Upbeat Life

My diagnosis has taught me first-hand how important it is to provide your body with the right environment.

You have to give it a chance to heal, and this won’t happen if you are constantly overworking, eating unhealthy and being inactive.

Swipe to read more about my story and how you can heal if you give your body the right environment...

What I wish I knew about Multiple Sclerosis when I was first diagnosed...

It is easy to look back and think of all the things I wish I had known and done. I obviously can’t change the past, but I can use my experience to help other people. So if you have been newly diagnosed with a chronic illness, or are just struggling right now, here are 3 things I wish I would have known from the start...

1. Your Mindset is Everything- I wish I had known how powerful my mindset could be in managing my condition. In the beginning, it was easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless, but over time, I learned that your belief system is what makes all the difference. It’s not about ignoring the challenges, but rather believing in your ability to overcome them. Remember, how you choose to view your situation can shape your entire experience, and if you have the right mindset, you can take back the power and change the outcome.

2. Lifestyle Changes Matter- Early on, I didn’t realise the impact that diet, exercise, and sleep could have on my MS symptoms. For many years, I ignored what my body needed most, as I did not believe that eating a balanced diet, staying active, and prioritising rest were going to make a difference. The truth is that they do, and if you want to live a better life, you need to look within and start taking action where you can.

3. You Are Not Alone- There is a huge community online where you can connect with others in a similar position to you. You can learn so much from someone else experiences- just make sure you are surrounding yourself with the right people! I’ll do a separate post about some of my favourite people to follow on here!

These are just a few things I’ve learned along the way, and I hope they can offer some comfort and guidance especially if you have been newly diagnosed.

Remember, it’s a journey, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

If you ever need someone to talk to or have questions about my journey, feel free to drop me a message.

We’re in this together, and I’m here to help however I can.

My health journey started when I received my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis…

I had always thought I was undefeatable and constantly pushed through. I neglected my health, as it was always at the bottom of the list.

Over the past 21 years, living with this diagnosis has taught me so much, both about myself and how as a nation we view health.

I have come to the conclusion that change needs to happen.

We are facing a national health crisis, it is almost impossible to get a doctor's appointment, waitlists go on for months and months, and we are often very reactive in treatments and prescribed medication. We are all about fixing people once they get unwell.

This can obviously be great in many cases, but why do we always have to be reacting?

Instead, why don’t we start focusing more on preventative measures, and reduce the amount of people becoming ill in the first place?

We need to teach more about the impact of lifestyle, the power it has and the potential it can give us.

So many people I speak to don't think they can do anything, they think they are destined to end up with a diagnosis, or that they have no power over what is to come.

This cannot be further from the truth! We have the power, we can change our health outcome.

The graphic shows the 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine, which is a great place to start and a nice overview of how I think health should be looked at. So have a look, and consider whether you are getting enough sleep and whether you are participating in enough physical activity.

Don't get me wrong, changing habits and developing a healthier lifestyle is hard, but it's not impossible. If you would like to have a chat and we can put in place a plan for the next steps forward, drop me a message.

How to stay motivated when you don't see immediate results?

I get it... You start a new health routine with enthusiasm, often at the start of the month or a new year, but the results don’t show up as quickly as you hoped.

It can be incredibly disheartening and make you want to give up, but here’s what many people don’t realise- it’s completely normal to feel this way!

It’s actually impossible to stay motivated 100% of the time. There will always be days when you don’t want to do something or feel like you can simply miss a day.

This feeling is completely natural, so when does it become a problem?

The issue arises when you continue to feel unmotivated, and it leads you down a path opposite to where you want to go.

There are a few simple things you can do, to help you stay motivated and see the next steps forward.

◽ Tune into your body. Is it just today, or is this feeling a deeper limiting belief that needs to be challenged?

◽ Create small habits. Developing small but achievable habits helps you change various aspects of your life over time without a motivation drop.

◽ Remind yourself why you started. Think about your journey and surround yourself with inspiring people- family, friends, or online communities.

