Episode 112:
Is this the reason you're struggling to build healthier habits?
Have you ever wondered, or maybe even gotten frustrated, about why you always struggle to make lasting changes to your health and wellness habits?
“The mind, body and soul are all connected. And that in my story was a big, big miss. I never connected the mind and body. I started to struggle with anxiety and panic disorder at 19. It wasn't diagnosed for about 13 plus years. And I focused on the mental health problems as a brain issue - is there something inherently wrong with my brain?”
— Nicola Farndell
“Many of our patterns, especially the unhealthy patterns, are formed because of experiences we have as a child. So when we're trying to make lasting change, we've got to get to the root of those patterns of behaviour rather than just superficially thinking about changing a habit.”
— Sharon Donato
Trying to make changes to improve your habits and lifestyle for better health can seem simple, except putting what you want into practice for many women is a big struggle. I’m exploring what might be holding you back from making sustainable changes to your habits with guest Sharon Donato. We’re discussing the role of trauma in shaping behaviour patterns and how trauma can impact your ability to implement new habits.
Our conversation explores the importance of awareness and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. We even touch on the Pixar film Inside Out 2 as a great representation of how our brains work, and that watching it is a fantastic way for adults to understand themselves and their mind better!
In our conversation we talk about:
The reasons many people struggle to make lasting changes in their health and wellness habits.
How trauma can play a significant role in shaping behaviour patterns and hindering the building of new habits.
The importance and value of developing self-awareness.
Understanding the root causes of your behaviours to help you create lasting change.
Why the mind-body connection is so important, and how trauma can manifest in physical health issues.
Why stress and overworking can have detrimental effects on your physical and mental health.
Using brain spotting as a tool to help process trauma and release its hold on your emotions and behaviours.
Three simple steps to begin the journey of healing and self-improvement: awareness, openness to change, and self-compassion.
About Sharon:
Sharon Donato is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach working with individuals somatically via a trauma informed approach. She has a passion for thoughtfully guiding clients to find their own paths to wellness, working together to create the optimum environment for healing and learning. With over 30 years of experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Specialist, she’s assisted others to reconnect with their bodies, minds, and spirits, fostering a deep sense of healing from within.
Sharon’s approach is rooted in the understanding that trauma manifests not only in the mind but also in the body, often manifesting in unhealthy patterns. She assists clients in unlocking their potential by holding space to facilitate sustained lifestyle changes in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Using a blend of modalities including breathwork, movement, mindfulness techniques, nervous system regulation and nutrition she meets the unique needs of her clients, honouring their individual paths to healing.
Connect with Sharon:
Join Sharon’s FREE Facebook Group
If you would like to work with Sharon, she will be offering a free Brainspotting session with any purchase of 6 coaching sessions. Just mention that you found Sharon via the podcast.
Are you struggling with overwhelm and anxiety?
Do you feel like it’s impossible to start building new habits?
In my FREE guide, I provide you with 10 simple tips to help you begin to build new healthy habits that will help to reduce stress, overwhelm and anxiety - even when you’re struggling with the changes perimenopause is throwing at you.
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