It Puts You in Control of Your Health, Your Life and Your Relationships with Your Pets and Other People You Live and Work With.
Living with a chronic illness or managing ongoing health challenges can feel overwhelming. The constant cycle of medications, appointments, and uncertainty about your future health and life can leave you feeling helpless and dependent on others. That's where health coaching comes into play. A transformative approach that addresses your physical well-being and empowers you to take charge of your health and life.
In this blog, I want to take you on a journey and explore why health coaching is beneficial, how it works, and how it equips you with the tools and mindset needed to regain control.
What Is Health Coaching?
Health coaching is a personalised, collaborative approach to all aspects of health and wellness. It involves working with a trained coach like myself, who guides you in identifying and achieving your health goals through tailored strategies that suit your needs.
Unlike the all too common generic advice, health coaching focuses on:
Individualised care: Where your goals, preferences, and lifestyle are at the centre.
Empowerment: Providing you with tools and knowledge to make lasting changes.
The holistic perspective: This means it focuses on addressing the whole person, i.e. physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health.
Convenient: Getting health coaching online can be convenient for busy people. It isn't necessary to meet in person.
Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, health coaching looks at the bigger picture—your habits, mindset, and overall lifestyle—to create a foundation for long-term wellness.
Why Health Coaching Makes Sense?
Strengthen the Bond with Your Pets Through Health Coaching: As a pet owner, your well-being directly impacts the bond you share with your furry companions. Health coaching helps you prioritise your health, manage stress, and build habits that create a balanced and fulfilling life. When you're feeling your best, you have more energy, patience, and focus to nurture the special connection with your pets.
Through personalised coaching, you can:
Reduce stress that animals often sense and mirror.
Improve energy levels to enjoy more quality time with your pets.
Build a harmonious routine that benefits both you and your animals.
Your pets thrive when you do—because a healthier you means a happier, more connected relationship with them.
Because it puts you in the driver's seat: Traditional healthcare often places a patient in a passive role, where you're told what to do, what to take, and what not to eat. This approach can often leave you feeling like a bystander in your health journey. Health coaching flips this narrative. You become an active participant in your health. Together with your coach, you identify your goals, explore barriers, and create a plan that aligns with your life. This collaborative approach fosters confidence, making you feel capable and in control.
Health coaching offers a personalised approach: There is NO one-size-fits-all! No two people are alike, and illnesses manifest differently in everyone. Health coaching acknowledges this by tailoring strategies to your specific needs. For example, this can include
Adjustments in your lifestyle: If stress exacerbates your condition, your coach might focus on stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or yoga. Dietary changes help you identify foods that suit your body and improve your symptoms. Exercise plans to help you create a movement routine that matches your energy levels and physical abilities.
This personalised care makes health coaching so effective—it's all about what works for you.
Health coaching focuses on sustainable change: Quick fixes and fad diets might promise immediate results but rarely lead to lasting wellness. Health coaching prioritises gradual, sustainable changes that fit seamlessly into your life. Whether you adopt healthier eating habits or find time for regular exercise, the focus is on creating routines you can stick with for the long haul.
Health coaching also addresses the Mind-Body connection: Illnesses don't just affect your body; they also take a toll on your mind. Anxiety, frustration, and feelings of isolation are common for those dealing with long-term health challenges. Health coaching integrates mental wellness into its approach by teaching stress management techniques and encouraging mindfulness and meditation, helping you shift negative thought patterns into positive, actionable ones.
When you nurture your body and mind, you're better equipped to handle the ups and downs of your health journey.
When My Stress Became My Dogs' Stress
There was a time when I was working full-time, juggling long hours and the pressures of a demanding job. Stress consumed me, and I didn't realize how much it was impacting not just me, but my two beloved dogs.
They started to mirror my tension, becoming visibly anxious and reactive. Walks that used to be joyful turned stressful as they began showing aggressive behaviour toward other dogs and even unfamiliar people. It was heart breaking to see their personalities change, and I knew something had to shift.
This experience was a wake-up call—our pets are deeply connected to us, and my stress was trickling down to them. It's one of the reasons I became passionate about health coaching, not just for people but for the benefit of their animals too. When we take care of our own well-being, it creates a ripple effect, helping our pets feel secure and at peace.
