Coaching in Covid-Saving our Sanity with Virtual HEALTH HUGS.

This month I'm sharing an interview from a conversation with an Entrepreneur looking for suggestions on how to improve their business, I feel it says what many may need to read. 

Q: “How has this C-19 affected your life and business?”

NJ: I feel it has in a positive way, I have been taking time to really listen to what people are struggling with and ways to reframe a situation for them.

For many people, maintaining a healthy mental and physical lifestyle has not been easy for the last few months.

Fortunately, as a health coach, I have been able to use great technology to keep doing my job, keeping people on track with their diet and life goals.

Q: What are people needing most?

NJ: For example, People who struggle with weight maintenance, and self-sabotage, they often just need to hear words of encouragement, know they can maintain accountability and get support.

Through the use of the available face-to-face platforms it has been an extra boost to hear and see the client as well as them see me.  

Q: Does the Technology take away from the impact of the in-person support?

NJ: Before Covid, some appointments were in-person but most were by phone due to geography. 

As a whole, switching to virtual appointments as the norm really helped keep everyone inspired and on track. This actually made visits more efficient and those who could be in the comfort of their home felt a bigger boost in their progress.

Q: What is the biggest struggle with your clients?

NJ: Ahhh, Being able to keep clients from putting on “quarantine 15,” “pounds,  from Stress eating, boredom snacking, poor choices, going to more processed foods to cut down on shopping trips  As well as decreased physical activity, takes Support, accountability and small steps. 

The biggest issue encountered was an increase in people stress eating. 

Being around foods all day in the comfort of home in comfy wear, was a big issue.

Checking-in weekly via virtual face to face time has helped to prevent some serious self -sabotage.

More importantly, increases morale, decreases personal perceived doom and failure which would ensue with lack of resources and resilience.

Q: How are you making this easier for your clients, or how do you feel you are helping?

NJ: Being available and in-tune with their needs when they cannot pin point them has been a blessing, by going online for one-on-one lifestyle coaching sessions was an added bonus. For MTM, virtual face to face has largely replaced in person as well as reduce some of the challenges.

Seeing clients face to face even on screen has been a game-changer. It’s a great way to keep people on track, with the support, and accountability contributing to ultimate success.  

Human connection is crucial to goal attainment and stress reduction too. 

People work really hard to get where they are in their personal health journey and we certainly don’t want to risk falling onto old habits. 

Q: What do you say to those who are just waiting for this to “get Better”?

NJ: I believe it is extremely important during a time like this for people to have the support that they need and I love being able to provide that.

Time waits for none of us, the stars will not align, there will not be a Magic day and time to get started, We have now, now and now, every second that clock ticks was an opportunity to get moving on our life, Waiting will not get you there, doing will.

Q: What is a bit of advice, or suggestion you have for those who feel stuck?

NJ: I love this, First, Get honest with yourself. If you are reading this you have the capacity to know what areas of your life you may need support in, we cannot do it alone, it takes a village, or at least an accountability person. 

Write out your goals, and break it down into small steps, then take step on.

If you need to repeat step 1, 10 times, THAT’S OK, there is no fail, only growth. 

Catch yourself when you start thinking a negative and self-defeating thoughts, find one tiny thing that is good right this second, then build on that.

Human connection is crucial to over-all well-being, so at a time when we are not getting as much connection with humans in general, I am grateful to see my clients virtually and help keep us all on track. 

Contact Coach Natalie-Jo for a free coaching session and resources to help you with your Goals!

Natalie Jo Flynn, Dual certified NP, Functional Health Coach, CLC, Founder of Move That Mountain, Health and Life Coaching

www.movethatmountainlife.com