The Better Balance Coach Blog

We’ve all heard it: “Knowledge is power.” Understanding what could improve your health, energy, or focus matters — but it only becomes powerful when you actually do something with it.   The best first step? Pick one small thing you could realistically try this week. Tiny actions that actually fit your day are what make the difference.   From knowing to doing... a little inspiration: I know I should…   So I will… Drink more water Pour a glass every time I make a coffee or put the kettle on. Eat more vegetables Add an extra portion to a meal I’m already cooking. Start my bedtime routine earlier Begin your usual evening tasks (stack the dishwasher, lay out clothes for the next day, whatever you normally do) after dinner, after wrangling the kids into bed, or with a phone reminder — so it’s done before you sit down to relax. Pause under pressure ...

Returning home after years abroad is an experience that surprises a lot of people even when you know it might be tricky. For my family and I, moving back to the UK after living in Germany and Taiwan wasn’t about careful planning or following a perfect plan. It was just the right time for us as a family for a variety of reasons - but even knowing that, it has been harder than I expected in ways I didn’t fully anticipate. Some things were familiar - the language, the streets, the routines. Others felt subtly different. Life has shifted, routines have changed and we’ve changed too. In many ways, it feels a little like starting again, even in a place that should feel like home. Living abroad gave us experiences that were exciting, challenging and full of connection with new friends and communities. We built lives where relationships formed quickly and day-to-day life had a different energy and pace. Coming back home, some of that ease and openness wasn’t immediately there - and that took s...

I first heard a version of this idea years ago on a work training course: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” It really stuck with me. It’s a simple idea – but it’s amazing how often we forget it in our daily routines. We all have habits that can keep us stuck. You plan to prep for the next day and go to bed earlier – but then you watch one more episode, scroll a bit longer on your phone, grab your usual snack, or make the same go-to dinner – and the next morning it’s the same: rushing, tired, low on energy, wondering why nothing feels different. Even when we know something needs to change, it’s easy to fall into the path of least resistance. Habits stick because they’re familiar and effortless – especially when we’re stressed, tired or overwhelmed. It’s not just TV – it could be snacks, wine, skipping meals or defaulting to routines that feel easy. These little defaults quietly shape our energy, mood and how our day unfolds. The good n...

And why it might help when life feels like a lot... The term health coach can feel a bit fluffy – like someone who’ll give you a smoothie recipe and tell you to “believe in yourself”. That’s not what I do. If you’ve ever wondered whether working with a health coach is worth it – or even what it involves – here’s the clearest way I can explain it. I’ll start with what I don’t do, because that often clears things up best. What I don’t do: I’m not a doctor – I don’t diagnose or treat health conditions I’m not a personal trainer – I won’t give you a detailed workout programme I’m not a dietitian – I won’t create a prescriptive meal plan for you And I’m definitely not here to micromanage or judge you What I do instead: I support you in the real world – not the ideal one. I work with people who are in the middle of change or who feel stuck in a life that used to work but suddenly doesn’t. Together we take a clear honest look at what’s going on in your life. We figure out what’s holdin...

Moving abroad is one of those life changes that’s exciting but also full-on. Whether it’s for work, family or just a new adventure, there’s usually a lot more going on under the surface than meets the eye. And while settling into a new country can be rewarding it can also take its toll - physically, emotionally and mentally. Although I don’t  only  work with expats, it’s an area I know well and there’s a lot in the expat experience that applies to anyone going through a big life change. Because when your life feels like it’s been turned upside down it’s easy to lose sight of what you need to feel like  you  again. That’s where health coaching comes in. What Makes Expat Life So Challenging? When you move abroad, you’re not just getting used to a new postcode - you’re also leaving behind your go-to people, your daily routines and the familiar bits of life you didn’t even realise were keeping you grounded. Sometimes it’s not just you making the move. Maybe you...

We all have stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what we can and can’t do and what we’re capable of achieving. These stories shape how we see the world and our place in it, influencing the decisions we make and the actions we take.  Often, we get stuck in tales from our past, our perceived weaknesses, or things beyond our control. Before we know it, these stories become barriers we’ve built for ourselves.  How often do we catch ourselves saying things like, “I’m just not the type of person who does that,” or “I’ve tried before and it didn’t work”?  These stories may feel comforting in their familiarity, but in reality, they can create invisible walls that stop us from reaching our full potential and give us an excuse to stay exactly where we are - even if that’s not where we want to be.  But here’s the thing: most of these stories aren’t set in stone. They’re just interpretations, shaped by fear, doubt, or past experiences. What if we could change the narrativ...