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Becoming A Self-Employed Carer

Becoming a Self-Employed Carer The decision to become a self-employed carer is a significant one that can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career. This comprehensive guide aims to support you in your journey towards becoming a successful self-employed carer and demonstrate how My Health Assistant can provide the platform to effectively market yourself. By the end of this blog, you'll feel psychologically prepared and well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with this career choice.Here are the key steps to becoming a self employed carer:Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of a Self-Employed CarerEssential Skills and Qualities for SuccessLegal Requirements and RegistrationFinancial Planning and BudgetingBuilding Your Network and Finding ClientsMarketing Yourself EffectivelyKeep Your Training Up-To-DateThe Benefits of Using My Health AssistantPreparing for Challenges and Staying Resilient Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of a Self-Employed CarerAs a self-employed carer, you'll provide personalised care and support to clients with various needs, such as older adults, people with disabilities, or those recovering from illness or injury. Your responsibilities may include assisting with daily activities, personal care, administering medication, and providing companionship. Being self-employed means you'll also need to manage your own taxes, marketing, and business administration - we know that this can feel very daunting and a lot to handle at first, but we can help you manage this and find a method that works for you. Essential Skills, Qualifications and Qualities for SuccessTo succeed as a self-employed carer, you'll need a unique set of skills and personal qualities. These include:Excellent communication and interpersonal skillsEmpathy, compassion, and patienceStrong organisational and time-management abilitiesAdaptability and problem-solving skillsResilience and the ability to work independentlyThe basic qualification is accepted as the Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care, but if you provide a specialist service, you might also need to be trained in specific medical skills (administration or handling of medication for example). As you become more experienced, you might want to consider further training, as this will provide the opportunity for increased income in the future. Legal Requirements and RegistrationWhen starting your journey to becoming a self employed carer, it's crucial to adhere to legal requirements and registration processes.Registering as self-employed with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - You will need to decide on a business name and register this with HMRC, so that you can pay income tax and National Insurance. Most self-employed carers register as a sole-trader, as opposed to a limited company. Read more about the differences between sole traders & limited companies.Obtaining a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate - previously known as a 'CRB check' you can apply for a DBS certificate at any time, but they do not have an official expiry date, as the information is only accurate at the time the check was carried out. If you'd like to keep your DBS up to date, you can register with the DBS Update Service. Ensuring you have appropriate insurance coverage - you’ll need public liability insurance to cover the work you do with the general public. Contact one of our partners if you would like some advice on the best level of cover for you and your new business.You may already be registered with a professional body or union, but if you decide you want to operate your business as a limited company, rather than working as a sole trader, then you'll also need to register as a service provider with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This process is quite lengthy and can take a number of weeks so be sure to account for that in your planning. CQC does not deem care services provided by a sole trader to be a regulated activity, so if you operated as a sole trader you would not need to register. Financial Planning and BudgetingFinancial planning and budgeting are critical for a successful self-employed carer business. Consider the following:Setting up a separate business bank accountCreating a budget for income and expensesSetting competitive rates while considering your experience and qualificationsKeeping detailed records of income and expenses for tax purposesIf you need any help or financial advice, visit our partners page to learn more. Building Your Network and Finding ClientsTo attract clients, invest in building your professional network by:Joining local carer support groups or online forumsAttending industry events and conferencesConnecting with local healthcare organisationsAsking for referrals from satisfied clientsSome local councils allow private self-employed carers to advertise their services for free on a dedicated list or website. Marketing Yourself EffectivelyEffective marketing is crucial for attracting clients and growing your business. Strategies include:Developing a professional website with detailed information about your servicesLeveraging social media platforms to showcase your expertiseDistributing business cards and flyers in your communityCollaborating with local businesses and healthcare providers such as GP surgeries or day centres.There are lots of free-to-use tools out there to easily create attractive marketing assets - Canva has lots of templates & ideas for social media posts, or you could design leaflets or business cards to have printed and hand out locally. Keep Your Training Up-To-DateLearning as you trade might make it easier to manage the financial aspect of undertaking the additional qualifications, but you’ll need to be disciplined to ensure you can dedicate enough time to your learning alongside your work. There are a limited number of Government-funded spaces on Health & Social Care courses that can be found on the Free Courses in England website, or you can apply for funding to help cover the cost of refresher training via Skills for Care.It is essential to keep up with mandatory training, but with so much conflicting information out there about how regularly your training should be updated, it can be hard to know which advice to follow. We recommend discussing this with your insurance provider and taking their guidance, so as not to find yourself in a situation whereby the insurance is invalidated due to your training being out of date. The Benefits of Using My Health AssistantMy Health Assistant is a valuable resource for self-employed carers. By joining the platform, you can:Showcase your skills and qualifications to potential clientsGain access to a wider client baseReceive support for marketing and administration tasksConnect with other professionals in the industryWe’d love to help you set up as a private carer and will provide you as much personalised support as we can, from marketing & business admin, through to tax & insurance services. Just let us know your support needs and we will take care of you, so that you can focus on taking care of your patients!Preparing for Challenges and Staying ResilientAs a self-employed carer, you may face challenges such as isolating work conditions, fluctuating income, and managing stress. To stay resilient, consider the following tips:Establish a support network of fellow carers and professionals. Consider ‘buddying up’ with another local carer so that your clients can still receive care during holiday periods or illness.Set realistic expectations and establish boundaries with clientsInvest in income protection insurance & pension planning for the futurePractice self-care techniques to minimise the dangers of stress ConclusionBecoming a self-employed carer can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice that offers flexibility and autonomy. By understanding the role and responsibilities, developing essential skills, adhering to legal requirements, and investing in marketing and networking, you'll be well-positioned for success. My Health Assistant can help support your journey by providing a platform to showcase your talents and connect with clients. With the right mindset and tools in place, you'll be ready to tackle the challenges and reap the rewards of a successful self-employed carer career.