Remember, even the most committed people, including myself, have days when they want to give up, you just have to push through and keep going, or look within and understand why your mind is putting up the barrier.

If you want to explore your thinking patterns more and need some extra help, drop me a message. I’m always here to support you.

Is your mindset holding you back more than your physical ability? 🤔

Here are some signs that it might be...

👉 Constant self-doubt
👉 Avoiding challenges
👉 Negative self-talk
👉 Putting off tasks
👉 Lack of motivation

The best part about this? It's all within your control!

If you would like to start challenging your mindset and need someone to guide you along the way, book your free discovery call with me. I look forward to having a chat.

How committed are you to changing your health? It's the big question.

Many of us set out with the best intentions. We join the gym at the start of the year, try a new diet plan for a few weeks, but then... we don’t see much difference and we give up.

The problem isn't just about sticking to a routine.

It's about looking at the bigger picture.

Often, our mindset is the real challenge. Maybe we start off too ambitious, or maybe something in our brain tells us it won’t work. This internal dialogue holds us back.

When it comes to health, we NEED to address our mindset.

It's not enough to eat well for a few weeks if our mindset is negative. Everything goes hand in hand.

So, ask yourself: How committed are you to truly changing your health?

It's not just about diet or exercise. It's about transforming the way you think and approach your overall wellbeing.

Because real change starts from within.

Ready to look at the bigger picture and take control of your health journey? Let's make it happen together.

Drop me a comment with the word "COMMITTED" and we can begin your journey to better health together 💪

Want to find out what I will never do?

I spend a lot of time talking about what I can do, and what will help you, but what about the things I will NEVER do as your health coach?

Swipe to read 👉

If you live with a chronic illness, this post is for you...

21 years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and to be honest, my life has never been the same.

I’ve had doctors tell me there is no hope. I’ve faced fatigue that never seems to end. I even had an incomplete attempt to end my life.

I’ve truly gone through hell with my diagnosis, so while I share a lot of positive, actionable steps here, I know it’s not easy.

What living with MS for 21 years has taught me is that the biggest power we have is our mindset. If we can change our belief system, we can truly change our outcomes and how we live our lives, and I want to share this realisation with as many people as I can.

So if you are struggling right now, you are not alone. I felt like you once, and I found a better way forward.

I now use this page to share my journey, offer advice on everything I’ve learned, and build a community of those battling chronic illness, giving hope that a better life is possible.

If you’re new here, introduce yourself in the comments below. And if you’d like some advice or just someone to listen, drop me a message. I’m always happy to chat.

With the rise in remote work and screen time, sedentary behaviour is more common than ever.

But do you fully understand it’s impact, and in fact, how easy it is to address?

Swipe to learn more 👉

WHY MEDICATION ALONE WON’T SAVE US

Yes, I said it. We cannot cure our national health crisis with medication alone.

I believe our current approach to health is fundamentally flawed. We’re too quick to reach for medication as the solution, and whilst pills can be essential and life-saving in certain circumstances, they aren’t the answer to many of our health problems.

Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even many mental health disorders are often rooted in our lifestyle choices. No amount of medication can undo the effects of poor diet, lack of exercise, and chronic stress.

So what can we do?

Well firstly, we need to shift our focus from treating symptoms to addressing the root causes. This means making changes to our daily habits, our environment, and our mindset. I am a strong believer that whilst medication has its place, it cannot replace the fundamental need for a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

So why aren’t our healthcare system promoting these principles? Why don’t we start encouraging preventative measures over-reactive treatments?

Let’s start this conversation... I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Do you agree with me?

One of the main barriers I see preventing people from being healthier is the cost.

I’ll be honest, being healthy definitely can come with a hefty price tag- expensive gym memberships, daily supplements, organic produce, to just name a few of things, really do add up.

However, when I speak to people about this, what I really like to address is whether the cost is the real issue? Or is there another issue that persists and ‘its too expensive’ is just an act to disguise it.

More often than not, mindset seems to be the true barrier, but if it is not, there are still things you can do to improve your health drastically, that don’t cost the earth.

