Neurodivergent Wellbeing Approach Training: better than a New Year’s resolution!
Kay Louise Aldred introduces the benefits of Neurodiverse Connection’s Neurodivergent Wellbeing Approach Training. This holistic, well-being focused training programme is open to neurodivergent individuals, their families and friends, as well as professionals including hospital teams, community teams, educators, third sector groups. NdWA training comprises eight online sessions, running from 30 January—26 March 2024.
New year’s resolutions – especially ones focused on giving things up or avoiding things – aren’t universally successful. For neurodivergent individuals with a profile of demand avoidance this may be, especially the case. And, for all neurotypes, the sudden shock to the nervous system of the removal of resources used to regulate and soothe our nervous system – even those deemed ‘unhealthy’ - can be highly dysregulating and can cause shock.
Resolutions can be too much, too soon, too quickly – something our nervous system can process as traumatic.
So, what’s the alternative? Setting intentions, visioning, and embarking on a ‘journey’ with a ‘destination’ can be more gentle method and easier for the nervous system to process, as can adopting an overall new and holistic ‘approach’ to change. Research has shown that ‘approach-oriented goals were significantly more successful than those with avoidance-oriented goals (58.9% vs. 47.1%)’ 1.
Most new year’s resolutions focus around improving aspects of wellbeing. Neurodiverse Connection’s Neurodivergent Wellbeing Approach Training is one such holistic approach which supports transition and growth, through self-understanding and acceptance and education and practical skills. It is an ‘experience to share’ training for parents and professionals who work with neurodivergent people. We believe a holistic and wellbeing focused approach is often a more effective and sustainable way of eliciting change and offering support.
Why this approach works better than a resolution at improving wellbeing:
01 Education Focus
Education provides individuals with a deep understanding of the factors influencing their wellbeing. When people are informed about the importance of an integrated approach to health, they are more likely to make lasting lifestyle changes rather than pursuing short-term resolutions.
02 Empowerment Through Self-Understanding and Acceptance
Education for self-understanding empowers individuals to make informed choices about their health. Understanding and accepting the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing allows people to make choices that align with their overall wellness needs, contributing to a more holistic and sustainable approach.
03 Addressing the Nervous System
Holistic education focuses on identifying and addressing the root of wellbeing – nervous system regulation. This approach leads to more comprehensive and effective solutions, ensuring that individuals are not just addressing surface-level concerns but working towards overall nervous system regulation – essential for baseline health and wellbeing.
04 Focus on Regulation
The education in wellbeing provided includes tools and strategies for regulating the nervous system. This is crucial in navigating life's inevitable ongoing challenges and setbacks. Instead of relying on the short-lived motivation that often accompanies New Year resolutions, individuals equipped with self-soothing strategies and resources to support the stress which accompanies ongoing sensory and social processing differences too.
05 Integration of Mind-Body-Spirit Connection
This integrated approach emphasises the mind-body-spirit connection, recognising that nervous system, mental and emotional health significantly impact physical and mental wellbeing and vice versa. It promotes the importance of creativity. This integrated approach promotes a more balanced lifestyle and view of wellbeing, contributing to overall better health.
06 Cultivating Sustainable ‘Habits’ and Resources
Sustainable habits and resources are more likely to be established through education and an integrated approach. New Year’s resolutions often focus on singular goals, whereas holistic education encourages the development of a range of habits and resources to meet needs that collectively contribute to wellbeing, making them more sustainable overall.
07 Personalised Wellbeing Strategies
Education based on self-understanding and acceptance allows individuals to understand their unique needs and preferences. This personalised self-understanding enables the development of tailored and bespoke wellbeing strategies that align with an individual's lifestyle, making it more likely that they will adhere to and benefit from these strategies over time.
08 Community Support, Connection and Belonging
Holistic education in a group setting often fosters a sense of community, connection and belonging. This support network can be instrumental in helping individuals stay accountable and committed to their wellbeing goals. New Year resolutions, on the other hand, are often pursued individually and may lack the support system necessary for success.