Ageing and Physiological Change in Muscle

As people age the following physiological changes are observed in muscle;An increase in fat and connective tissueA decrease in protein synthesisA decrease in total muscle cross-sectional areaLoss of maximum isometric contraction forceDecreased endurance capacityIn relation to muscle fibres the faster-contracting type II fibres decrease at a greater rate than type I fibres, such that over time type I fibres greatly outnumber type II fibres It is thought that these age-related changes occur due to: 1 Reduced blood flow to muscles due to decreased capillary density (making less O2 available to exercising muscles)2 A decrease in aerobic enzymes resulting in mitochondrial decay3 Increased mitochondrial DNA deletions and mutations Ageing and Change in Muscle Strength The age-related changes in muscle result in reduced muscle strength. This process begins at age 30 with a subsequent reduction in strength of 8% per decade. The rate of decrease is similar in men and women and affects muscle strength more in the legs than in the arms. By the age of 70, there is a 20 - 40% decrease in maximal isometric strength which impacts sustainable walking speed. These graphs show the change in muscle area, strength and aerobic capacity with age SarcopeniaSarcopenia can be defined as loss of skeletal muscle mass and function as a result of ageing Diagnosis of SarcopeniaThe European consensus for the diagnosis of sarcopenia requires documentation of criterion 1 and either criterion 2 or 3. Criterion 1 - low muscle mass Criterion 2 - low muscle strength Criterion 3 - low physical performance

