ALANNA BERGERON ON HER WELLNESS JOURNEY, SELF-CARE ROUTINE, AND FINDING PEACE
In honour of World Mental Health Day, we’re sharing the mic with Holistic Health Coach, Alanna Bergeron. From her approach to wellness, living a well-intentioned life, and helping women bridge the gap between personal health and their unique goals, Alanna shares the power of small purposeful, daily action steps to paint a larger sustainable picture long-term.
How did you get started in the health & wellness industry and specifically holistic nutrition?
“I’ve always had an interest in health + wellness. Fitness has always been a very important component of my lifestyle and nutrition goes with that so naturally I’ve always had an interest in nutrition. I was in a car accident a few years back, my entire life completely derailed — I couldn’t work at the time. I gained 30lbs because of not being able to do much of anything and being out of my normal routine. I was devastated by this, and honestly, didn’t know how to show up in the world as this new version of me. I was also very much stuck in my injuries - mentally. Emotional eating became part of my routine. Through my own awareness and studying nutrition, I was able to shift away from those patterns.
Through my own healing journey, I decided it was time for me to go back to school and study nutrition which ultimately led me to become a health coach. Once I finished my program, I knew I wanted to share my knowledge with others and specifically work with women.
Nutrition has such a huge impact on how we feel and depending on what we’re eating can be a driver of inflammation in the body. Learning how different foods affect the mind and body has truly shifted the way I eat today. Personal nutrition is very much about getting curious and learning what works for your body. Nutrition that aligns with holistic health needs can look different from person to person. What works for your body and lifestyle is unique to you, and your nutrition habits and needs will change throughout your life. Healthy lifestyle choices paired with nutrition that works for your body and mind is key to whole-person health.”
How do you personally define wellness and how has this idea evolved over time?
“I used to think wellness was the latest wellness hack or trend. Now, I look at wellness through a self-care lens. I believe in total health, more than just nutrition and exercise, health encompasses many different areas of our lives. Including what we do daily, who’s in our circle, what information we are taking in, and more. I believe self-care is as vital as good nutrition and movement. I believe in balance and in creating sustainable habits. Your daily habits should be supportive of your mental and physical wellbeing.”
What are your favourite books and resources as a wellness entrepreneur?
Books:
- Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
- Set Boundaries Workbook by Nedra Glover Tawwab
- You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
Podcasts:
- TSC Him & Her with Lauryn Evarts Bosstick and Michael Bosstick
- The Blonde Files with Arielle Lorre
- Get Your Sh*t Together with Belen Salomon
Other resources:
Full Focus Planner is my ride or die daily companion for goal setting, daily tasks, and staying organized in combo with my iCal which I have colour coded. This keeps my mind clear.
What does your wellness routine look like today?
I start my mornings by getting outside first thing, getting some sunlight on my face, and moving my body at the same time. I walk for about 30 minutes. Then I come home and make breakfast, take my vitamins. I check my calendar and create a to do list in my planner for the day. Most days I work from home. I work out in the afternoons currently: strength training 4x per week, Pilates 1x per week. Most days I cook dinner at home which helps me wind down from the day. I follow that up with another walk outside and then come home to stretch and put my legs up on the wall. I love a warm bath or shower at night and an herbal tea and/or magnesium drink. I use red light at night in both my bedroom and bathroom and some nights I read before bed.
My daily non-negotiables are: walk, morning light, some type of movement.
Last words?
Create time for your health. Love yourself well. You are worth this much, I promise!