How value-aligned goals can help you to achieve your health and wellbeing goals
Neesha Patel • 23 January 2024
Think back to the start of the New Year. Many of us have goals to improve our health and this includes weight loss, fitness, having a healthy diet, sleeping well, and to exercise more, but over a short period of time old habits start to kick back in. Emerging evidence shows that when your health and wellbeing goals are aligned with your personal values (what matters to you the most), you are more likely to achieve your long-term goals, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.
Why does this happen, you might wonder? Why is it that every year I set goals and have New Year’s resolutions, and by spring just struggle to achieve the goals?
Well, often we make the goal too hard for the brain to be able to manage and process the changes that are being made. We often don't realise the power of the brain when making health behaviour changes, but when we restrict or change an old habit too quickly, our brain struggles to either accept, maintain or adapt to the change.
Quite often we set the bar too high when we start to do something new by setting unrealistic expectations and goals, and not giving ourselves enough time to be able to undertake the activity to achieve the goal. For example, if the goal is too difficult to achieve, we may give up or reduce the effort in attaining the goal and feel like a failure by the end of January or February once we give up. For some, emotions such as guilt, shame, worry, sadness or even anger and frustration may start to show up, making it harder to keep on track and to stay motivated. It may be hard to believe, but taking a step back and re-framing and rethinking the way we set goals can help you to achieve your goals.
How? Well, by focusing on your values.
Our values are part of our identity and help to showcase what is important to us and what provides meaning in our life. Think of values as ingredients you need to follow in a new recipe, the result being delicious food which was the goal that you intended to achieve right at the start when you first started to make the dish. If the food tastes good, you tend to feel a sense of achievement and will be more likely to make the dish again.
A positive outcome on anything we do reinforces the action.
Let’s take the example of exercise. If you want to exercise because you value taking care of your body and being fit and healthy, you are more likely to create an exercise routine even if it means going for a short walk when you don’t feel like it, because exercise is an important value to you.
From my own clinical experience of working with private clients and patients in the NHS, I have found that when people use a ‘system’ to make health behaviour changes, such as following an evidence-based technique to change with support from a health psychologist or coach equivalent, and ensure they have created value-aligned goals, they are more likely to succeed and achieve their desired goal(s). Below is a sample of a system I have used with clients and patients:
- Self-monitoring: Mapping out what you do for every 24 hours for seven days a week; by monitoring what you're doing now it raises awareness of where the patterns are and what the areas are that may need changing.
- Planning and routine: These two factors are important in creating a system that enables the change to happen successfully.
- Creating value-aligned goals: Ensuring the activities that you wish to undertake are in line with what is important to you and what is meaningful to you in your life. Value-aligned goals also help you to prioritize your health and wellbeing in a way that feels meaningful and fulfilling to you.
- Action the goal(s): Really focusing and planning out how you're going to carry out each activity, when you are going to do them and identifying the potential barriers to you being able to action the goal or the plan and your method of overcoming the barriers.
- Review and maintenance: Reflecting on progress after a short period of time can help to make any adjustments needed and ensure that the goal(s) set are right for you. It can also help to identify any further information or support that’s needed to help you stay motivated and achieve your goal(s).
Remember:
- When we set goals and we achieve them and tick them off the list, we tend to feel good.
- As humans we love the feelings of achievement, progress and success!
- Setting value-aligned goals can empower you to stay focused and motivated to achieve and sustain your health and wellbeing goals.
If you are struggling to achieve your health-related goals or make changes to your lifestyle to improve your health or need a better routine to improve and create value-aligned goals to benefit your mental and physical health, please contact info@evokinghealth.co.uk.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog.
