<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Australian Brain Coaching]]></title><description><![CDATA[We help adults break free from anxiety, phobias, overthinking, and sleep issues by working directly with how the brain responds to stress. ]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:22:57 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Can you learn to be more optimistic? How optimism benefits your mind and body]]></title><description><![CDATA[The short answer is yes—optimism is a skill that can be developed.  While some people naturally have a more optimistic outlook, research suggests that our thinking patterns can change over time. By practising healthier ways of thinking and responding to challenges, many people can become more optimistic and resilient. Optimism isn't about ignoring life's difficulties. It's about believing that setbacks are temporary, solutions are possible and you have the ability to move forward. What Is...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/learn-to-be-more-optimistic</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a54418d52c8895348a0776a</guid><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 01:40:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_0109e8817521450e8689881aa418f62c~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_872,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Meditation the Brain Coaching way]]></title><description><![CDATA[Can meditation help reduce stress and build healthier habits? Yes. Meditation is a simple practice that can help calm the mind, reduce stress and improve focus. When practised consistently, it may also support the development of healthier thinking habits and emotional wellbeing. Many people believe they are "too busy" or "can't switch off" to meditate. I used to think exactly the same. Then I discovered that meditation does not require hours of sitting in silence. Even 10 to 20 minutes a day...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/meditation-the-brain-coaching-way</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a60061020510c8475e73540</guid><category><![CDATA[Other]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_eee0a084333c4a96a008818b731dc6d7~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to calm an overactive mind at night]]></title><description><![CDATA[You finally climb into bed after a busy day. Your body is tired, but your mind has other ideas. Suddenly you're replaying conversations, planning tomorrow's schedule, worrying about future events or analysing situations that happened weeks ago. An overactive mind at night is one of the most common challenges experienced by people struggling with stress, anxiety and insomnia. The good news is that there are practical strategies that can help. Why thoughts become louder at night During the day,...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/how-to-calm-an-overactive-mind-at-night</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a22326b14f1bdc719636e6d</guid><category><![CDATA[Insomnia]]></category><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 02:26:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_90d3a057c5764a04a579786ed717ac99~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why am I tired but can't sleep? Understanding the causes of insomnia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Few experiences are as frustrating as feeling exhausted throughout the day only to find yourself wide awake when it's finally time for bed. You know you're tired. Your body feels drained. Yet the moment your head hits the pillow, your mind seems to come alive. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many people who experience insomnia report feeling physically exhausted but mentally alert. The relationship between stress and sleep Sleep is influenced by much more than physical tiredness....]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/why-am-i-tired-but-cant-sleep</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a22319a1f44c606b3760852</guid><category><![CDATA[Insomnia]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 02:19:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_647677788cce47b3a5163a11799a9bb4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Is brain coaching? A practical approach to anxiety, stress and emotional wellbeing]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you've been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in unhelpful patterns or struggling to switch off at night, you may have started looking for new ways to create change. One approach gaining increasing attention is brain coaching. Brain coaching is an evidence-based process that helps people understand and change the emotional patterns, stress responses and thought processes that may be preventing them from living the life they want. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, brain coaching...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/what-is-brain-coaching</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a222f37367ed35011d6f80a</guid><category><![CDATA[Other]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 02:12:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_ed0f473980ad4c30811ead8f42944bca~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Procrastination: Why we put things off and how to break the habit]]></title><description><![CDATA[Procrastination is usually not about laziness. Research suggests it is often linked to emotions such as anxiety, fear of failure, perfectionism or feeling overwhelmed. The good news is that procrastination is a habit, and habits can be changed. Most of us procrastinate from time to time. Putting off a small job until tomorrow is unlikely to cause major problems. However, when procrastination becomes a regular pattern, it can increase stress, reduce productivity, damage confidence and cause us...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/procrastination-why-we-put-things-off-and-how-to-break-the-habit</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a6003cf20510c8475e72e48</guid><category><![CDATA[Other]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_d1fe5b990d97463fa3bc19e119ff8fc7~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wake up refreshed or not: why you may be waking during the night and how brain coaching can help]]></title><description><![CDATA[Do you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day, or do you find yourself lying awake at night wishing you could get back to sleep? Sleeplessness is a common concern affecting many people. While there are countless tips and remedies available online, the key to improving sleep is understanding why your sleep has become disrupted in the first place. Sleep difficulties can happen for many different reasons, including: Environment: Room temperature, bedding, light, noise, pets, or other...