Author Archives: Natasja

Here’s a story about two cancelled holidays and a flexible working request. It’s also about giving up a need to control. Difficult. I know. My husband and I were meant to go to Cyprus in May, and Croatia in June. A total of 15 days of sunshine, sea and a change of scenery. Instead, we,Continue reading “Cancel your need for control”

When you change the question you ask yourself, you also change where you look for the answers.

To many people assertiveness is a thorny issue. It certainly was for me.  When does standing up for myself and my needs, turn me into a manipulator? Or worse, a bully? Why is it difficult to say no to my colleagues but easier to a stranger? How do I stop my naturally empathetic nature fromContinue reading “How to be more assertive”

Dealing with change is undoubtedly the most stressful thing for humans to have to endure. No, allow me to rephrase that. Stress isn’t caused by change, change becomes stressful when we don’t adapt. When we don’t roll with the punches. And it really can feel like a punch in the gut. There are times whenContinue reading “How to deal with change”

I have always been fascinated by aromatherapy and the power of smell to evoke happy memories. Whenever I smell jasmine I am reminded of my first holiday in Corfu. A large jasmine plant covered the walkway to our room. When we sat outside or left the room, the smell would envelop us. And when IContinue reading “Aromatherapy”

Obesity has been evidence linked as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic diseases, sleep apnea and depression. Weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of developing up to 18 health conditions linked to obesity. Not only does obesity impact the quality of life of the individual, it puts a strain onContinue reading “Motivational Interviewing and weightloss”

8 Steps of CBC in the GROW Model Step 1: Setting the Scene for Cognitive Behavioural Coaching (“CBC”) “The way you think about events in our life profoundly influences the way you feel about them: change the way you think and this will, in turn, change the way you feel.” (Life Coaching A cognitive behaviouralContinue reading “Cognitive Behavioural Coaching in the GROW model”

Attention and interest A way to show that you are paying attention to and showing interest in what a person is saying is by having an open body language. Body language encompasses facial expressions, micro-expressions, voice, gestures, and postures. I often find myself leaning forward when I’m intently listening. This comes naturally to me. HavingContinue reading “Comment on the skills needed to facilitate a coaching session”

Michael Neenan says in his book Developing Resilience that “resilience is forged through pain and struggle, and the willingness, however reluctantly undertaken, to experience them”. I certainly learned resilience when I had surgery to correct inward rolling ankles and dropped arches in both my feet. My feet had been this way since birth and IContinue reading “A reflection on resilience mindsets”

The NHS’s Action for Diabetes has made it clear that in order to improve the health outcomes of those living with diabetes, education around self-management of the condition need to be improved and individuals have to become empowered to take charge of their own care.  Studies have shown that wellness coaching is able to bridgeContinue reading “The impact of wellness coaching on diabetes”