Going for a 10 minute walk each day offers incredible health benefits, and it’s free! Or swapping a ready meal for a simple freshly cooked meal from real produce, doesn’t have to be too expensive either.

So I challenge you today to really question yourself, is the expense of being healthy really the issue, or is there something else in the way?

It has been a while since I have done a post sharing my story, so to anyone who has followed me recently or is intrigued about my journey with Multiple Sclerosis, this post is for you.

I am on a mission to inspire a million people to lead a healthier life, can you help get my message out there?

Please do like, share and save this post!

Why We Should Never Feel Hopeless…

I want to help you see that there is a way forward. No, it won’t be easy, and yes, it may take time, but there’s no need to lose hope.

Perhaps you’ve recently received a diagnosis and think this is now your future, or maybe you’re getting older and feeling like you can no longer achieve what you once did.

Every day, I hear people impose limitations on themselves.
You might believe you’re unable to do something because of various reasons, but ask yourself: what truly holds you back? Is it a genuine limitation, or is it your mindset imposing barriers?

Sometimes you might not be able to do something one day, but who is telling you that you can’t tomorrow, or the next day?

We need to become aware of the difference between facts, and when it is just our mind limiting us.

So, here is your reminder to challenge those thoughts.

Save this post to come back to!

When it comes to health, one of the most crucial things is to listen to your body and understand what it’s telling you.

From personal experience, I know that while you might think you can keep pushing through, that approach won’t last forever. It’s vital to tune into your body and recognise the changes you need to make.

Swipe to read more about my journey and discover the signs your body might be giving you, encouraging you to adopt healthier habits.

As some of you know, I’m in the midst of writing my very own book.

Writing this book has been an emotional journey, pushing me to revisit some of the darkest moments in my life. It’s a labour of love that has brought me to tears, but also to a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.

Most importantly though, this book isn’t just about my story- it’s about yours. It’s about helping you see the possibility of change in your own life, using my personal experience, I want to show you that it is possible.

So, if you’ve ever felt hopeless, stuck, or powerless over your health, my book is for you.

“The first step is “to become the most important person in your life.” Not in a self-serving, egoistic way. Simple to become the best version of you, every day. Trust me when I say all those people you put first will benefit from this new improved version of you.”

As I continue writing the book, I’ll be sharing updates over the next few months. As always, feel free to drop me a message- I’m always here to offer advice and support.

Can you believe that up to 70% of chronic diseases are directly linked to lifestyle habits? It’s true. The choices we make everyday- what we eat, how much we move, how we manage stress, and even how we sleep, play a huge role in our overall health.

What this does show is how much power we have. We can choose to make changes and adopt healthier habits, and it can have a direct effect on how we feel, and in many cases, prevent, manage, and even reverse chronic conditions.

It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making progress. Start small, be consistent, and see how your health improves. 💪

Share this with someone who needs to hear it.

What is holding you back?

Is it the fear that you might not get better? Is it that you don’t believe lifestyle changes can make a difference? Is it because you can't be bothered? Or maybe it's the overwhelming amount of information out there that makes you feel stuck and confused?

I get it. Making changes, especially when it comes to your health, can be daunting. But let me tell you, it’s worth it.

When I was diagnosed with MS, I felt like my world was crumbling. I thought that this was now my life, and I was scared and unsure if anything I did could actually help. It took some time, and lot's of battling with myself, but I realised that my fear and doubt were just barriers in my mind, and I was the only one that could take action and make a difference.

If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself what’s holding you back. Is it fear? Doubt? A lack of motivation? Whatever it is, your first step is to recognise it, as then you can take the steps to overcome it.

Remember, every small change you make in your lifestyle adds up. Whether it's improving your diet, getting more exercise, or simply changing your mindset, each step brings you closer to better health and a happier life.

Don’t let fear or doubt control your future. It all starts with one step. So, what’s holding you back?

If you’re ready to take control of your health, let's do this together. Click the link below and we can book in a free discovery call.

https://calendly.com/upbeatlife

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BODY

Learning to listen to your body is one of the most important steps towards better health.

