Sharna Todd joins the Active Southland Green Prescription team as Health Coach, and she’s right where she wants to be. “When I saw the health coach role, I knew it was for me. The core of what I do is change, which comes from building the right mindset. I follow the belief that “If you say you can, you can. If you say you can’t, you’re probably right.” My aim is to have clients believe that they can make positive change to their health and well-being. From there we can identify their values, see where they want to go, and find a way forward.”

Health Coaching is relatively young in New Zealand, and after following a USA model, New Zealand is now finding its own way to be more culturally appropriate and inclusive. “What I love is seeing the spark, when someone decides they’re ready for change, makes their own goals, and it’s their own journey, that’s what I find the most rewarding.”

If Sharna recommends one thing for good health and well-being it’s regular exercise, comparing it to the elixr of life. And good nutrition compliments this. After diligently applying these principles herself and seeing vastly improved health and wellbeing, and friends and family following her example, Sharna saw a lot of value pursuing this as a career.

From Southland, Sharna returned 5 years ago, feeling the pull of family. She has an interesting work history including some international locations and extensive massage work. She lived in Japan where she worked as a skifield massage therapist at Hakuba and then Myoko. Also working in sports massage, including the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Sharna says she enjoyed assisting athletes with injuries and promoting recovery through massage. After working in holiday retreats, she saw the contrast of massage and how it complements relaxation.

Sharna likes testing the boundaries of her comfort zones, doing something different and challenging herself. A recent example is attending kickboxing classes. Keen on all kinds of physical activity, over summer she plans to do plenty of paddleboarding at one of her favourite spots, Mavora Lakes.  

ENDS

Article added: Friday 08 December 2023