There’s something to be said for trusting your gut instincts, literally! In the busyness of daily life, it is often easy to overlook the signs that our body is trying to give us in sometimes subtle ways and sometimes in very direct ways. I see it all of the time as a health coach and once a client talks it out, they often will have a “light bulb moment” when they realize that what they’re feeling may indeed need further attention. We’ve all let an unhealthy red flag go unnoticed for fear of being a “hypochondriac,” or “weak,” or a “worry wart”. The downside of not listening to our body cues is that conditions can grow to be more serious if left untreated. Here are some common cues that are often overlooked and ways to pay closer attention in order to lead a healthier lifestyle. In any case where you feel that it is serious or you need medical attention, seek it immediately. Also, be sure to tell someone how you are feeling so that they can assist you.

outdoor shot of a woman in yellow hoodie

“I’m tired”

This may seem to be the most overused exclamation nowadays. Fatigue can signal a myriad of issues and is often dismissed as something for lazy people to be. It is recommended for adults to get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. How much sleep are you getting? Look at your sleep and rest amounts, what you are eating, and how often you are getting sunlight as a first checkpoint. You might find your answer about what’s bringing on your fatigue right away. If not, consult a medical professional to check your labs. If you feel “off,” listen to your body right away! Don’t delay!

“I’m dehydrated”

People often sarcastically chuckle when a common remedy for being dehydrated is to drink more water, but it’s the first place to look! It seems too obvious, but it’s simple. Most experts say that you should try to drink between half an ounce and an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day. In other words, you should drink half your weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, it is recommended that you drink 75 ounces of water. Of course, if it’s very hot out or you are exercising at an intense level, you may need to drink more than that. The color of your urine will indicate what your hydration level is: dark yellow means you need more water, light yellow is the desired color for ample water intake, and clear urine means you might be drinking too much. You know your body, so be flexible with the color comparison and know what the benchmark is for you!

“I’m hot”

Again, ask yourself some obvious questions first…

  • Have I overheated from being outside in the hot weather too long? If so, cool off indoors.

  • Have I pushed myself too hard while exercising? If so, slow down or terminate your workout right away.

  • Do I feel faint and lightheaded? If so, sit or lie down and let someone know. You may need medical attention if this is serious.

  • Is this a hot flash? If it might be, consult your medical provider to take a closer look at your menopause status.

“I don’t feel like myself”

No one knows your body like you do. If you feel unhealthy and are getting the gut feeling that something is not right with your body, act quickly. Seek medical attention ASAP. If it is not serious at the moment, sit down and rest a bit. You may find relief with a nap, healthy food, water, electrolytes or cooling down. We are a society who prides itself on the “go, go, go” pace, but this certainly can negatively affect your body and your health. Less is more, so it’s a wake up call to check in with yourself about how hard you are pressing forward each day and how your body is telling you to slow down. That being said, take note and make some changes to bring your pace of life down a notch or two!

“I’m stressed”

It seems like everyone is always stressed! A common answer to the question “How are you?” is often “I’m stressed.” Are we really all stressed? What does that really mean? According to the National Psychiatric Association, “ More than one in four (26%) reported they anticipated experiencing more stress at the start of 2023, up from one in five (20%) last year. At the same time, 29% of American adults indicated they’d adopt new year’s resolutions related to their mental health, up three percentage points from last year.” The state of worry that Americans in particular, are in right now is alarmingly high and is having a ripple effect on people’s health. I know first hand from my clients that most of them are struggling with their health and overall well-being. That is exactly why I urge everyone who feels hopeless or helpless about their weight, mental health, or day-to-day life to seek help sooner than later.

There are abundant resources available to help you move out of your stress and into a healthier, more joyful life. Declaring “I’m stressed” is indeed a reach out for help on a small level or a major one. I always tell clients that losing mental weight has to come first before you can release body weight. It is simple and logical that your mind needs to be clear and logical so that you can put steps in place for your body’s transformation to then occur. So, are you truly stressed (in a state of worry or mental tension) or are you overwhelmed (not sure what to do to make changes)? It’s a good first step to making a healthy habit transformation. One small step at a time!

Take action

Assess what your body is telling you right away! If you find it too overwhelming, talk it over with a trusted friend or family member, reach out to a coach, counselor, therapist, or medical provider (these are very different professionals). Cautiously find trusted resources online and learn more about what you can do to turn your health around. At any point if you feel the urgent need for help, call 911 and let a family member or friend know your situation.

Listening to the telltale signs of your health by paying attention to your body is key to feeling better and being healthier. You deserve to be your best self!

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info!

Read more from Georgette!

Georgette LePage Brainz Magazine

Georgette LePage, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine

Georgette LePage is a certified Health and Life Coach who empowers women all around the world to lose their mental weight first in order to then lose their physical weight. Her approach is honest, real, clear, and genuine with transformational habit change and mindset reset methods. Georgette’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Her focus on a healthy lifestyle inspires her clients to leave behind old diet culture thoughts and patterns in order to embrace fresh and simple ways to live their best lives without diet drama. Empowerment, self-confidence, and self-care are cornerstones of the programs that she offers. She helps her clients to get the results that they want with realistic, real-life strategies. She lives her own life the way she coaches others. She listens to what her clients want and guides them with compassion and accountability as they achieve their goals. She works with people of all ages (teens to seniors and every age in between) who are ready to live a healthier, more joyful life. Georgette also hosts the talk radio show WHY WEIGHT? with Dr. Pat Baccili on Transformational Talk Radio. In addition to speaking English, she also is fluent in French and Spanish. Georgette has 32 years of experience as a World Language Teacher, as well. Her coaching motto is: Feel better. Look better. Be your best self!

