optimal Mental Wellness?”
1 . Embrace Solitude and Reflection: The incessant demands of modern life can overwhelm our minds. Starting the day with a moment of solitude allows for introspection and centering oneself. Take time to look within, relax, and meditate. Enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee or tea while reflecting on your thoughts and emotions.
2 . Mindful Planning: Begin each day by mapping out your priorities and commitments. Identify the non-negotiable tasks that require your attention and focus on them. Avoid overloading your mind with unnecessary distractions or tasks that are not vital to your well-being or goals.
3 . Take Regular Breaks: Incorporate breaks throughout your day to step away from the chaos and recalibrate. Use this time to evaluate how you’re feeling and reassess your priorities as the day unfolds. Allow yourself moments of respite to recharge and refocus.
4 . Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries to protect your mental space and energy. Learn to say no to tasks or commitments that exceed your capacity or do not align with your priorities. Prioritize activities that contribute positively to your mental health and well-being.
5 . Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself, especially during times of stress or adversity. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment and offer yourself the same compassion you would extend to a loved one facing similar challenges.
What role does technology play in mental wellness today, and how can individuals leverage it positively without exacerbating mental health issues?
Technology plays a significant role in mental wellness today, offering a variety of resources and tools that can aid individuals in managing and improving their mental health. From mindfulness apps to online therapy platforms, technology has made mental health support more accessible and convenient than ever before.
However, alongside these benefits, there exists a downside. The widespread accessibility of the internet has given voice to everyone, which can sometimes lead to misinformation, cyberbullying, and comparison-induced stress.
To navigate this landscape, individuals must cultivate digital literacy and mindfulness, being mindful of the content they consume online and discerning reliable information from misinformation.
While technology can supplement mental health care, it’s crucial to recognize when professional support is necessary and establish healthy boundaries around technology use to prevent overexposure and burnout. Ultimately, by adopting a balanced approach, individuals can leverage technology positively for mental wellness while mitigating potential negative effects.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could start a movement, it would be focused on destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting widespread access to mental wellness resources and support. We are getting there. But it is slow. By fostering open conversations, increasing awareness, and advocating for comprehensive mental health care, we can empower individuals to prioritize their mental well-being and create a more supportive and inclusive society for all.
How can our readers further follow you online?
My website: dianebrunolifecoach.com
Mt free eBook — https://www.dianebrunolifecoach.com/contact
Sixty and Me: https://sixtyandme.com/author/diane-bruno/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/helloself_life_coaching/
My Blog: https://www.dianebrunolifecoach.com/blog
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
Thank you — it is always a pleasure!
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
And same to you and this amazing platform!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold
Mental Wellness Mastery: Mental Health Expert Diane Bruno On Everyday Life Hacks For Optimal Mental… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.