I Came Into This Program Wanting ____; What I Got Out of the Program is ___.

I came into this program wanting to make significant inroads improving my health. I initially thought that my main health measure would be my weight. However, after completing assessments and continuing with the program I found that there were other markers of health that I needed to consider. For example, my blood pressure and fasting glucose levels were concerns. In addition, through my coaching sessions with Rosie I re-evaluated how I measure my own health. The life balance wheel was also illuminating; I found that throughout the program, I worked on a number of areas in my life and consider these other factors as significant as my weight in defining my overall health.

What I got out of this program was not only a new way of looking at my health but a new way of making decisions regarding my health and my future. For me, at the heart of the coaching sessions was learning how to match what I really want out of life with my day-to-day decisions and choices. That is, what do I really truly want in this moment? What exactly do I want out of this choice and why? Is this proposed action really in tune with my short and long term life goals? This psychological “intrinsic thinking” is just now becoming part of my standard thinking process.

My Biggest Successes During This Program:

1. Improving my body fat ratio;
2. Losing inches;
3. Adding muscle and increasing strength;
4. Improving how I deal with stress, both work stress and in other areas of my life;
5. Improving my blood pressure;
6. Improving one of my cholesterol markers;
7. Improving my fasting glucose measure to within normal;
8. Decreasing my low back problems;
9. Getting my long term goals in sync with my day-to-day actions;
10. Living more fully and being happier overall.

My Biggest Challenges During This Program:

1. Getting my long term goals in sync with my day-to-day actions;
2. Sticking to a healthful diet week after week;
3. Getting in my exercise consistently.

My Biggest Insights/Realizations (“A-Ha” Moments):

1. I live and work better in an organized, de-cluttered environment;
2. TV is not generally a very good de-stressor for me; I’m much better off reading a book;
3. I was snacking in the evenings to escape from life stressors;
4. I enjoy being physically active. Even though some of the strength training and core work is difficult for me, I like being stronger.

The Most Significant Change I Made During This Program:

Developing healthier ways to deal with stress. Instead of sitting down and watching TV and consuming extra calories, I now read, listen to music, exercise or work on a hobby.

The Most Significant Thing(s) I’ve Learned About Myself:

Sleep and decompressing are crucial for me to live healthfully. When I’m tired and/or stressed, I lapse into old bad habits and don’t think as well. When I’m tired, I need to be especially conscious not to overindulge and eat sweets. If I’m tired, taking a hot bath and going to bed early is likely to be the most healthful action I can take.

I also learned that having some protein for breakfast not only helps me function but it also helps me maintain healthy eating through out the rest of the day.

How This Experience Has Changed Me:

This experience has changed me by not only improving several markers of health but by setting the stage for me to make additional inroads towards making additional healthful changes. Although the coaching sessions are over, I’m still much better at making healthful day-to-day decisions, especially in the area of my diet. For example, at a party I attended last week I found it amazingly easy to follow my diet; I didn’t have any problem resisting the dessert buffet. I’m eating for sustenance, not to escape from stress. I’m losing weight again and find myself planning healthful fun activities. For example, I’m currently in the midst of planning a weekend bike trip with a group of my friends.

Finally, I feel that I am a happier and more productive employee. I think that I’m better at dealing with work stress both while it’s happening and afterwards. I wasn’t expecting this to happen. I find myself focusing on my day-to-day interactions with fellow employees. Life is short; I had best eek as much enjoyment out of it as possible.