How Health Coaching Puts You in Control
It helps you build self-awareness: One of the first steps in health coaching is helping you become more aware of your habits, triggers, and choices. You'll gain insights into what's helping or hindering your progress through guided reflections and practical tools such as journaling or tracking.
It helps you set realistic goals: Living with a long-term illness often makes big health goals feel unachievable. Health coaching helps break these goals into manageable, achievable steps. Recognising and celebrating small victories helps create momentum and boosts confidence, making it easier to face larger challenges.
Providing accountability: It is essential to stay consistent when making lifestyle changes. A health coach will either meet in person or remotely to encourage and support you and keep you on track. A consistent check-in ensures you stay motivated and committed to your goals, even when life gets busy or challenging.
Ensuring you are equipped with the tools and strategies you need: Health coaching is not about quick fixes but equipping you with lifelong tools. Some of the strategies your coach might teach you may include time management, reducing stress, and behaviour change techniques.
These tools empower you to navigate your health journey independently long after your coaching sessions end.
Real-Life Impact: My Own Journey of Transformation from Pain to Empowerment and Overcoming Plantar Fasciitis
A few years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis from being on my feet for long periods of time. What started as a dull ache in my feet quickly turned into an overwhelming pain that disrupted every aspect of my daily life. I could barely stand long enough to prepare a simple meal for myself, let alone continue working. Medication offered little relief, leaving me feeling stuck, frustrated, and powerless.
Hitting rock bottom: The pain from plantar fasciitis was more than just physical. It felt like my independence was slipping away. Standing became unbearable, making even the smallest tasks a challenge. Cooking, walking, and working—things I once took for granted—felt like insurmountable obstacles. The prospect of living like this long-term was frightening.
Finding a new path for myself: I did not want to find myself on conventional treatments and medication long-term. Working in frontline healthcare for many years, I knew the long-term effects and implications. With more faith in holistic approaches and as someone deeply invested in health and holistic wellness, I decided to put my knowledge into practice. I committed to treating myself as a client, using the same principles I now guide others through as a health coach.
I used food as medicine: The first step in my recovery was addressing pain and inflammation through nutrition. I revamped my diet, focusing on anti-inflammatory foods that also supported my digestion, mental and emotional health, and sleep. I only ate whole, unprocessed ingredients to support my body's healing and eliminated refined sugars and processed foods that exacerbate inflammation. Given the pain, meal prep was difficult initially, but I found ways to adapt—using stools to sit while cooking and batch-prepping meals to save energy.
I coached myself back to health and wellness: By applying health coaching principles to my own life was a game-changer. I focused on small, actionable steps that felt achievable even on tough days. I set my goals. My initial goal was simply to walk pain-free again. I tracked my progress and celebrated small victories, like standing for 10 minutes without pain or taking short walks around my home. I focused on the Mind-Body connection by incorporating mindfulness, self-applied Reiki, journaling and gentle stretches to help me manage pain and build resilience.
My breakthrough: There were many days I wanted to give up, but as I committed to these changes with determination, my body began to respond. The pain started to subside, my energy improved, and I found myself feeling hopeful again. Over time, I progressed from short, tentative steps to longer, more confident walks.
Where I am now: After 3-4 months, I was walking 3 miles a day—a milestone I once thought impossible. I've regained my independence, returned to the activities I love, and feel stronger than ever. This journey not only healed my body but also deepened my passion for empowering others to overcome their own health challenges.
This is what I learned:
- The Power of Nutrition: Food truly can be medicine, providing the foundation for healing.
- Small Changes Add Up: Incremental steps lead to transformative results.
You Are Your Best Advocate: Taking control of your health starts with believing in your ability to heal.
How Health Coaching Improves Your Quality of Life and Saves You Money
Health coaching improves your quality of life: The benefits of effective self-management include better symptom control and improved well-being. As a result, you can continue your regular activities with minimal disruption.
It reduces your healthcare costs: Having worked in frontline healthcare, I am acutely aware of the rising costs of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Unfortunately, many individuals still struggle to manage their symptoms, often experiencing recurring side effects from the numerous medications they take daily.
Self-management can help lower healthcare costs by reducing over-the-counter medication purchases, frequent hospital visits, and GP visits, which cost you time away from work and income. Preventing complications through self-care can save you and the NHS money.
