Episode 87: How do I prioritise my health when everyone else needs me first?

Ever feel like your well-being is the last item on an endless to-do list? You're not alone. This candid conversation tackles the reality of being a busy woman trying to prioritize health in a world that expects you to do everything for everyone else first.

Julie and Catherine cut through the noise to address what's really happening when women put themselves last – it's not laziness or lack of willpower, but programming we've received since childhood. That "guilt button" that seems permanently installed when you become a mother? We talk about how to acknowledge it without letting it rule your decisions.

The hosts share their own experiences as busy professionals and parents who've learned to integrate well-being practices without adding stress. Their practical approach focuses on micro-habits that create massive returns – from five-minute movement sessions to simple nutrition swaps that don't require meal prep marathons. You'll discover why sleep might be your most powerful wellness tool and how small adjustments to your evening routine can transform your energy levels.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the emphasis on breaking the all-or-nothing mentality. Instead of waiting for the perfect time to overhaul your entire lifestyle (which never comes), you'll learn how to identify your "one thing" – that single, small change that creates momentum toward better health without overwhelming your schedule.

Ready to shift from survival mode to sustainable well-being? Join the Far Too Fabulous community in discovering how tiny, consistent actions can create life-changing results. The journey to prioritizing yourself without guilt starts with one small step – which will you choose today?

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 86

Have you ever wondered what your body is really telling you about your health? Beyond the numbers on a scale or your clothing size, there are simple physical indicators that reveal far more about your longevity and quality of life.

This week, Julie and Catherine dive into seven DIY health assessments that provide valuable baseline information about your overall wellbeing. From the surprising importance of your waist-to-hip ratio (ideally under 0.8 for women) to the revealing chair stand test that predicts lower body strength, these simple checks require no special equipment and take just minutes to complete.

The hosts share their own experiences trying each assessment, including the eye-opening moment when Catherine discovered how challenging it is to balance on one leg with her eyes closed - a key predictor of fall risk as we age. They explain why upper body strength matters (can you do 10-20 proper push-ups?), how your breath-holding capacity relates to lung health, and the fascinating phenomenon of "screen apnea" - unconsciously holding your breath while focusing on digital devices.

What makes these assessments particularly valuable is their direct connection to maintaining independence and vitality as we age. As the hosts candidly discuss, the ability to get up from a chair, recover quickly after exertion, or maintain balance directly impacts quality of life in our later years. Yet these functional abilities respond quickly to consistent practice - use them or lose them!

Try these simple tests yourself, then join the conversation in our Facebook group where Julie and Catherine are sharing videos and continuing the discussion. These aren't measurements to judge yourself by, but valuable information to guide your wellness journey. Where will you focus your efforts first?

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.

Episode 85: August Reruns

A Holistic Approach to Future-Proofing Your Well-being with Helen Lauer

What if your brain's remarkable ability to rewire itself could be harnessed to transform your health? In this captivating episode, we're joined by Helen Lauer, an occupational therapist specialising in neurological rehabilitation and a qualified shiatsu practitioner who bridges Western medicine with Eastern healing traditions.

Helen takes us on a fascinating journey through the inner workings of our brains, explaining how our 86 billion neurons and 150 trillion synapses are constantly remodelling themselves through neuroplasticity. With vivid analogies, such as navigating roadworks to find new routes, she helps us understand how the brain rebuilds pathways after injury and how we can apply these same principles to create beneficial habits in everyday life.

The conversation takes a surprising turn when Helen identifies stress—particularly what she calls the "appease" response—as "the biggest pandemic happening in this world." This overlooked stress reaction occurs when we consistently put others' needs before our own, swallow down our true feelings, or people-please to avoid conflict. Helen explains how this constant appeasing creates harmful physiological responses that damage our immune system and contribute to numerous health problems, from cardiovascular disease to cognitive decline.

Connection emerges as a powerful theme throughout our discussion. Helen outlines three crucial levels of connection for brain health: social connection through community and physical touch (with a recommendation for 20-second hugs!), internal connection through mindful awareness, and cellular connection between our neurons. Her practical tips for strengthening these connections offer actionable steps for anyone looking to build resilience and maintain cognitive function throughout life.

Whether you're interested in preventing cognitive decline, recovering from brain injury, or simply optimising your neurological health, this episode delivers valuable insights that blend cutting-edge neuroscience with ancient wisdom. Listen now to discover how understanding your brain's remarkable adaptability can help you create a healthier, more resilient future.

Got a question or comment? Send us a text message here!

Thank you for listening.

You can continue the conversation with us in the Far 2 Fabulous Facebook group. Come and connect with other women on a journey to empowered health.

For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.