Rethinking health: a personal path to balance

The fear of commitment is a concept that paralyzes many people when it comes to rethinking health. Bombarded daily with polished images of what a body is supposed to look like, it’s easy to fall into complete paralysis at the idea of getting back in shape. Committing to a so-called “healthy” routine can be frightening because, despite appearances, there is no universal solution. Dive into our conversation with Yvonne, a certified holistic coach.

Bio-individuality: a fundamental concept

“As a holistic coach, I deeply believe in the concept of bio-individuality. It’s actually at the heart of my practice today,” Yvonne explains. Having worked in the wellness industry for four years, she has seen countless trends come and go. “The issue with trends and information overload is that none of them are specifically targeted to you,” she laments.

The answer lies in intuition, in actively listening to the body and its environment. “It’s about having an honest point of view. Ask yourself how things affect you emotionally, physically, and spiritually. All these aspects are extremely important, healthy, and beneficial.” Throughout her practice, Yvonne has repeatedly observed the intertwined relationship between the mind and the body, and vice versa.

Listening to your body and observing your environment

Certified in gut and hormonal health, Yvonne meets many clients whose digestion is fragile, whose stomachs react to certain foods, and whose diets don’t seem to work. “The main fear comes from the abundance of information in this field, often trends and fads that work for some but not for others. It’s hard to keep up with all that while suffering and struggling. Some people feel overwhelmed and need guidance.”

She offers her expertise by suggesting ways to integrate healthier, more accessible rituals or habits. “My role is to look at the big picture. Maybe someone has a food intolerance, but maybe the stress related to their work is also causing their digestive issues. There are many links between our organs and our hormones; our gut is closely connected to our brain.”

She therefore looks at every aspect of a person’s life: their diet, sleep, cycle, daily stress, and the balance between work and personal life. “Everything is closely linked. To find the root cause, it’s impossible to look only at the surface. And sometimes, it’s difficult to find it alone.” Yvonne sees herself as an accountability partner—a professional who provides support through a variety of tools, including a personalized, step-by-step plan.

Preparing for change and access to resources

Committing to an endeavor that could change our habits for the better is not easy and can take time. Yvonne observes this dynamic in several stages. “First, there is the level of willingness and the stage of development of the person involved. This is what we refer to as their readiness for change. They might be in the phase of reflection and adoption, but not yet in the phase of implementation.”

Access to resources can vary. These can range from an educational book on the subject, to the internet, from a naturopath to a health coach, not to mention access to money to afford these resources, and time to implement them in daily life.

“The second key to this process is knowing and understanding that certain symptoms are not normal, such as premenstrual symptoms. They are extremely common, but it is not normal to have debilitating symptoms. We are not taught much about cycles and phases, nor about how the body reacts.” If we do not question the real reason behind certain types of pain, the recovery process cannot be fully achieved.

A sustainable balance, far from rigidity

Adopting a healthier lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing for everyone. “Ultimately, it all comes down to balance. What does a sustainable lifestyle look like? It’s not about being rigid, but about feeling your best.”

Yvonne emphasizes a crucial point: not overdoing it. “We often mistakenly think we have to tick every box and never stray from the path. The idea is to reflect on how you feel. If something isn’t making you feel good, what changes can you make to your lifestyle?” She challenges her clients by asking them: “Imagine yourself a year from now, will you have managed to maintain this ritual every day?” If the answer is no, the goal needs to be examined more deeply to make it achievable.

Seasons as a catalyst for transformation

Seasonal changes offer a wonderful opportunity to begin a process of reflection on the well-being of our internal compass. From a physical perspective, eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is always a good idea. A trip to the local market allows you to enjoy local flavors and textures, much to the delight of your microbiome.

It’s also important to note that a diet based on whole foods with single ingredients is undoubtedly a healthy and simple way to nourish yourself. “It’s also good to treat yourself sometimes!” adds Yvonne, reminding us that part of the solution lies in balance.

On a mental health level, the change of season is a reminder to take a pause. “From a holistic perspective, you can reassess your situation. Every year, we go through many phases, and we don’t reflect often enough on how we feel. A new season is perfect for checking in with yourself. What makes me feel good? What drains me? What boundaries do I want to set? What inspires me?”

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To learn more about Yvonne’s practice, www.totawellness.com