Key nutrients to support teens with low mood

Teenagers are particularly prone to mood swings and low mood. It’s not just the external pressures that affect them but internal ones too. Correcting nutrient status and biochemistry can help a teen conquer low mood without the need for medication.The increased nutrient demands of puberty put a teenager at risk of mood disorders both at the time and in the years that follow. Lifestyle changes can also affect nutrient status. They might be eating more processed food, or following a vegetarian/vegan diet or maybe they are skipping meals. It is possible that they might be drinking alcohol or smoking which can also compromise nutrient status at a time when reserves may already be low.Here are 3 special nutrients that will help your teen overcome low mood from the inside:1. Zinc. Levels can be really low in those suffering with mood issues. It helps reduce neuro-inflammation which we now believe to be a key component in the development of depression. It is also needed to convert tryptophan to serotonin and serotonin is that key brain chemical that helps us to feel happy. Zinc also helps us to think clearly and have sharper thinking. Here are just a few of the signs of zinc deficiency:Heartburn, reflux or bloating.IBS or digestive issues.Stretch marksClicking jointsAnxietyLack of appetite or limits diet through choiceOften deficient in those with anorexia or a history of itA deficiency of zinc will affect the absorption of other nutrients and so could lead to a deficiency of other nutrients further down the line including iron and B12.2. Omega 3 fatty acids. These are vital for fighting low mood and your teen might not getting enough if they don’t eat oily fish. Some people eat flax or other seeds to try to get omega 3 into the diet, but this is not always effective if you have a zinc or magnesium deficiency (and both of these are incredibly common). If this is the case, then converting the fatty acids we get from seeds to the longer chain fatty acids that we get from fish isn’t efficient. The long chain fats that we get from oily fish are vital for brain signalling. Without it the messages from brain chemical, like serotonin and dopamine, just wont be effective. So instead of feeling happy, relaxed and smart we end up feeling depressed, mentally dull and reliant on stimulants like sugar and caffeine to trigger dopamine release.Omega 3 is also vital for lowering inflammation and the latest research suggests that depression is actually an inflammatory disorder – inflammation of the brain. So using omega 3 as an anti-inflammatory agent is really a no-brainer – it’s simple and it’s effective. Here are some of the common deficiency signs:Easily sunburntPain in jointsUlcerative colitis or Crohn’s diseasePainful periodsLow mood or depressionEczemaCardiovascular diseaseLack of concentration3. Vitamin D. If you live in the northern hemisphere and have just come through the winter months you are most likely super deficient in vitamin D. Unless you were lucky enough to get some winter sun. Vitamin D deficiency is at epidemic levels it is from a combination of lack of sunshine and the use of sun blocks. This is a problem because there is a huge amount of information linking vitamin D deficiency to depression and low mood. This is most likely because, vitamin D is hugely anti-inflammatory. In the UK where sun is sparse in autumn and winter months deficiency peaks around February – our last exposure to the sun was in August or September and our body stores can’t last for more than a few months. This is the main reason we struggle to fight off infections in the winter months and why people suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and it can also contribute to the development of serious illnesses and to cognitive decline in general so I recommend testing. Your GP can test your child’s vitamin D levels for you or you can order a blood spot test through us.Signs of deficiency include:Tendency to inflammatory or auto immune disordersCrohn’s disease, colitis and arthritisLupus or psoriasisBone and or joint painHead sweatingLingering colds or fluLow mood or SAD.Low mood and depression are signs that there is something out of balance in your teens body. There is a system or system that is not functioning as well as it should – resulting in low mood or depression.It could be that digestion isn’t optimal leading to nutrient deficiencies through absorption problems. If your teen suffers with IBS or reflux or bloating then this could be the case for your child. Or maybe a really stressful period has left their adrenal function compromised. If you find your teen is particularly susceptible to stress then this could be the case. It is possible that your teen might have an imbalance like pyroluria or MTHFR deviation these can create metabolic imbalances that create a higher need for certain nutrients which can develop into depression.

What's stopping you from losing weight?

What's stopping you from losing weight? Surprisingly, it may not behavioural or psychological. Here are 7 biochemical factors that can prevent or stall weight loss.1. Stress: Both internal stress on the body from infections and illness and external stresses from work, relationships and life events can prevent weight loss. Making your body more resilient to stress and minimising the effects of adrenalin and/or excessive cortisol release is key to moving forward.2. Hormonal issues: This can include oestrogen dominance which leads to fat accumulating around the thighs, buttocks and mid-section, peri-menopause which can lead to changes in fat deposition or diagnosed hormonal disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which includes insulin dysregulation which makes weight gain easy and loss difficult. Understanding how and why these have developed is important. During peri-menopause and menopause, finding some balance and supporting adrenal health can help with managing weight gain during this time.3. Sluggish liver function: The liver helps with detoxification and glucose management. When liver function isn’t optimal this can lead to weight gain and minimal fat burning. The best way to support this will depend on the underlying factors affecting it. Live function can be compromised by some medications, food intolerances, poor gallbladder function, constipation and chemical exposure to name just a few.4. Imbalanced neurotransmitters: When our serotonin is out of balance this can lead to cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods to fill the gap or boost our mood. Or low dopamine can lead to relying on foods that trigger this, leading to developing habits around alcohol or sugar.5. Inflammation: This has multiple causes but the impact on weight is the same. Inflammation encourages weight gain and having excess weight is inflammatory in itself. This is a difficult situation and is a prime reason why weight loss is tricky when you are carrying significant excess weight.6. Thyroid function: Sub-clinical thyroid issues can also make weight loss difficult. This can be because of autoimmunity or a problem with making, converting and utilising thyroid hormones. Not all of this will be picked up by a simple ‘thyroid’ test with your GP as the initial test for thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) is not particularly sensitive.7. Gut dysbiosis: Gut bacteria that have been negatively affected by poor diet or antibiotics can affect weight. Sometimes we are unlucky enough to inherit dysbiosis from our mothers at birth. Whichever way it occurs gut dysbiosis has been linked with the tendency to be overweight. Specific gut bacteria can help us manage glucose sensitivity, appetite, cravings and support metabolism. Understanding what is keeping you stuck and knowing the best way forward is key to healthy, sustainable weight loss. Our very own bespoke body reset helps point you in the right direction.