5 Reasons Why You Will Get Weight Loss Results Faster By Working With A Health & Life Coach

Cheers to a new year and hopefully a new you! It’s the time of year when everyone seems to reflect on the current year and then sets goals for the new year. You’ll typically start to see TV and social media ads for exercise equipment, diet programs, diet foods, and all of the things “diet” the day after Christmas. Don’t be surprised, though, if you see some during the week of Christmas, as advertisers ramp up their sales earlier and earlier each year. In fact, according to an article by INC., only 9% of Americans keep their New Year’s resolutions although 40-50% of the population declare new goals for the upcoming year. The success rate drops dramatically around January 19th, also known as “Quitters Day”.

woman with her personal trainer in gray t-shirt running on treadmill.

That being said, I’m all about setting goals for the new year, although I always encourage healthier habits that start TODAY, regardless of the date on the calendar. My clients understand that starting to make healthy changes to shed extra pounds can start right now, which is a huge mindset shift from waiting until after the holidays. You’re ahead of the game when you decide to make changes and you start them ASAP. So, are you ready to be among the 9% of Americans who set goals for the new year and keep them long-term?

Here are my top 5 reasons why you get weight loss results faster by working with a health and life coach!

#1: Discover the real reason why you are carrying extra weight

A good coach starts by asking very thought-provoking questions about where you are right now with your weight and your health and then by listening to what you say. I explain this beginning step to my clients as if they are spitting out puzzle pieces on the floor for us to look at, ask about, and wonder about together. You see, there’s always more than meets the eye when someone wants to make a health change. What you think is the underlying issue can often uncover much more. I do believe that everyone does know their WHY once they talk it out and think about it with a coach. You have all of the “puzzle pieces” in your brain and are empowered to take action right away!

#2: The right coach for you walks the talk

The ideal coach for you practices what they preach, and this is more important than you think! You wouldn’t get marital advice from a single person, would you? So why would you get guidance from someone who has not walked a mile in your shoes? For weight loss coaching, aren’t you looking for someone who has an experience losing weight and who can share the story about their journey, including the ups and downs? Be selective when it comes to the coach’s philosophy, approach, and methods. Do your homework and look at their website, social media, and testimonials. Also, be very in tune with the vibe you get while first talking with a coach and ask good questions. Again, seek out someone who you think understands your struggles and who offers solutions to your specific problem. Being a good fit is key to finding and staying with a skilled coach! Trusting your coach is vital!

#3: Partnership & Accountability

This reason is a key component in your coaching choice. All humans want to be loved and to belong, which is very hard to do on your own. Most people see better weight loss results when they team up with someone, such as a coach. Why? Having support is one thing, and having someone available to hold you accountable is another. When you hire a coach, you should be getting one-on-one attention. Having to show up to a weekly session (in person or virtually) is a critical piece of how successful you will be. Treat each session/appointment/meeting as if your life depended on it and show up. Honor your time and theirs by being consistent with your meetings. Look for someone who checks on you, hears you, and shows up for you. In turn, show the same respect and show up for yourself.

#4 One size does not fit all

Molly Carmel, the author of Breaking Up with Sugar, says “If someone tells you there’s only one way, run away!” I couldn’t agree more! No two humans on the planet have had the exact same life experience and never will. Back in the day, I remember seeing the tag in shirts that read, “One size fits all.” They never really could have, but that was the message. Oddly enough, clothing tags now read, “One size fits many.” How true! A coach should be able to meet you where you are in your health journey and lead you down a path that works for you. On the other hand, coaches have their niches or specialties, so find one who matches your needs. Since I specialize in weight loss, someone searching for a divorce coach would simply not be a good fit for me to work with to move through issues only related to divorce. Be choosy, do your homework, and look for someone who fits helping you to solve your problem: weight loss.

#5 Get a community of support

The guidance and expertise you get from a coach is critical to your success, as is building your community of support. Do your homework and go where your people are. Seek resources that work for you: join a FaceBook group, follow a qualified expert on Instagram, find a book club, listen to a new podcast, or join an exercise group or class. Start with ONE place to find people who are like-minded and who are working on the same goal. Ask your new coach to give you some resources for such communities! I know that I can rattle off resources (podcasts, books, websites, social media experts, etc.) on the spot when my clients ask (or when I feel the need to give them to my clients as we are working together). You will learn and grow as you expand your circle of support! We all do better with fellowship!

So, as we begin 2023, what are you choosing to do for your health and why? Why not choose a health and life coach to walk alongside you on this journey! Check out what I offer atgeorgettelepage.com to see if we might be a good fit and email me to set up a free 30-minute discovery session to see if we are a good fit! Why wouldn’t you want support, expertise, and accountability to be successful? Cheers to 2023!

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info!

Read more from Georgette!

Georgette LePage, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine

Georgette LePage is a certified Health and Life Coach who empowers women all around the world to lose their mental weight first in order to then lose their physical weight. Her approach is honest, real, clear, and genuine with transformational habit change and mindset reset methods. Georgette’s energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Her focus on a healthy lifestyle inspires her clients to leave behind old diet culture thoughts and patterns in order to embrace fresh and simple ways to live their best lives without diet drama. Empowerment, self-confidence, and self-care are cornerstones of the programs that she offers. She helps her clients to get the results that they want with realistic, real-life strategies. She lives her own life the way she coaches others. She listens to what her clients want and guides them with compassion and accountability as they achieve their goals. She works with people of all ages (teens to seniors and every age in between) who are ready to live a healthier, more joyful life. Georgette also hosts the talk radio show WHY WEIGHT? with Dr. Pat Baccili on Transformational Talk Radio. In addition to speaking English, she also is fluent in French and Spanish. Georgette has 32 years of experience as a World Language Teacher, as well. Her coaching motto is: Feel better. Look better. Be your best self!