How consistency, vision, and self-ki ndness can shape the journey to wellbeing
Preparing for Success
Restriction vs. Creating Realistic Habits for Healthy Weight Loss At this time of the year, there is a great deal of information health and wellness in the media, TV and social media channels. When it comes to weight loss, the journey often starts with high motivation and strict goals. Many people turn to restrictive diets, cutting out entire food groups or drastically reducing calories in the hopes of achieving quick results. While this approach can lead to short-term weight loss, it’s rarely sustainable and often leads to frustration, burnout, and eventual weight regain. In my clinical practice and my previous experience of working in NHS Obesity services, I have worked with many patients who have struggled with yo-yo dieting and the frustration of repeated weight regain. These individuals often came to me feeling defeated, having tried numerous restrictive diets without lasting success and felt that having weight loss surgery was the only solution left to try. However, by shifting their focus to creating sustainable habits and learning the skills to manage their weight, many of these patients achieved not only their weight loss goals but also a greater sense of happiness and control over their health without the need for a life-changing surgery. Some also reversed their risk of developing type-2 diabetes, a chronic condition related to lifestyle and weight. Witnessing their transformation as they adopted realistic strategies and found freedom from the cycle of restriction confirmed the research evidence on the power of habit-based approaches. What are the Downsides of Restriction? Restrictive diets often promise rapid weight loss, but they come with significant downsides: Unsustainable Practices : Restriction can make eating feel like a chore or punishment. This mindset makes it difficult to maintain the diet over time. Nutritional Deficiencies : Cutting out entire food groups (e.g., carbs, fats) can deprive the body of essential nutrients, leading to fatigue, irritability, and other health issues. Psychological Strain : Restriction can lead to feelings of deprivation, which may increase the risk of binge eating or developing an unhealthy relationship with food. Yo-Yo Dieting : Rapid weight loss often results in rapid weight regain when the restrictive plan becomes unsustainable. This cycle can negatively impact metabolism and mental health. Why Habits Work Better Than Restriction Psychology informs that habits are powerful because they require less conscious effort over time. When healthy behaviours become automatic, they’re easier to maintain, even during busy or stressful periods. Unlike restrictive diets, which often feel like temporary fixes, habits create a foundation for lasting change and improved health. For instance, replacing sugary beverages with water or eating a balanced breakfast every day might not seem transformative at first. However, these habits accumulate over time, contributing to sustainable weight loss and overall healthier lifestyle. The Power of Realistic Habits to Build Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan Creating realistic habits focuses on gradual, manageable changes that fit into your lifestyle. This approach fosters long-term success by promoting consistency and balance. Here are a few tips to get started: Small, Gradual Changes : Instead of overhauling your entire diet, focus on one or two changes at a time. For example, start by drinking more water or incorporating a serving of vegetables into every meal. Once it becomes routine, add another. Balanced Nutrition : Think of meals as an opportunity to fuel your body, rather than as a strict regimen. Restriction leads to more cravings of the foods you are trying to restrict from your diet! Aim for a diet that includes all food groups, emphasising whole, minimally processed foods. Mindful Eating : Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, and eat without distractions. This helps prevent overeating and encourages a positive relationship with food. Realistic Goals : Set goals that are achievable and specific, such as losing 1-2 pounds per week or walking 30 minutes a day. Small wins build confidence and momentum. Be Patient : Sustainable weight loss takes time. Focus on progress rather than quick results. Seek Support : Whether it’s a friend, family member, or health professional, having support can help you stay accountable and motivated. Be Kind and Flexible : Life changes, and so will your habits. Be flexible and adjust your goals and routines as necessary but do it with kindness and compassion for yourself. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection : Weight loss journeys aren’t linear, and slip-ups are normal. Celebrate progress and focus on consistency rather than perfection. Celebrating progress will also help you to stay motivated. Remember…. Weight loss doesn’t have to mean extreme restriction. By focusing on creating realistic, sustainable habits, you can achieve your goals while improving your overall relationship with food and your body. This balanced approach not only promotes healthy weight loss but also lays the groundwork for a healthier and kinder lifestyle for YOU! Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Warm Wishes Dr Neesha Patel F or more information on how to access psychological support or for a no obligation free 15-minute telephone consultation, please contact: info@evokinghealth.co.uk
Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological and often debilitating condition which has been referred to as the ‘missed disease’ due to its unclear aetiology and inconsistencies in its diagnosis and management. As it stands it can take up to nine years to diagnose the condition, so one can only imagine the significant physical and mental impact this can have on women and their families, careers and life in general. In my NHS and private clinical health psychology practice, I have worked with many women who have described their symptoms, pain and the ordeal of accessing care and getting a diagnosis for endometriosis. I have always empathised with them and tried to help them find some solutions but by the time they finished therapy with me, whether that was for weight management, preparation for weight loss surgery, or lifestyle behaviour change, they still had this feeling of hopelessness and huge amounts uncertainty about whether the health system will be able to help them and what the impact on fertility would be in the future. Through my own curiosity and research into the condition, I realised that unlike other long-term conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma; endometriosis has remained largely ignored in government policy and research funding, as well as psychological treatment, globally. In this day and age this is hard to believe and accept. Any long-term chronic condition can have a significant impact on psychological well-being. However, the psychological aspects of endometriosis are complex, encompassing emotional, mental, and social difficulties, especially due to the care pathway, lack of psychological research and delays in diagnosis. Understanding the psychological impact of endometriosis is crucial for providing effective, empathetic care and improving the overall quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition. Let's explore the psychological challenges women face when living with a chronic condition like endometriosis: 1. Emotions The persistent and often severe pain associated with endometriosis can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and hopelessness. Chronic pain is strongly correlated with increased levels of anxiety and depression. 