Lifestyle Coaching

What is Lifestyle Coaching?

A dictionary definition of lifestyle is 'a way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group'. What we mean by 'lifestyle' today is very different to what we meant a generation or so ago.

Why is that? In the 1980's lifestyle was associated with consumerism, affluence, indulgence and excess. Nowadays we're likely to equate lifestyle with balance, health, wellbeing, personal development and living by our values. It's as if the scales tipped too far in one direction, and now we're trying to redress the balance.

What lifestyle coaching means to me is supporting you in finding and living the life you want to live in terms of your overall wellbeing. This includes your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual* health.

*Please note that spiritual does not equate to religion in this context; it is the intangible, essential aspect of each person.

Foundations of Health Principles

The principles I follow in my lifestyle coaching are those of the C.H.E.K Institute, which I studied as part of my certification as a Holistic Lifestyle Coach (Level 1).

Below are these six principles in diagrammatic form:

When there is a breakdown in one or more of these six foundations of health - thinking, breathing, hydration, nutrition, exercise and sleep - your overall wellbeing will be affected.

For example, we often put a lot of importance on exercise, hydration and nutrition when it comes to a 'healthy lifestyle', but can underestimate or ignore the impact of disrupted sleep patterns and a depressed state of mind.

For our lifestyle to be optimal, it's important that each of these areas are addressed.

My approach

The philosophy of the CHEK Institute is that you become a living role model for your clients. This means that I don't follow the mantra 'Do as I say, not as I do...!'.

I have a strong belief in making changes to your lifestyle that are realistic, achievable and long-lasting. My approach is not one of abstinence, deprivation and rigour. Nor do I believe in quick-fix cures.

Some of the areas we are likely to look at are:

• Assessing your current lifestyle through holistic lifestyle questionnaires
• Your vision of your 'optimal lifestyle'
• Understanding the impact of your thoughts and feelings on your well-being
• Learning to tune into what your body's telling you
• Eating for well-being, without the fads
• Functional exercise programmes
• Keeping your life in balance

Many approaches to lifestyle change work very well in the short-term, but the majority of people tend to go back to their old habits. This is often because there is too much focus on the symptoms and not the cause. My counselling and psychotherapy training gives me the ability to uncover the barriers that get in the way of change, and the skills to work with you to overcome them.

About Victoria

I began long-distance running as a teenager and, during my early twenties, progressed into triathlons. I soon began to achieve success in local and national races and was selected to represent Great Britain in my age group in three separate World Championships (1993, 1995, 1996). Working in a senior managerial role at the same time as having a heavy training schedule meant that lifestyle balance should have been a key focus. I didn't always get this right, and it was through experience of fatigue, illness and injury that I realised a holistic and balanced approach to my work and training was of utmost importance.

After deciding to retire from competition in 2000, I gradually moved towards the lifestyle that gave me the most fulfilment. This meant leaving my corporate role and moving into the field of counselling and psychotherapy. It also meant building my knowledge and understanding of nutrition and exercise through more formal means. As well as my counselling and psychotherapy training, I have also completed the following:

• C.H.E.K Holistic Lifestyle Coach (Level 1)
• Advanced Certificate in Nutritional Science
• Certificate III in Fitness
• Certificate in Psychodietetics
• Senior First Aid

I bring a unique set of experiences to my work in lifestyle coaching. Although I believe that healthy living leads to a happier life, I am also realistic about how this looks on a day to day basis.

To find out more about Victoria, please click here.

If you'd like to find out more about my approach, please contact me today.