Make the shift.
Cultivating Growth and Wellbeing: Insights from Serena Sabala.
On the Brave New Girls podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Serena Sabala, Certified Plant-Based Nutrition Consultant, co-founder of Whole Shift Wellness, and author of Make the Shift. In our conversation, Serena opened up about the daily struggles she faces, both personally and professionally, and how she uses her wellness expertise to overcome them. Her approach isn’t about striving for perfection but about finding balance and resilience in the face of life’s inevitable challenges. Through years of experience helping others transform their lives, Serena has refined strategies that are not only practical but also deeply empowering.
Serena’s methods stem from her own life’s journey and the desire to create a holistic, sustainable lifestyle that supports both physical and mental health. Her philosophy is grounded in three essential pillars: focus, food, and fitness. She believes these are the key to achieving not just external success, but inner peace and balance. Throughout our conversation, she emphasized that while struggles are a part of life, how we respond to them can make all the difference.
Serena Sabala’s Daily Strategies for Navigating Struggles
One of the most profound aspects of Serena’s approach is her commitment to staying present. She recognizes that daily struggles—whether they come in the form of work stress, personal setbacks, or even just managing a busy schedule—are inevitable. But instead of letting these overwhelm her, she adopts a mindset of acceptance and intention. By focusing on what is within her control, she reduces the emotional burden that often accompanies stress.
For Serena, staying grounded in her values and focusing on self-care are essential tools. She regularly checks in with herself, asking how her actions and decisions align with her core beliefs. This helps her maintain focus, even when external pressures mount. Serena encourages all of us to do the same—to ask ourselves regularly, “Is what I’m doing in line with what truly matters to me?” This level of awareness allows her to tackle her struggles with clarity, rather than being swept away by them.
Another key strategy Serena employs is the integration of mindful movement into her day. Fitness, in her view, is not just about physical health but about maintaining mental resilience. She prioritizes forms of exercise that she enjoys, such as yoga and weight training, making these daily practices that not only strengthen her body but also calm her mind. The consistency of her routine provides stability, which is especially important during times of struggle.
Serena also emphasizes the importance of nourishing the body with plant-based, whole foods. She describes food as a form of medicine that has the power to heal, energize, and uplift. When life becomes overwhelming, Serena pays extra attention to her diet, ensuring she eats meals rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that fuel her body and support her emotional well-being. Serena believes that the way we nourish ourselves has a direct impact on how we cope with stress and adversity.
Additionally, Serena is an advocate for prioritizing sleep and recovery. In times of stress, many of us neglect rest, but Serena views this as a critical mistake. She ensures that her schedule allows for adequate rest, understanding that sleep is when the body and mind restore themselves. Without it, she explains, we’re far less equipped to face our struggles with resilience.
Beyond physical strategies, Serena cultivates a strong mindset of gratitude. She practices daily gratitude journaling to shift her focus away from stress and toward the positive aspects of her life. This simple practice has a profound impact on her mood and helps her maintain perspective, even when things get tough.
Through these practices, Serena has created a foundation that supports her through life’s challenges. Below, I share ten actionable steps inspired by her strategies to help you navigate your own daily struggles with grace and strength.
For overall support of Serena Sabala’s growth practices, the following three Young Living essential oils/blends would be ideal:
Peppermint: For enhancing focus and mental clarity. Its invigorating properties make it a great companion for staying present and maintaining concentration, aligning with Serena’s emphasis on grounding and intention.
Thieves®: This powerful blend supports overall wellness and can reinforce self-care routines. It’s beneficial for nourishing the body and supporting the immune system, especially during stressful times when maintaining a healthy diet is crucial.
PanAway®: To support fitness and physical resilience. This blend is ideal for muscle relief and recovery after exercise, helping maintain the consistency of mindful movement practices that Serena emphasizes for both physical and mental wellbeing.
These oils, combined with the strategies discussed by Serena Sabala, can form part of a holistic approach to growth & wellbeing. They can be used in various ways, such as diffusing them, applying them topically (diluted as needed), or incorporating them into meditative or therapeutic practices. Each blend has specific properties that can support emotional well-being, aiding in the journey from suffering to a place of safety, purpose, and healing. I am a Brand Partner with Young Living if you wish to order these oil blends at a discount.
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Talk to Lou Hamilton- Your Wellbeing Coach
Ten Actionable Steps to Navigate Daily Struggles
Practice Daily Gratitude
Begin and end your day by listing three things you’re grateful for. This helps shift your mindset from stress to positivity and cultivates an overall sense of well-being.Nourish Your Body with Whole Foods
Pay attention to what you eat, especially during stressful times. Opt for plant-based, nutrient-dense foods that support your body’s needs and enhance emotional resilience.Incorporate Mindful Movement
Engage in daily movement that you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, walking, or strength training. Physical activity helps release stress and keeps your mind focused and clear.Focus on What’s Within Your Control
When struggles arise, identify the aspects you can influence and take proactive steps in those areas. Let go of the things that are out of your control to avoid unnecessary stress.Check In with Your Values
Regularly ask yourself if your actions align with your core values. This simple check-in helps guide your decisions and keeps you centered, even during challenging times.Create Space for Rest and Recovery
Prioritize sleep and downtime, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Rest is critical for restoring both your physical and mental health.Set Small, Achievable Goals
Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This prevents overwhelm and helps you maintain momentum, even when life feels chaotic.Practice Mindfulness
Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing into your daily routine. This helps you stay present and grounded, reducing anxiety during stressful moments.Surround Yourself with Support
Build a network of supportive friends, family, or colleagues who uplift you. Having people to turn to in times of need strengthens your resilience.Celebrate Your Wins
Recognize and celebrate small victories, no matter how insignificant they may seem. This keeps your morale high and reminds you of your progress.
Serena Sabala’s strategies for navigating daily struggles remind us that we have the power to choose how we respond to challenges. Through mindful self-care, gratitude, and staying aligned with our values, we can build resilience and face life’s difficulties with grace.
If you have worries around life’s juggles & health challenges, and want to grow a healthier, happier life, work with your Wellbeing Coach Lou Hamilton who will guide you through the steps you need to take, to get to where you want to be.
See which bespoke coaching programme works for you & we can tailor them further to your growth needs.