How many sessions do I need?

How many sessions of hypnotherapy do I need?This is a question we get asked a lot at The Hypnosis Clinic and it’s really difficult to give a simple answer, as it depends on so many variables like:What do you want to fix?How long has the problem been around?How much time to you have to make changes? How committed are you to make a change?In this short blog, we will hopefully be able to give you a better guide to estimating the number of sessions you need to get the results you want.What will I learn in this blog?• That hypnosis is a safe way to make positive changes in your life• The number of sessions you need depends on your commitment• That hypnotherapy helps you make the biggest change in the shortest time • The results from good hypnotherapy can be quicker than other therapiesFaster results mean less sessionsWell, that might be right! If you consider hypnotherapy verses the more traditional psychotherapy, there may be some saving in the number of sessions you need.Firstly, hypnotherapists deal directly with the subconscious mind, usually the root of all change and the place where problems can accumulate. Because it works on a subconscious level, hypnotherapy can often produce faster results, so less sessions, and lower cost.Reportedly, hypnosis has a 93% success rate with less sessions than both behavioural and psychotherapy, according to research studies. This led researchers to believe that for changing habits, thought patterns, and actual behaviour hypnosis was not only the most effective method but that it needed less time/sessions than other forms of therapy. (Alfred A. Barrios/1970).Each person is differentOf course, we know that whatever the therapeutic approach, the results are really down to the individual.Someone who is really motivated for change will probably use less sessions than someone who is ambivalent. Seeing a hypnotherapist you gel with will also make a difference to how effective the treatment can be.However, if you have a strong desire and commitment tochange, a good hypnotherapist will help you to makechanges on the shortest possible time. Always choose atherapist that offers a free initial consultation, then you can have the opportunity to see how well you get on.Hypnosis vs. HypnotherapyThe number of sessions you need, will also depend on how deep rooted your problems are. For simple phobias or addictions, you may not need any therapeutic intervention, so plain hypnotic suggestion may be all that is required. So in the case of someone who smokes 20 cigarettes a day, they will need 3-4 sessions to be able to become a non-smoker. It’s simply replacing a bad habit for a good one.However, someone who smokes 100 cigarettes a day (yes, they do exist!), may need therapeutic hypnosis to go and look for the underlying cause of such a devastating habit. That’s going to take more sessions. However, unlike psychotherapy, hypnotherapy can help people achieve their goals in just a few weeks.In the initial consultation, you should be told what to expect for your treatment and how many sessions it should take.A good hypnotherapist will achieve the best results in the shortest time. Having a custom-made Self-Hypnosis recording is something you should also expect; it will help you to continue your treatment at home, which also speeds up the results you can expect.How many hypnotherapy sessions do I need?The list of potential applications is only really limited by your imagination - these are some of the popular things hypnotherapists deal with every day and the amount of sessions you should expect:Become a non-smoker - for most people 3-4 sessionsReduce your weight - 4 sessionsResolve anxiety and beat stress - 2-4 sessionsBuild strong, happy relationships - 4-6 sessionsSpeak confidently in public - 2-3 sessionsEnjoy flying - 3-4 sessionsExperience happy, natural childbirth - 4 sessionsLet go of phobias - 2-4 sessionsImprove your memory and pass examinations - 2 sessionsEnjoy better quality sleep - 3-4 sessionsIncrease motivation and fitness - 2-4 sessionsHave healthier sexual relationships - 4 sessionsOvercome addictions - 4+ sessionsImprove your self-esteem and confidence - 2-4 sessionsEmploy rapid healing - 2-4 sessionsAt The Hypnosis Clinic we work to be realistic with the number of sessions you need and we will always do our best work in the shortest time.How much does hypnotherapy cost? Well, each session is £200, however, if you book a package of 4 sessions, it’s only £175 per session, which is a good discount. Each session is about an hour long and around a week apart. However, everything we do is tailored to your schedule and budget. The self-hypnosis recording is custom made for each patient and recorded to the highest standard. Each one is £100.What did I learn here?That hypnotherapy is very efficient in helping people to sort out a wide variety of problems and challenges. Most problems can be solved in 2-4 weekly hypnosis sessions.If you’d like to find out more about how hypnosis can help you to make changes in your life, have a look at our website, We offer a free initial consultation, either by a Telehealth video link or at our clinic right in the heart of London’s Regent Street.Or, if you fancy a chat, give us a call on 0207 439 9089.