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/why-you-wake-up-at-night-and-how-brain-coaching-can-help</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a600a805514a6e974a6117d</guid><category><![CDATA[Insomnia]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_19768eebb7c54830bd8b0e7a53e28c29~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to cope with stress, anxiety and uncertainty: 6 Brain-based strategies]]></title><description><![CDATA[Feeling anxious during periods of change is completely normal. Whether you're dealing with work pressure, family challenges, financial stress, illness or major life changes, your brain is designed to respond to uncertainty. The good news is that there are practical strategies that can help you manage stress, build resilience and regain a sense of control. Brain Coaching focuses on creating healthier thinking patterns and habits so your responses become calmer and more constructive over time....]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/how-to-cope-with-stress-anxiety</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a543d9252c8895348a06cec</guid><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_4d99705eb580477e9f6facae8fc49b7d~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why New Year's resolutions fail and how to make them stick]]></title><description><![CDATA[Why do so many New Year's resolutions fail? The short answer is that lasting behaviour change is difficult. Most resolutions fail because our brains naturally return to familiar habits, especially when we're tired, stressed or busy. The good news is that habits can be changed with the right strategies and consistent practice. Have you heard the word defenestration? It means throwing something out of a window. Unfortunately, many New Year's resolutions seem to suffer exactly that fate. By...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/why-new-year-s-resolutions-fail-and-how-to-make-them-stick</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a600713e75006338f59d436</guid><category><![CDATA[Other]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_2108a4a3366549b8a6813635d573a5a1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_780,h_520,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to rewire your brain with Australian Brain Coaching (Port Stephens News of the Area)]]></title><description><![CDATA[“YOU are never too old to change, or to learn new tricks!” That is the message from Helen Dugdale from Australian Brain Coaching. “A few years ago, people used to think that they were ‘set in their ways’, and that as you got older, you were even more set,” she said. “Well, research has shown that we can change, we can learn new skills, you can teach an old dog new tricks.” According to Helen, the science of neuroplasticity means that it is possible to re-wire your brain. Read the full Port...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/how-to-rewire-your-brain-with-australian-brain-coaching-port-stephens-news-of-the-area</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5434421f3b88f8a4ed7d89</guid><category><![CDATA[In the media]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_a77938c26ca44192a026e8d999bd7a1c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can music help reduce anxiety and improve sleep? The science behind Binaural Beats]]></title><description><![CDATA[The short answer is yes—music can influence mood, reduce stress and promote relaxation for many people.  Research suggests that calming music may help lower anxiety, improve sleep quality and support emotional wellbeing. Some people also find binaural beats helpful as part of a relaxation or meditation routine, although research into their effectiveness is still evolving. Brain Coaching uses music as one of several tools to help reinforce healthier thinking habits and promote relaxation. How...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/can-music-help-reduce-anxiety-and-improve-sleep</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5443991f3b88f8a4ed9fa5</guid><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><category><![CDATA[Insomnia]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_9f1b042347384ee2a6b70d05f881f615~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to win the battle for better sleep (All In The Mind Podcast - ABC Radio)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Do you wake up each morning refreshed and well-slept? Or are you the kind of person who tosses and turns for ages before falling asleep, ruminating on all of your missteps and stresses from the day? If you chose option two, this episode is for you. Two sleep experts share advice on making night-time more restful — beyond the standard 'don't look at your phone before bed.' (Though that's important too). Listen to the full All In The Mind podcast episode here]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/how-to-win-the-battle-for-better-sleep-all-in-the-mind-podcast-abc-radio</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5436556c2bae2e27943af3</guid><category><![CDATA[In the media]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_a607d11c507e44f18249533f0dbaea2f~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_515,h_388,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Agoraphobia: Symptoms, causes and how brain coaching may help]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many people with agoraphobia can improve with the right support. Agoraphobia is more than simply being afraid of leaving home. It is an anxiety disorder in which people fear situations where escaping or getting help may feel difficult if they experience panic or overwhelming anxiety. With appropriate support, many people learn to manage their symptoms and gradually regain confidence. What Is Agoraphobia? Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes intense fear of situations where a person...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/agoraphobia-symptoms-causes</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5ff98920510c8475e70efa</guid><category><![CDATA[Phobias]]></category><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 21 Jul 2024 23:18:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_d237b5fd5eb940cbb6f93accd680dab3~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_406,h_502,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sleeping habits in the spotlight through new book by Helen Dugdale (Narrabri Courier)]]></title><description><![CDATA[In Put Insomnia to Sleep, experienced Narrabri-based psychotherapist Helen Dugdale argues that you don’t have to be part of the 40 per cent of Australians who struggle with insomnia, lack of sleep, or even just bad sleeping habits. “A lot of my clients were coming to me with anxiety and stress and saying that they don’t sleep well. Once I’d fixed their anxiety, they started sleeping better,” she said. Mrs Dugdale realised there are plenty of ‘how-tos’ about getting a good night’s sleep, but...