Tell us about yourself
I’m a certified holistic health practitioner, Author of Healing Foods Healthy Foods, TEDx and International speaker. I’m also the founder of Rock On Divas and Gloria Halim Wellness. I moved to the UAE 2 years ago from the UK where I spent most of my life. Prior to becoming a health practitioner, I was an IT consultant in the Finance sector in London UK.
What led you to become a health coach?
Working in the finance industry created a lot of stress and pressure which led to a cancer diagnosis that forced me to leave my career and focus on the rigorous treatments of several surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and other medications. Coming out of that, and being sick of the terrible side effects the drugs created, I needed to find a way to heal myself that didn’t include the use of additional chemicals/medication. I embarked on a journey of research and self-discovery, and found the holistic wellness world that focused on going back to nature because that is what the body needs to heal and thrive. I ended up writing my book about the healing benefits of superfoods, spices, herbs and oils called Healing Foods Healthy Foods. I took a few nutrition courses here and there which didn’t quench my thirst for more knowledge until I found a school in New York that provided a yearlong program focused on holistic health and wellbeing. I trained at the school and graduated as a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. I learned so much from my research, through writing my book and through the program but one main point stood out from everything and that is “You Can Prevent Dis-ease”. That’s the message, has been my message and will continue to be my message because that realisations is what made me want to practice as a health practitioner. To give people the information and tools they need to heal, change their lives and thrive.
What is health coaching and how does it benefit women?
Health coaching is a holistic approach to healing and wellness. It’s a safe space where the coach works with the client one-2-one supporting her through any health challenges she may be experiencing, helping her heal and thrive as she’s meant to in life. It’s gives women the opportunity to take the much needed time to focus on themselves (something women don’t often do as they focus more on others), find and connect with themselves on an individual level. As a way of complementing conventional medical intervention, health coaching can be used to prevent some chemical imbalances and diseases from developing. Improved nutrition and other lifestyle choices has been proven to help speed up recovery and negate the on-set of certain ailments.
How do you motivate and change someone’s life?
Women don’t tend to take the time to focus on themselves or their health focusing more on others, children, family etc. Sometimes I find the real reason for this is down to value. In order to give your best self to others, you have to fill yourself up first. I help them see how valuable they are and the impact self-care has on their health. Helping them understand that they can live their healthiest and best life by focusing on themselves is key to thriving in life.
How do you help your clients achieve health-related goals?
Whatever issues my clients come to me to resolve, started at some point and was triggered by something. Studies show that 70% of health related issues women experience stems from a hormonal imbalance. Finding and addressing the root cause is the beginning of the healing journey. I work with clients personally utilizing my two tried and tested programs, Body Boost andBlissfully Balanced programs, and following my holistic approach which includes what I call the 5 Pillars of Health to heal and achieve their health goals. I take them on a beautiful, personal journey of self-discovery and healing to get them back in touch with their inner divas, creating a healthy, happy, balanced, thriving lifestyle.
What keeps you going? What are your personal motivation?
My motivation is to give my clients the information they need to balance hormones and get healthy. The reasons I got into this field came from my personal health journey -going through cancer and hormonal imbalances. Thankfully, I came out the other side, healthy and thriving, and I want the same for everyone. Empowering clients with the information they need to prevent and heal dis-ease is the most priceless gift I share especially in today’s world. I don’t want to see anyone else go through what I went through or any of the numerous diseases on the planet, that is what motivates me to keep going.
What advice can you share for someone going through fear or anxiety around their health during this global change?
At this point, there’s a lot going on that’s out of our control. First advice is to breathe, focus on what you can control and not what you cannot control. Spend some time re-assessing where you are and what you would like to do going forward, this will start the first step in taking back control of your health. The information from the scientists and medical industry is that our immune system is under attack by the COVID-19 virus which means we need to boost our defense system to keep ourselves healthy. Incorporate natural ways to improve your immune system – change/improve your diet by including antioxidant rich foods, include exercise, speak with your health care provider and get your levels checked. Put together a self-care plan to help you improve your health. Reduce the noise from social media and the news, this will also help to reduce stress and anxiety during this period.
What is your favorite quote?
“No matter how much it gets abused, the body can restore balance. The first rule is to stop interfering with nature.” ~Deepak Chopra
Share with us your 5 top life tips:
- Take time for self-care, prayer, meditation, journaling
- Nourish your body with a healthy diet
- Be grateful for every moment
- Juice your greens
- Move your body every day. The body thrives on movement so pick an exercise that’s fun and chances are you will stick with it.