How Long A Blood Test Takes & When To Expect Results

What Happens During A Blood Test And How Long It TakesBlood tests are used for a huge range of purposes, from assessing your general state of health to screening for genetic conditions. They’re one of the most basic medical tests, capable of providing insights that guide treatment plans for all sorts of conditions and illnesses, and are carried out by trained medical professionals called phlebotomists.They’re a common feature of both NHS and private healthcare processes. While they’re available through the NHS only when recommended by a GP or other practitioner, private blood tests can be booked at any time. If you’ve got a blood test booked in or are planning to book one soon, whether it’s part of an NHS treatment plan or through a private phlebotomist, and you want to know more about the process, read on for all the information you need. What happens during a blood testWhen you’ve got an appointment with a phlebotomist, you’ll typically be given advice about how to prepare for it. While this advice can vary depending on what the blood test is for, it will generally involve avoiding eating and drinking anything but water for the 12 hours before the test and stopping taking certain medicines. It’s important that the specific advice provided to you upon booking the blood test is followed to ensure the results are as accurate as possible.The blood test itself will generally be very quick, often completed in just minutes. The process generally goes like this:The phlebotomist will first clean the area of the skin that blood will be drawn from using an antiseptic wipe. Typically, blood is taken from the inside of the elbow or the wrist, where veins are relatively close to the surface of the skin.Once the surface is cleaned, a tourniquet is usually applied around the upper arm to slow down the blood flow and increase the size of the vein being targeted. Then, a needle with a vial attached is inserted into the vein. For most people, the only sensation felt at this point will be a pricking or scratching – the process isn’t generally regarded as painful. A syringe in the needle is used to extract blood, with the amount needed depending heavily on what the blood test is intended for.Finally, when the blood sample has been taken in full, the tourniquet will be released and the needle removed. The phlebotomist will apply pressure to the puncture point for a few minutes, and will usually apply a plaster to keep it clean until it’s healed. You’ll be left with a small bruise that will heal relatively quickly.The process is not complicated, and there are very few potential dangers or side effects. However, fears or anxieties around needles are relatively common (up to 1 in 10 people struggle with needle phobia), and some people may feel dizzy or faint during the test. If you’re concerned about the procedure, tell your phlebotomist and they may be able to make accommodations that will make you more comfortable. How long a blood test takesEnd-to-end, the process of a blood test will generally take between 5 and 10 minutes. Factors that can increase the amount of time it takes include dehydration, the experience of the phlebotomist, and the size of your veins. How long it takes to get blood test resultsFollowing the blood test, the sample will be sent to a laboratory where it’s examined and assessed according to the intention of the test. How long this stage of the process takes depends on what the blood test was for. Two of the most common blood test types and roughly how long they tend to take are:Complete blood count – One of the most basic blood test purposes is to check the levels of 10 cell types in your blood. These include red blood cells, white blood cells, and haemoglobin. Because complete blood tests are routine, results will typically available in a very short time span, sometimes as quickly as the next day.Complete metabolic panel – A complete metabolic panel measures the levels of electrolytes in your blood, including calcium, glucose, and sodium, as well as proteins, bilirubin, and other content. Since they’re a little more in-depth than complete bloods, it will typically take a little longer to receive results, up to several days.Of course, how long after your blood test you’ll have to wait to get results depends on a huge number of factors outside of the type of test being carried out, including how busy the laboratory is. With that in mind, you should be prepared to wait up to several weeks for results in some cases. The phlebotomist or your GP will typically be able to provide some indication of how long you should expect to wait. Booking a blood testA large proportion of blood tests are carried out through the NHS after referral by a doctor or other medical professional, but if you want a blood test without having been referred for a specific purpose, you can arrange a private blood test.Find qualified phlebotomists in your area with My Health Assistant and get results to the questions you have about your health or wellbeing!

