Happy New Year!

Something I’m really proud of from 2021 is completing my science-based training in positive psychology health and wellness coaching and then passing the National Board of Medical Examiner’s Certification in Health and Wellness Coaching exam. This means that in addition to having my PhD and being an ACC, I’m now also a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)! I’m really looking forward to using what I learned to better help clients reach their health and wellness goals in 2022!

Something I’ve reflected on quite a bit is working toward “big” goals as well as the critical importance of thoughtfully maintaining our wellness on a day-to-day basis. I’m not a runner, but I had a “big goal” to run a 10k. I followed a training program to prepare. It was hard for me, but I did it and pretty much hated it the whole time (though I loved the snacks afterwards)! I will never again run a 10k.

Maintaining my day-to-day, on the other hand, wellness looks different. I eat healthy (most of the time, but wellness does include chocolate!). I have a cardio and strength plan that I commit to following. I have accountability partners for exercising because I’m likely to blow it off otherwise, especially when I’m not pursuing a “big goal”. I spend time with the people I love and who enhance my sense of wellbeing. I am far from perfect, but I do try my best. 

Wellness requires making tiny but consistent commitments to your health. Imagine that you are in your optimal zone of wellness and ask yourselves these questions:

  1. WHY do I maintain my wellness?
    1. What do I value most? 
    2. What brings me JOY?
  2. WHO helps me to maintain my wellness?
    1. Maybe it is your partner or your dog or your religion… Who helps you be accountable to yourself by both challenging and supporting you?
  3. WHAT specifically do I do day-to-day to maintain my wellness?
    1. Be very specific here… imagine waking up in the morning and opening your eyes, seeing yourself going through a weekday step by step and then imagine a weekend – what exactly are you doing to be well?

This photo is from a 13-mile hike on the cliffs of Dover, England with my children. It was a moment of pure joy. I need to maintain my wellness day-to-day to keep up with my kids and enjoy nature. If I don’t, moments like these will be physically impossible. What do you commit to daily so that you can be at your best physically and emotionally? Need help making a plan for yourself? I would be happy to help! 

Here’s to a happy and healthy 2022!