Central Coast News

NSW Health’s Get Healthy Service offers free phone and online support from a university qualified health coach to help people set and achieve their own personal health goals.

The service can support people to eat healthy and get active, reach and stay at a healthy weight, reduce the amount of alcohol they drink, or manage their health while living with type 2 diabetes or cancer. There is also a service for pregnant women to support them in gaining a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy and achieving a healthy weight after giving birth.

Lauren Brown, a psychologist at Central Coast Local Health District, says Get Healthy is great for people who might need help staying motivated to achieve their goals.

“The start of the year is a time when many of us set new year’s resolutions to be more active and eat healthier,” Lauren said.

“But forming new habits can be tough, especially at the start, and with kids returning to school and the holidays over, now is the time when people might be slipping back into their usual routines. As life gets in the way, it can be hard to find energy and enthusiasm for those resolutions.

“That’s where the Get Healthy Service can really help. A health coach will work with you as a team, providing practical tools and supporting you to set achievable goals, make a plan and overcome barriers that stand in your way. They will be with you on that journey, including those moments when you need a little nudge to get going.

“What’s more, the service is designed to fit in with your life, with coaching available at a time that suits you. And, best of all, it’s free.”

For those of us yet to set any health goals for the year, Lauren says it’s not too late.

“Psychologically, people find a moment in time like new year a good chance to start afresh,” Lauren said. “But it’s never too late for a fresh start. Tomorrow is a new day, and we don’t have to wait until next year to begin a health challenge.”

While there are a few keys to sticking to your health goals, Lauren says the most important thing is knowing what works for you.

“Before you begin, ask yourself, ‘what am I more likely to stick to?’”, Lauren said. “Is there anything you can learn from in the past that has enabled you to keep at something.

“Perhaps it’s going to the gym with a mate or rewarding yourself for making an improvement week to week. I have clients that need the social element, so they’ve started walking groups and then go for a coffee after.

“If some type of competitive element helps, there are so many events and apps out there now where you can track your progress over time or take part in challenges with others. Parkrun, is a free, weekly, five-kilometre walk, jog or run amongst a welcoming community of like-minded people.”

Lauren says having flexibility with your goals and a back-up plan is crucial in giving yourself every opportunity to succeed.

“Ask yourself what else you’ll do if the weather is bad, or you pick up a little injury, for example,” Lauren said. “Setting goals is good, but be careful that they’re not too rigid. Build flexibility into your plan.

“Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start slow and set small targets. This will help you chip away at your goal and give you successes to celebrate along the way, which is good for your morale and motivation.

“Giving yourself little reminders helps too. For example, if you are thinking about walking, leave your shoes by the door. And try to link your activity to points in the day that are already a habit, like going for a walk before breakfast, or during your lunch break.

“It can feel like hard work at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets, and the habit forms.

“The key is finding out what works for you. There are lots of ideas out there, but people may not know what works for them. Get Healthy coaches can help with that and keep you on track.”

To register for the program, or for more information, visit here or call 1300 806 258, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Quick tips for sticking to your health goals

• Set achievable and realistic goals.
• Learn from what has – and hasn’t – worked for you in the past when trying to meet a goal. If something hasn’t worked, what would you do differently to stick at it next time?
• Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start slow and set small targets along the way.
• Have a back-up plan. Ask yourself what else you’ll do if the weather is bad, or you pick up a little injury, for example.
• Give yourself little reminders. For example, if you are thinking about walking, leave your shoes by the door.
• Link your activity to points in the day that are already a habit, like going for a walk before breakfast or during your lunch break.
• Enlist the support of a health coach by registering for the free Get Healthy Service. There’s nothing to lose.