A holistic approach with health coaching can help people better manage symptoms and reduce their reliance on medication. Why? because it brings the body back into balance, stimulates self-healing, and is your best preventative health investment. especially when many repeat prescription drugs are often unavailable, and switching to another medication often brings its own challenges!
Health coaching gives you more independence: Self-management empowers you to control your health. You're less reliant on healthcare providers and more independent. Managing a chronic illness well makes you feel more confident about your abilities.
Health coaching offers long-term health maintenance: A long-term, Chronic illnesses usually need ongoing care. Maintaining your health over time requires consistent adherence to your doctor's treatment plans, medication regimens, and healthy lifestyle changes.
It can help prevent complications: Proper self-management can help prevent or delay the onset of complications associated with existing chronic illnesses. For example, managing blood sugar levels in diabetes can reduce the risk of kidney disease and neuropathy.
It supports family and caregivers: Self-managing helps you and eases the burden on your family and caregivers.
Better health and wellness outcomes: The results usually include fewer complications, slower disease progression, and better quality of life.
In contrast to conventional medicine, holistic healthcare takes care of the whole person. They must be healthy mentally, financially, socially, physically, mentally, energetically (Biofield) and emotionally. An emotional connection exists to a physical symptom.
So, for example, in the case of a bereavement or divorce causing migraine headaches months later, addressing emotional and mental stress is part of the healing process.
Health coaching addresses ALL important factors for you to live a healthier, more balanced & fulfilling life:
Mental well-being cannot be overstated. Self-care, stress management, and access to mental health services are vital to maintaining a healthy mind and body.
Balanced diets are essential to physical and mental health. The right foods and portion control are the keys to maintaining a healthy weight and a balanced immune system.
Exercise promotes weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. Find a routine you enjoy, and you'll be more likely to stick to it.
The importance of social connections: Maintaining meaningful relationships is essential for mental and emotional health. Strong social support reduces stress.
The importance of financial health: Keeping your finances in order can relieve stress, help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, and help you plan ahead.
Education and Continuous Learning: Learning keeps your mind active, helps you adapt to change, and gives you new opportunities. No matter your age or ability, numerous free and affordable online courses are available.
Time Management: Balance work, personal life, and self-care by effectively managing your time.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for overall well-being. Burnout can have serious consequences.
Environment: Environmental factors like air and water quality can affect health. It is important to live in a clean and safe environment.
Community Involvement: Getting involved in your community through volunteering is a good way to feel well, provide a sense of purpose and an opportunity to meet new people.
Emotional Intelligence: The ability to recognise, understand, manage, and effectively use your and others' emotions in various situations. Understanding and managing your emotions is essential for healthy relationships.
Hobbies and leisure activities: Enjoying hobbies and leisure activities can reduce stress, increase fulfilment, and improve mental health.
Cultural and Spiritual Well-being: Many people value culture and spirituality and use these aspects to guide, support, and find purpose in life. Spirituality is not about religion but about a connection to all life.
Being environmentally aware: Protecting the environment and reducing your ecological footprint is essential for future generations' health and well-being.
Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Health Coaching
Because healthcare is overwhelmed: Doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare providers are essential, but they often lack the time to provide the personalised support you need to make lifestyle changes. Health coaches can fill this gap, offering the guidance and attention necessary to complement medical care.
Prevention is key: Don't wait until your health worsens. Preventing complications is just as important as managing symptoms, especially for those with chronic illnesses. Health coaching focuses on proactive measures that help you stay ahead of potential health issues.
You deserve more: Everyone deserves to feel empowered and supported on their health journey. Health coaching provides the tools and encouragement to help you live the life you want—not just the life your illness dictates.
Your journey starts here: Health coaching isn't about following a rigid plan or adhering to someone else's rules. It's about discovering what works for you and reclaiming control over your health and life.
If you're ready to take the next step, start by asking yourself:
What goals do I want to achieve?
What's been holding me back?
Am I ready to invest in myself and my well-being?
The answers to these questions could change everything. Health coaching offers the partnership, tools, and inspiration to turn your health goals into lasting realities.
Remember: The power to transform your health and life is already within you. Health coaching simply helps you unlock it.
Send me a message! To learn more, schedule a free 30-minute discovery call.
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