Bella was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic health condition that impacts vital organs over the lifetime. Her parents were told she'd need to be in hospital twice a year, every year, for the rest of her life. They decide to reject that destiny, and create a different one with Bella.  

At the age of 23, Bella is proud to share that thanks to the fierce investment she and her family have made on her health, she can count on less than one hand the number of times she's been admitted to hospital.

Today, as the Founder of The Halo Effect, she's empowering other people with holistic health information to help inform their work-life design, and create a life of success based on their terms.

In episode 41 of our podcast, Classroom 5.0, Bella shares her personal journey of managing cystic fibrosis and how it has shaped her professional purpose today. Hers is a story that's a powerful testament to resilience, self-advocacy, and the importance of taking control of one’s health and wellbeing.

Bella's approach to wellbeing is holistic and additive: she emphasises the importance of self-awareness and radical self-care, asking questions, seeking second opinions, and make informed decisions based on unique and individual needs when it comes to creating a healthy lifestyle.

In a conversation that highlights the interconnectedness of physical health, mental health, and social connections, Bella is living proof of the benefits that come from integrating all aspects of health and wellbeing, and taking an active role in deciding upon and implementing protocols that are both for prevention and treatment of health. 

Central to much of her work today is educating people on the science of gut health, and sharing practical tips for building and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. She shares science-backed tips on removing inflammatory factors from the diet and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods to support overall well-being, and emphasises the significant role gut health has played in supporting her own lived experience of managing a chronic health condition. 

I absolutely loved this conversation with Bella, and am so impressed by both her wealth of information on the topic of health, and her finely tuned self-insight. In a conversation that explored physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, alongside the power and potency of chasing the 'flow' state for peak performance, Bella also showed her courage, leaning into the hard, and often not discussed relaity of what living with a chronic health condition is actually like: 

"It's really hard. You know, like it's so much work and it's not something that you can pretend that you don't have or is not part of your life. Like you don't ever get to just like leave the baggage at the door and walk away, you know. I think...

Everyone has down days and I've absolutely had them. But I think it's so important to allow yourself to have them but not to get stuck there. And I would always think about on my off days not I would always think what can I do not what should I do and it may not necessarily be something that's groundbreaking, but it might be like I'm gonna go for a walk or I'm gonna call one of my friends or something that you know you can do that's gonna make you feel that tiny bit better.

you know that there are going to be bad days in your health journey. And sometimes things can change at the drop of a hat. You know, like you can be really healthy one day and then the next week, you know, you're in hospital, vice versa. Like you're always, for me, I'm lucky. No, I'm not lucky. I work really hard at it."

You sure do, Bella. And if you ask me? You're an exemplary peak performer, showing us all what's possible when we truly invest in ourselves. 

A reminder that the conversations shared on Classroom 5.0 are for entertainment and educational purposes only, and should never replace the recommendations of your specialised health care team. Please consult with your doctor(s) and professionals for personalised support that informs your healthcare journey. 

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE 

Now also available to watch live on YouTube!! 

About Bella Stevens - Taken directly from her website, The Halo Effect here 

In today's world, where health advice seems to come from every direction, it's easy to get lost in the maze of information. That's where 'The Halo Effect' comes in. It's not just a service; it's a safe space where you can openly share your health concerns and dreams.

My mission is simple - to help you navigate the complexities of health, nutrition, and well-being. Together, we'll sift through the noise, focusing on what truly matters for your unique journey.

Having battled my own health challenges, I understand that healing goes beyond the physical realm; it's a holistic process that encompasses your mind, body, and spirit. With me by your side, we'll craft a personalised roadmap to well-being, grounded in sustainable habits and positive change.

More reading and resources 

Check out the recommended reads and resources mentioned in this episode:

• Listen to  “Huberman Lab" podcast, starting with episodes on gut health here 
• Discover episodes on The Ultimate Human" podcast by Gary Brecka here  
• Read about the 5R's of gut health restoration framework here
• Read more about the science of gut microbiota and mental health in adults here

Learn about The NeuroIMPACT Network

And if you're ready to unleash the potential in your people with peak performance leadership development solutions built for neurodivergent minds, be sure to check out our Inclusive Impact solutions as a part of The NeuroIMPACT Network here

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