Jessica emphasized that her work as a lifestyle coach is a partnership.
“I focused on meeting Monica where she was in her change journey, finding out what was important to her and what was motivating her to make these changes now,” Jessica said. “As Monica saw that it was possible to make changes, she became motivated to make further changes.”
Initially, Monica and Jessica met twice a month, during which time, they established specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (S.M.A.R.T) goals. Monica said she was honest with Jessica about what goals seemed achievable and what goals did not, and they included incorporating more fruits and vegetables into her diet, drinking more water and finding ways to move her body – which didn’t include going to the gym.
“I found exercise videos on Facebook because I knew I couldn’t stay consistent going to the gym,” she shared. “But working out at home is working out for me.”
But it wasn’t just about working out and eating better. Monica and Jessica also talked about strategies for handling stress and getting a good night’s rest. One goal Monica set was to improve her sleeping habits.
“I created a nightly routine to wind down by journaling with a devotional and listening to relaxing gospel music around 9 p.m. This routine soothed me right to sleep,” Monica said.
Together, these small changes yielded a 15-pound weight loss, a normal blood pressure reading and improved lab work. “I feel so much better than I did this time last year,” Monica said. “I feel alive.”
The keys to her success were the realistic goals and Jessica’s support. “I was honest with myself and Jessica, and if an idea wasn’t working, I felt free to say that. Then we’d try something else,” Monica explained. “Jessica was my much-needed accountability partner, and I felt like I couldn’t let her down.”
Now, Monica said she recommends the lifestyle coach services to anyone who asks. “I’m a commercial, and I’ve told people it can help them get things in order,” she said. “People walk up to me and tell me I look amazing, and I tell them 60 is the new 40. I’m living proof that simple goals can be set and achieved, and it’s never too late to take care of yourself. ECU Health’s Lifestyle Medicine can get you started on your journey.”
Want to learn more about Lifestyle Medicine or lifestyle coaching? Check out the website here.