For me, my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis was a major wake-up call. It was my body’s way of telling me that I couldn’t keep living the way I was. I had to start looking after myself better.

Your body communicates in many ways. Sometimes it’s through a diagnosis, as it was for me, and other times it’s through feeling bloated, lethargic, or emotionally down.

So although you may not realise it, your body is likely to be telling you something, so you need to tune into the signals and clues about what it needs and what it doesn’t.

Look at what you eat, your activity levels, how you’re feeling emotionally, and any symptoms you experience, and jot them down. Pay attention to how you feel after different activities. Notice how your energy levels shift throughout the day. Are you more energised after a walk? Do certain foods make you feel sluggish? Over time, you’ll start to see connections that can guide your choices.

By tuning into your body’s signals, you can develop healthier habits that support your wellbeing.

Your body knows what it needs. You just have to listen.

Client A came to me after she received a type 2 diabetes diagnosis that left her feeling hopeless, struggling, and like she had lost all control over her health.

However, rather than allowing fear and uncertainty to control her future, she took charge of her health journey.

Swipe to read Client A’s incredible transformation ❤️

If you are feeling like Client A did and would like some extra help along the way, drop me a message and we can have a chat. 💪

I want to help people.

I want to share how chronic illnesses are preventable, controllable, and reversible.

I want to show the world that they can live a better life.

I want to help people change their mindset.

I want to show people that it is possible.

Can you help spread my mission?

I’d be so grateful if you could share my post and introduce me to some new people. I’m here to make a difference. 💪

I used to believe that once you reach a certain age or get a serious diagnosis, making significant health changes was impossible, but my journey with Multiple Sclerosis has taught me otherwise. It's never too late to start taking control of your health, no matter how old you are. Small, consistent changes in diet, exercise, and mindset have had a huge impact on my life.

Swipe to read my story and learn why you can start making changes at any age.

And if you'd like to book in a free call with me, click here- https://calendly.com/upbeatlife?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZtELB8I0gh4DSw5IXKfFibDtkvSCTRhz6raqJMp3N_B4Dx1OVf6gg26HU_aem_AYuC7PqWPrEOpUqINV0PI-5MeUDIfyiYxvZO-ur7xYRr-e87Sn19VA8V7jfFG5Iy6Y4HM274JJUY5Tcm_9wlVkG_

It doesn’t have to be hard...

There is so much information online about living a healthier life. Each time you go on socials your feed is probably filled with posts about supplements, workout routines, and diet plans.

The thing is, whilst this can be great, the most important thing to remember is action.

Small steps are all it needs to start with, you don’t need to commit to working out 5 times a week when you first begin your health journey. If you want to, that’s amazing, but for most people, the thought of it stops them from even starting.

So if you keep putting it off, here are 3 things you can do today, that are going to set you off on your health journey, but not be too much of a struggle!

- Go on a 10-minute walk
- Swap your snack for a piece of fruit
- Take 5 minutes at the end of your day to pause and reflect on how the day has gone

It doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be something. Each day, making small changes in your life will add up to huge results.

Do you struggle when it comes to implementing healthier practices into your day? If so, let me know what you find most difficult!

When I last shared about seeing my diagnosis as a love letter to myself, I had such an incredible response, with so many people inspired by my story of viewing my diagnosis differently.

I thought I’d put together another post showing just how much this perspective has transformed my life. Swipe to read how it made all the difference...

I’m not against medicine. In some cases it is necessary, and in others, it can significantly help when alternative methods can’t...

BUT...

There is another approach, that is not spoken about nowhere near enough, and that approach is looking at our lifestyle choices.

Swipe to read ➡️

Hi everyone, I am currently taking part in a fundraising event which will enable the wonderful people Walk The Walk Family Support Service to take a minimum of 2o children out for the day.
The challenge is as a group do 80 hours of exercise in the month of May My total up to last Sunday was 319 minutes.