The Times Guide to Making Things Happen in 2023

Whatever your self or home-improvement aims for the year ahead, The Times & the Sunday Times have put together a handy guide of expert support to help push you towards your goals. We've done a quick round up of those featured, but you can view the full article here: Step into a new you: 10 brands to help you make things happen in 2023 (thetimes.co.uk) 1. Start putting your health first! Whether you’re looking for a diagnosis, treatment, professional advice to improve your wellbeing, or even hypnotherapy to help you quit smoking, My Health Assistant can help you find the right practitioner for you. https://myha.co.uk/2. Let this be the year you build your dream home, with Huf Haus: https://www.huf-haus.com/ 3. Have good hair days all year round with trichologist recommended shampoo & conditioner from Watermans: https://watermanshair.com/ 4. Immerse yourself in learning a new language the Memrise way: https://explore.memrise.com/ 5. Treat your taste buds to Great Taste Award winning foods and discover the best food and drink that Wales has to offer! Food and Drink Wales - Growing together | Business Wales - Food and drink (gov.wales) 6. Spruce up your living space with stylish, durable furniture from USM, who are committed to quality & sustainability: https://uk.usm.com/ 7. Stop putting off writing your will! Or if you already have one, it might be time to have it reviewed by the Society of Will Writers: https://www.willwriters.com/ 8. Get smarter with your finances and make your money work harder with Shawbrook banking: https://www.shawbrook.co.uk/ 9. Reach your fitness goals with Ultimate Performance: https://ultimateperformance.com/ 10. Explore the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen and how it can support your body's natural healing process: https://www.thewellnesslab.com/hyperbaric-oxygen-consultation