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/sleeping-habits-in-the-spotlight-through-new-book-by-helen-dugdale-narrabri-courier</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5437541f3b88f8a4ed8367</guid><category><![CDATA[In the media]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 24 Jan 2024 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_a77938c26ca44192a026e8d999bd7a1c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spider phobia (Arachnophobia): Symptoms, causes and how Brain Coaching may help]]></title><description><![CDATA[Brain coaching may help some people manage a spider phobia by addressing the emotional responses and thought patterns associated with their fear.  A spider phobia, also known as arachnophobia, is more than simply disliking spiders. It can trigger intense anxiety, panic and avoidance behaviours that interfere with everyday life. If your fear is severe or significantly impacts your wellbeing, professional support may help. What Is a Spider Phobia? It is completely normal to be cautious around...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/spider-phobia-arachnophobia</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5439cc1f3b88f8a4ed884f</guid><category><![CDATA[Phobias]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 20 Dec 2023 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_fde76e2c12c941aaa0115bf426da11eb~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fear of Frogs (Ranidaphobia): Symptoms, causes and how Brain Coaching may help]]></title><description><![CDATA[If your fear of frogs causes intense anxiety, panic or avoidance, it may be a phobia rather than a normal dislike.  While many people feel uncomfortable around frogs, a frog phobia (known as ranidaphobia) can interfere with everyday life. Brain Coaching may help some people better manage the emotional responses associated with a phobia alongside appropriate healthcare. What Is a Frog Phobia? Most frogs found in Australia are harmless. Although some people dislike their appearance, jumping...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/fear-of-frogs-ranidaphobia</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a543c221f3b88f8a4ed8ccd</guid><category><![CDATA[Phobias]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_a9b16bd74b1b4a8bba9821ae50748761~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can anxiety cause Insomnia, Nocturia and Psoriasis?]]></title><description><![CDATA[The short answer is yes - anxiety and chronic stress can contribute to insomnia, frequent urination at night (nocturia) and flare-ups of psoriasis in some people. While each condition can have many possible medical causes, the brain and nervous system play an important role in how these symptoms develop and persist. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice to rule out underlying health conditions before considering supportive approaches such as brain...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/can-anxiety-cause-insomnia-nocturia-and-psoriasis</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5437d11f3b88f8a4ed8468</guid><category><![CDATA[Insomnia]]></category><category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_0523619b584a4260a1f284f7b0165739~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_736,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Train your brain to lower strain? Sleep on it (Dubbo Photo News)]]></title><description><![CDATA[HELEN Dugdale is well known among Dubbo residents for her "brain coaching" techniques that have helped many locals give up smoking, stop procrastinating and achieve a myriad of other benefits through therapy. Now she's declared war on the lack of zzz's and is looking for people who suffer from insomnia and sleep-related issues so she can interview them for her upcoming book. She spoke to Dubbo Photo News about why sleep—or the lack of it—can be such a debilitating issue for so many...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/train-your-brain-to-lower-strain-sleep-on-it-dubbo-photo-news</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a543e7b1f3b88f8a4ed9302</guid><category><![CDATA[Insomnia]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 29 Sep 2021 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_c03cffaaf9094b77b069af7d1086f3f2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When change is around us, fear and anxiety can creep in (The Courier)]]></title><description><![CDATA[“Fear of the Unknown” – most anxieties are caused by this. When things around us start to change from what we have always known, then fear and anxiety can creep in. All the ‘What-if’s” start popping up in our brain – ‘What if I get sick?’, What if I can’t earn a living?’, ‘What if I accidently pass it onto someone else?’, “What if this cough or throat tickle is COVID?” COVID has brought such a momentous change to our way of life, it is understandable that there is so much anxiety about it....]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/when-change-is-around-us-fear-and-anxiety-can-creep-in-the-courier</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5440416c2bae2e27945141</guid><category><![CDATA[In the media]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 29 Sep 2021 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_d1261247859c492cbd12d6a06e9e3ca5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Healthy ageing: 7 simple ways to stay mentally and physically well as you get older]]></title><description><![CDATA[It is never too late to improve your wellbeing. While ageing brings natural physical and emotional changes, research shows that many healthy habits can support brain health, emotional wellbeing and quality of life. Small, consistent lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference at any age. Growing older does not mean you stop learning, adapting or enjoying life. In fact, the brain continues to change throughout life. This ability is known as neuroplasticity, which means the brain can...]]></description><link>https://www.australianbraincoaching.com.au/post/healthy-ageing-7-simple-ways-to-stay-mentally-and-physically-well-as-you-get-older</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a5fff86e75006338f59bad4</guid><category><![CDATA[Other]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2021 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fbb510_1fcfb11d1b3b4d9b994c0e97d34e582f~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Helen Dugdale</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>