2. Distress The uncertainty and unpredictability of symptom flare-ups can cause significant emotional distress. Women may experience mood swings, irritability, and emotional exhaustion even whilst going through the process of getting a diagnosis or whilst waiting for surgery. 3 . Mental Health and well-being Anxiety about pain, fertility issues, and the ability to maintain personal and professional responsibilities. The anticipation of pain can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Depression, the ongoing physical pain, coupled with the impact on daily activities and life goals, can contribute to a depressive state. Daily functioning, more stress, poor sleep, perceiving treatment as ineffective, together with unhelpful coping strategies can lead to a downward spiral. 4 . Social and relationship challenges The chronic nature of endometriosis can lead to social withdrawal. Women may avoid social interactions due to pain or fatigue, resulting in feelings of isolation and loneliness. The condition can put a strain on intimate relationships. Sexual dysfunction, due to pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), can cause tension and affect intimacy. Partners may struggle to understand the extent of the pain and emotional burden, leading to potential conflicts. 5. Work and Life The symptoms of endometriosis can interfere with work and daily activities, leading to reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. This can affect career progression and financial stability. 6 . Self-confidence The physical and emotional toll of endometriosis can affect self-esteem and body image. Women may feel less confident and struggle with a sense of worthlessness, especially if they gain weight, struggle with fertility, maintaining work leading to financial constraints. So, how do women possibly cope? From a psychological perspective, examining coping strategies of those with chronic conditions reveals a need for positive approaches like seeking social support, engaging in therapy, and embracing healthy lifestyle changes. However, it can be challenging for women dealing with chronic pain. Unhelpful coping strategies like comfort eating and substance abuse can worsen mental health. Repeated habits are hard to break, may require professional psychological support for healthier habits. Can psychological support or therapy really help? I maybe bias here, but the answer is YES. Why? Many women with endometriosis often find themselves in a state of isolation, grappling with feelings of guilt and shame due to their condition. Therapy offers a safe space for individuals to delve into and address the deep-seated beliefs and emotions that fuel catastrophizing. For instance, catastrophizing can exacerbate pain perception in endometriosis, based on how one interprets their pain. When individuals worry about potential outcomes, dwell on negative thoughts, or feel overwhelmed by their condition, it can intensify pain sensitivity, resulting in increased pain and worsened symptoms. Not everyone is aware of this and therefore the suffering spirals into a vicious cycle. What are the best types of therapy for this particular condition? There are many therapies out that can offer tailored strategies to cope with the emotional and psychological burden of the condition. This can feel daunting, overwhelming and confusing, so here are my top three recommendations: 1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help women manage pain, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve their overall quality of life by changing negative or unhelpful thought patterns, emotions such as fear and anxiety. 2. Mindfulness and Relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation help in managing pain and reducing stress levels as well. 3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT ) can help to encourage women to engage in pleasurable and meaningful activities, even in the presence of pain or discomfort, and can help counteract feelings of guilt or shame and promote a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction in life. As humans, no matter what our situation, we all have values and goals, but often we are not aware of them until you embrace yourself into a conversation about this. Clarifying your values and identifying meaningful goals can provide a sense of purpose and direction despite the challenges posed by endometriosis. By focusing on what matters most can cultivate a sense of self-worth and fulfilment, independent of the condition. Social Support Joining support groups, either in-person or online, can provide a sense of community and shared understanding. It can also provide education about the condition, treatment options, and pain management strategies to empower women and reduce the anxiety related to uncertainty and lack of control. Registered charities and podcasts are also a great source of information on learning more about the condition. Please see the ‘What next section’ below for further details. What needs to change for the future? There needs to be better and more consistent understanding of endometriosis, together with specialised professional health support much earlier, including psychological support, and for those in the process of getting diagnosed. But how? Here are a number of ways in which this can be actioned: 1.Raising awareness and communication about the condition in the health systems, be it public or private and workplaces where we all spend a huge chunk of our day. 2. Providing credible education to all about the condition to reduce the stigma and stereotyping, and help women to normalise their feelings – not just awareness weeks and months. 3. Setting up champions and ambassadors with lived experience to share their story to help others. 4. Encouraging women to access professional and credible psychological support to talk about their difficulties and through therapy find ways to help women live a rich and meaningful life because everyone deserves this. Therapy won’t take away the pain or symptoms but it will provide a safe empathetic space to build a sense of hope and manage the symptoms by developing healthy coping strategies. 5. Finally, understanding and accepting the psychological impact of endometriosis is crucial not only for women living with it but for all health professionals, employers, family, friends and society in general. This can help to for provide effective, empathetic care and help to improve the overall quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition. What next? For more information on how to access psychological or therapeutic support or for a no obligation free 15-minute telephone consultation, please contact: info@evokinghealth.co.uk To access more information about the condition and for more general support including free webinars, research, news and events, please visit the charity: www.endometriosis-uk.org Finally, if you haven’t already, then please check out the DEARG podcast Episode 20 [Breaking Barriers: Psychological Support and Coping Strategies for Endometriosis and Chronic Conditions] which was released on Wednesday 19 th June 2024 on Spotify and Apple by Podcast Producer and Medical Scientist and Kathleen King. 🎙️ Click below to tune in to the podcast via: Spotify: Breaking Barriers: Psychological Support and Coping Strategies for Endometriosis and Chronic Conditions Apple Podcasts: Breaking Barriers: Psychological Support and Coping Strategies for Endometriosis and Chronic Conditions
Why a Mind and Body Retreat?