Menopause Matters and My Personal Experience

Today more than ever before it is totally acceptable and encouraged to talk openly about the menopause by sharing experiences as well as seeking help and advice. The menopause is discussed widely across all media including ITV’s ‘This Morning,’ who are great ambassadors for it. It is also supported in such a good way by famous people such as Davina McCall and Penny Lancaster who raise great awareness about the menopause and symptoms of menopause. You are not alone and there is a way forward.As a Life coach who has experienced menopause symptoms, clients come to me with various issues and it isn’t until we talk in more depth and work holistically that menopausal issues become apparent.I would like to share my own personal experience as I am a firm believer that the menopause matters and awareness of it is so important, having experienced it myself. I look back to when I was much younger and how both my Nana and Mum dealt with the menopause and to be honest it wasn’t spoken about as it was doomed as a ‘taboo’ subject!! I recall it being referred to as ‘the change’ and that was about all that was mentioned. I remember my Mum fanning herself and often taking herself outside to cool off and when asked what was the problem, she would simply laugh it off and say she was having a “tropical moment!!” and it would happen to me one day. So, I had no real understanding about what the menopause really is and what menopause symptoms I may or may not experience. It is only many years later that I have found myself in the whole new world of being a ‘menopausal woman!!’.I guess I entered into a quite early menopause when my periods suddenly stopped at the age of 42. I approached my doctor who confirmed with blood tests that I was perimenopausal. Having no other symptoms other than no longer having periods, I believed that my menopause over and done with. This was great and I thought, “wow, the menopause is a breeze and I am over it”. Well, how far from the truth could this be as when I was 48, I felt like I had been hit by a bus and my life seemed to change overnight.I suddenly felt myself feeling very irritable with little patience for my family, friends and work colleagues. I also found myself as being quite forgetful, which I had never previously experienced. I also had strange feelings and sensations inside head, which I can only explain as my odd “cotton wool heads”. I was also plagued with totally irrational thoughts, which were most unlike me. After months of putting up with this, I went to my doctors as I really thought that there was something seriously wrong with me. My doctor said it was due to going through the menopause and suggested HRT patches. I was at the stage that I would try anything to make all of this go away!! Unfortunately for me HRT wasn’t suitable as it caused break through bleeding. So, it was time to look for alternative solutions.Like many of you, I did my research on the internet and believe I have tried all of the herbal remedies available!! The ‘sleepy nighttime tea’ gave me the most weird and bizarre dreams!!. Surely, there must be something that could help me?? I decided to look further into methods that could help me to cope with life on a daily basis and I came across Mindfulness. Gosh, this was like a ‘light bulb’ moment and taught me how to rationalise my thoughts. This is something I still practice today as well as passing the effectiveness of it onto my clients.It was suggested that I should address my diet and exercise regime. I knew that since being a little girl I had always had a healthy, balanced diet and always taken plenty of regular exercise, but perhaps it was time to do something different. I started to practice yoga and Pilates, which not only did I enjoy, but helped massively with my mental health. Covid-19 also forced me to walking more and being outdoors with my own thoughts and feelings. This is something I have continued with and walk frequently with my partner in The Yorkshire Dales and The Lake District. Nature is so empowering.All was good and going well, then the erratic sleep patterns and insomnia hit me. Yet another trip to the doctors who suggested anti-depressants and sleeping tablets, but I knew this wasn’t my answer and I wanted to cope this in alternative way. Back to the internet once again for more research, where upon I came across meditation techniques. I must say, what a revolution! I now practice meditation on a daily basis, which has helped hugely with my sleep. I’m not saying that all my menopause symptoms have suddenly disappeared, but I have realised that it is finding the right coping mechanisms and solutions for myself, which has been trial and error. Walking is also now a huge part of my life. By understanding that my symptoms are completely normal and the great awareness that there is about the menopause today, I have found a happy balance to get my life back as I want it to be. The menopause is a journey, which continually changes along the way, but it is finding the right route for yourself which is what I have learned to be the key to individual coping mechanisms.No one woman is the same and we all experience menopausal symptoms to different degrees and toady as a Life Coach I fully understand and accept this. You will get there and it is all about finding out and exploring what works for you. As a Life Coach, I will help you to do this in your own way and time, but there is great hope to deal and cope with the menopause as it is real and of course above all part of “mother nature” as well as the awareness that there is about the menopause today. I will help you on the positive journey to move forward. Stephanie Tiley

Why choose Life Coaching and what are the benefits?

The aim of Life Coaching is to help the client move forward in life and achieve their personal goals. According to educational psychologists Vygotsky and Bruner, clients can improve from where they are at present to where they want to be by being scaffolded by a Life Coach. This is known as the zone of proximal development. Life Coaching by definition is a relationship between the coach and the client, which encourages growth and achievement. Coaching is not therapy or counselling, but it is a space that allows the client to explore available options, gain clarity and self-awareness to move towards achieving their personal goals. It uses positive psychological techniques to harness a client’s own personal qualities and resources. Coaching focuses on a client’s own personal qualities, skills and resources and cultivates the client’s own ability to solve problems and find solutions.Life Coaching is also holistic, which means that it encompasses the whole self, that is, the mind, body and soul. Coaching looks at the whole person, realizing that each part is inter-connected. It involves the client setting their own goals and planning how they are going to achieve them. This helps the client focus on what is achievable to them, as well as helping them focus on their own beliefs and values. Many people are influenced by the expectations of others: whether that is social norms, peer pressure of family influence. Therefore, coaching helps to challenge these beliefs, values and expectations to reveal what the client genuinely believes about the world.Life Coaching works for 2 main reasons. Firstly, coaching offers clients accountability. While it is important to take ownership of change, accountability improves the likelihood of committing to and achieving a goal. We are more likely to act if someone is holding us accountable. Secondly, coaching offers a space for the client to explore their feelings, objections and challenges when discussing their personal goals. Not only does the coach become a sounding board for the client, they are able to gain clarity through open discussion with their coach. Essentially, this space is an exploration without judgement.The coach can also support the client in challenging their belief system where it may possibly be hindering the client in their pursuit of an important goal. In this sense, the coach can challenge any limiting beliefs that the client holds through open discussion, meaning that the coach can overcome any challenges that are keeping them stuck. The client can move out of their comfort zone. Finally, having additional support can help motivate the client to go further, gain clarity and direction and ultimately achieve their goals.

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