I wanted to introduce Adriana to this platform in celebration of Stress Awareness Month. Having had some transformative healing experiences with her, I'm eager to share my journey with you.

For me, it was clear from the start that she was an authentic healer who truly lived what she prescribed. There was no fad, certificate, or trendy brand (while she still does treat a lot of the media industry); she comes into your life by word of mouth, and anyone who experiences her will know just by being in her presence, she can read your body without any cues—it is powerful, pure, and knowing.

Through my journey with grief, and at times, serious illness, and chronic pain—the doctors offering me oxycontin, antidepressants, and pregabalin—I do know enough to understand that symptom treating and pain numbing is futile, so I threw these away and turned to Adriana to guide my road to recovery. I needed a deeper healing that touched the core of me. Feel the pain and work through the process—so without any meds each time, I have been able to transcend the superficial and therefore see Adriana as a true gift to your well-being.

So I would advise anyone feeling stressed, anxious, and touched by life's pain to book a coaching course, reflexology treatment, or acupuncture session and watch your growth and ease of spirit—we all need to reground at times and not be afraid to say, "I'm not okay."

Meet Adriana - Healer and Health Coach Practitioner

I am a holistic health practitioner and certified reflexologist based in London. For the past 25 years, I have worked in highly respected central London clinics implementing holistic health programs tailored to individual and predominantly media industry clients. My unique approach is influenced by my background in molecular biology, completing my Master's Degree in 1997. My interest in holistic health started with a desire to help family members who were suffering from chronic health conditions.

I have been privileged to work with and help clients suffering from a broad spectrum of health issues—difficult pregnancies, cancer, or autoimmune conditions among others—taking me across the planet. It is all about people! Throughout my career, I have learned many things, my most valued skill is to be present in the moment when listening to a client's story, as it gives the client the time and space to feel safe, seen, and heard.

My natural curiosity and strong desire to understand and empathize with people underpins and enables a very positive and productive client/therapist relationship that is built on mutual understanding and trust. I guess I channel what's needed.

Having grown up on a farm, nature will always be the food of my soul, and you will often see me out running, cycling, walking, and climbing. Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are my coping mechanisms for stress, and I practice them every day and live the sense of now as authentically as I can.

Stress vs. Joy - How We Balance Both

In the whirlwind of modern life, stress is an inevitable companion. From juggling work deadlines to managing personal relationships, the pressure can often feel overwhelming. Yet, amidst the chaos, there's another force at play—joy.

Stress and joy coexist within the human experience, each with its own weight and impact. While stress burdens us, joy uplifts, infusing life with meaning and vitality.

Poorly managed stress can harm both our physical and mental well-being, linked to a myriad of health issues like heart disease, depression, and anxiety. On the contrary, joy acts as a potent antidote, boosting our mood, enhancing our immune system, and enriching our overall quality of life.

In this article, we'll explore practical strategies to cultivate lasting happiness, unveiling the pathways to unlock the joy within, overcome obstacles, and create a life brimming with meaning and fulfillment. Whether in your personal or professional realm, these insights and actionable steps will empower you to thrive.

Joy, an intense feeling of happiness and fulfillment, is fundamental to a flourishing life. Psychologists and researchers delve into its essence, exploring how gratitude, optimism, resilience, and meaningful social connections contribute to joy. By integrating gratitude exercises, mindfulness meditation, acts of kindness, and fostering strong social bonds into our daily routines, we can nurture a positive mindset and cultivate a more fulfilling life.

Prioritizing joy and incorporating these practices can lead to greater happiness and contribute to building a better world for ourselves and those around us.

Yet, obstacles to joy abound, often stemming from within ourselves and the world around us. The pursuit of perfection or constant comparison can create unrealistic expectations, hindering our ability to find contentment. However, joy remains attainable through self-awareness and the cultivation of gratitude. Overcoming these barriers requires introspection, acceptance, and a willingness to embrace life's imperfections, allowing joy to flourish amidst the challenges.

To navigate setbacks and adversity with resilience, we can apply strategies such as cultivating a positive mindset, reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, and embracing mindfulness and presence. These practices can lead to reduced stress, increased clarity, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced overall well-being.

Gratitude practice offers a simple yet effective means to cultivate appreciation and acknowledgment for the positive aspects of life. By incorporating daily reflection and expression of gratitude, we can shift our perspective towards positivity and enhance our quality of life.

Having a clear sense of purpose is essential for a fulfilling and successful life. It provides motivation, clarity, resilience, and a sense of fulfillment. Research suggests that having a sense of purpose improves physical and mental health outcomes. So, finding your purpose and living a more meaningful life can contribute to your well-being and overall happiness.

In conclusion, while stress may be unavoidable, it need not overshadow the joy inherent in the human experience. By embracing joy, practicing self-compassion, and nurturing meaningful relationships, we can create a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and happiness.

Words by Alex Lutostanska

Follow @ap.wellnesscoaching on instagram or check out Adriana's website for tools to help with stress and cultivate joy.

https://apwellnesscoaching.co.uk/meet-adriana