If you could spare a few pounds it will be greatly appreciated.

https://gofund.me/dac5a12f

The only person standing in your way is you...

Let that sink in for a moment. It’s easy to blame external factors for our challenges, but often, the biggest obstacle we face is our own mindset.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis for over 20 years, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, but I’ve come to realise that my mindset controls everything- how I feel, what I do, as well as overcoming the difficulties with my illness.

When I first received my diagnosis, I felt like my world was crumbling. It was easy to blame my condition for everything holding me back, I could no longer do all the things I once could, and the only thing that I thought had changed was receiving this diagnosis.

However, as time went on, I began to see that the true barriers were the limiting beliefs I held about myself and my abilities. That was what was stopping me from doing all the things that I once could.

It wasn’t until I shifted my perspective and took control of my mindset that I started to see real change. I stopped seeing myself as a victim and started taking proactive steps to improve my health and well-being.

Now, I’m on a mission to share what I’ve learned with others. I want to empower you to recognise the power you hold within yourself.

YOU and only you has the ability to change your life.

So, the next time you feel like something is holding you back, remember, the only person standing in your way is yourself.

Swipe to explore the first steps in reshaping your belief system, it is not easy and it is something that you have to work on constantly, but once you discover a different way of thinking, it opens up so many doors and allows you to live a more happy and fulfilling life.

If you need some extra support, drop me a message and I can guide you on the next steps!

Your reminder that you have the power to change your reality 💪

If you are thinking ‘Chirs, how do I do that?!’, then take a look at my last post where I share why lifestyle choices are the solution to so many modern-day health issues.

Why lifestyle choices are the solution to so many of our chronic health problems...

Living with Multiple Sclerosis hasn't been easy. To be honest, the first 8 to 10 years were downright tough. I was in a really bad place, constantly battling against my body and struggling to cope. The symptoms had really taken a toll on my mental health, to the point where I made an incomplete attempt to end my life.

One day I began researching more about the condition that had taken up residence within my body. I had always looked at this condition with such hatred, but I was at a point where I had nothing to loose by taking a further look.

Through this research, it became apparent to me that I had not caught MS, I had created it by the lifestyle choices I had made. Working endless hours, eating a poor diet, and doing minimal exercise, had all played a part in my diagnosis of MS.

I researched more and more and found the idea that you can control your health with lifestyle fascinating, it was telling me that I had the power and that I didn't have to live like this.

Slowly but surely, I began to explore different approaches.

🥗 I began looking at my diet, and what I was eating to fuel my body. I started to avoid foods that caused inflammation in my body, to see if it made a difference.

🏋️‍♀️ I started to move my body, which early on just consisted of a small walk each day, as that was all I could do.

🧠 I decided to look at incorporating mindful practices into my day, such as journaling, as well as being careful of what type of information I consume. I stopped viewing MS as a barrier and started seeing it as an opportunity for growth. I could change my reality.

As time passed, I started feeling better. I went from being in a wheelchair, feeling hopeless about the future, to being able to go to the gym, do what I want independently, and lead a busy, fulfilling life. A life that is far better than the one I used to live before MS, as I now know I have to look after my body.

MS has been my love letter to myself, my reminder that I have to look after my body and treat it well, otherwise, it simply won't work how I would like it to.

I refuse to let MS define me. I know I will never cure MS, however, I will never allow it to dominate my life again.

Today, I'm living proof that lifestyle choices can make a world of difference when it comes to managing chronic health conditions, and not just MS. Lifestyle choices play a huge part in so many chronic health conditions- type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity... the list goes on, and I'm passionate about sharing my story and inspiring others to take control of their health and well-being. It is possible.

So if you're struggling with a chronic health condition, know that you're not alone. There is hope, and there are steps you can take to improve your life.

It's not always easy, but with determination, perseverance, and a positive mindset, anything is possible.

If you'd like some free advice, drop me a message! I'm always happy to help 😊

If you have recently received a diagnosis and have been feeling lost, I hope this post guides you along on your next steps...

Hit the save button to remind yourself that you are so much more than your diagnosis!