Thinking about your Mental Health Last month, on Monday 10th October 2022, we celebrated World Mental Health Day. This day raised awareness about the importance of Mental Health and how to look after our mental health. However, I believe that we should be thinking about our mental health on a regular basis and incorporate simple activities into our daily routine that help to boost our mental health. Mental health is a key part of health and well-being that enables us to cope with daily life, learn new skills, work, build relationships and shape the world we live in. However, in health psychology the focus is not just on mental health but mental and physical health. Why? Because research shows that our mind and body are connected. What we think (mind) drives our actions and behaviour (body) and impacts on how we feel (emotions) (see image below). For example: If you get invited to a party but you think that nobody likes you and nobody wants to talk to you, the chances are that you won’t end up going to the party and will feel quite sad and upset. Or If you have a thought such as ‘I can’t be bothered to go to the gym today because I don’t feel like it’, the chances are that you won’t end up going and may feel frustrated and guilty.
A very warm welcome to Evoking Health Limited. This is Evoking Health’s first blog and marks the launch of the new business and this website. It’s been a longstanding career ambition of mine to set up my own private health psychology practice in the UK. I am passionate about using my skills and expertise to help people to make long lasting health behaviour changes to enable them to live a long and healthy life. Over the last 18 years, I have worked in a wide variety of settings ranging from health charity, academia, NHS, private organisations and public services. A common dominator I found in all the settings was peoples struggle with their health and navigating through the NHS to get the support and care that they needed. Peoples regrets of wishing that they had taken care of their health when they were younger or making changes to their health when they were advised to seemed to impact on peoples hope for the future of their health. Unfortunately, we know that time and change are both constant and neither can be reversed BUT it is possible to make changes for a healthier and happier future. I truly believe that our health is our wealth . In my opinion, providing people with the information, psychological tools and skills to make changes to their health outside of the health service and in their own environments (work, home) will help to prevent or even delay the onset of several chronic health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, Obesity and Heart disease as well have a more positive impact on mental health too. These conditions are a huge constrain on the NHS resources in terms of time, costs and the associated health problems that come with them. The reality is that the NHS will not be able cope with the demand of the aging population and the health problems linked with lifestyle (diet, sleep, exercise, stress) and this will impact on peoples quality of life and longevity. COVID-19 has taken the NHS to the ultimate test in terms of resources, and we are still seeing how some NHS services are still really struggling to run routine services as well as provide care for those critically ill with COVID-19. We know that COVID-19 is here to stay for years to come and that looking after our health can have huge benefits for both our physical and mental health. Although the NHS service employs health psychologists across several health conditions, there remains a gap and a postcode lottery in terms of funding for the number of health psychologists needed to provide patients high quality health and lifestyle behaviour change services that’s needed. So why Evoking Health? To ‘Evoke’ is to bring to the conscious mind. To be aware. To be in the present. Being aware of our health behaviours can make space for change. The business logo symbolises growth and expansion in the form of a ‘tree’, visualising the connecting of pieces to represent one’s experiences as the foundation in which change to occur. My mission with Evoking Health is not to keep people in endless therapy sessions but to: Empower people to understand the psychology of health behaviour change particularly weight management by making lasting lifestyle changes, not just short-term changes for events such as weddings and holidays. Taking the first step to accessing psychological support can feel quite daunting. However, if want to have a healthier relationship with food, and you have been struggling to lose weight, or want to improve your health and wellbeing by making lifestyle changes, then please get in touch to discuss the options available to you and how I can support you today. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. For more information on Evoking Health, please click here . For appointments, please contact info@evokinghealth.co.uk or phone 07752 354645 . Please share this via the social media links below.