Are you Ready for Change?
Our Naturopaths are going to meet you where you’re at in your health journey without judgement. We’re here to educate you about your present state of health and how your diet and lifestyle has and is contributing to the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing.
We’re not here to take away all of your favourite things, well, not forever! And not until you’re ready.
This is where the psychology of change is helpful to understand. There are a few stages that we go through when making a change, and each stage is needed for long lasting change to stick. But I’ll talk more about that after my example of being ready. Scroll towards the end of this page if you’d like to skip the example!
AN EXAMPLE: BURSITIS IN THE RIGHT SHOULDER
October 2023: Symptoms first noticed. Restricted movement of the shoulder. Pain radiating down the arm. Sharp shooting disabling pain for 30 seconds with certain movements. Sleep interruption – hard to get comfortable and waking in pain. Treated inconsistently with natural remedies such as Quercetin, Turmeric and Fish Oils with mild results in pain reduction.
February 2024: Ready to be free of the pain (5 months later), ready to do anything to achieve this. Diet: No sugar or carbs, no alcohol, no coffee, no seeds oils. Absolutely everything eaten was with the intention of reducing inflammation. Diet changes can be powerful. But you need to be ready. Treated consistently each day with Triple strength Turmeric, Triple strength Fish Oils, Magnesium. High doses – please consult your health practitioner about dosage, don’t self-treat. After only 1 week the pain was minimal, and after 2 weeks gone. What remained was the frozen shoulder, but range of motion continued and continues to improve. Even with a less restrictive diet now with coffee and carbs re-introduced.
April 2024: Pain Free
May 2024: Started regular chiropractic sessions to work on the range of motion in the shoulder and align the whole body for wellness moving forward. No supplements are currently being taken for inflammation. Pain free. Range of motion improving. Sleeping well.
Stages of Readiness for this Journey
Pre-Contemplation: I don’t need to change – I’m pretty healthy. Massages will be the answer.
Contemplation: I might change – but it’s hard because the changes will impact socialising. I’ll keep taking my supplements when I remember to, and feeling those minor benefits.
Preparation: I will change. I don’t want to live in pain anymore. I want absolute pain free. And I am ready to do the changes needed to achieve this. I will gather what supplements I need.
Action: I have started to change. Taking regular supplements, prepping them each week. Eating a whole food diet and making sure the fridge and cupboards are stocked with an abundance of healthy choices at all times.
Maintenance: I’ve changed. Feeling the benefits & being pain free means I don’t want to go back to how I was before. Guidance of my chiropractor now for continuing care towards better range of movement in the shoulder.
Relapse: Social eating causes relapses (but not pain) - repair happens quicker with the maintenance tools in place.
Termination: The behaviours causing an inflamed body have stopped for good.
STAGES OF READINESS EXPLAINED
Pre-Contemplation: “I don’t need to change”
You’ve begun to consider setting goals, you may have taken a small positive step, researching, but not quite ready to make the change now. Perhaps you’ve had a look at what Naturopaths are in your area, but not booked the appointment. Perhaps you notice how your skin issue flares after drinking wine, but you have no intention of stopping the behaviour because perhaps it’s a coping mechanism through the stresses of life. And support with stress is where we need to start.
Contemplation: “I might change”
You may feel a little stuck. Having some information now, but not being quite ready, or not knowing exactly how to solve it. Knowing what you have to do, but not ready to take action. Maybe it feels too big? This stage can take months or years. Be kind on yourself and consider doing a very small step. For example, reducing the days of drinking wine, or reducing the amount of glasses of wine that you have. Keep learning and seek out practitioners who have knowledge in the area, and who you can learn from. Weigh up pros and cons, identify obstacles to change.
Preparation: “I will change…really!”
An exciting point to be at. Almost ready to make that change! It’s usually only a month away! At this point it might be helpful to share with some trusted people in your support network. A Naturopath is a great person to share with at this time, to help to get you into a stronger place within yourself to make the bigger changes. Being well prepared and educated means a higher chance of success.
Action: “I have started to change”
Trying out new routines and letting go of old habits. Every small improvement is positive. You can track your starting point and improvements on a calendar to look at on your journey. Rewards successes!
Maintenance: “I’ve changed”
Staying on track. Continue to set small goals and check-ins, to stay on track and resist old behaviours.
Termination: “I am changed forever”
The change you’ve made is integrated into your life now and has become a habit. Appreciate all that you’ve done. You can go it alone now. Seek support if needed during times of stress or illness.
Written by Amanda Roe-Hunter. Adv.Dip.Naturopathy.
IF YOU’RE READY - book an appointment to start working on your health here.