Attempting behaviour change: the good, the bad and the barriers in between

Showing a degree of vulnerability when discussing healthy behaviours with your patients can make you appear more approachable, says health coach Mandy Day-Calder

Nurses are a wise group, but we aren't always smart enough to look after ourselves properly. Yes, we have the knowledge, and we know that if we practised what we preached we could be healthier, but sometimes life just isn't that simple.

Before you stop reading, this isn't another lecture on eating healthily, drinking less alcohol, exercising more or giving up smoking. This article is a BMI and nicotine replacement-free zone.

Assuming you know what you need to do to be healthy, let's look at how you can use your experiences of attempting behaviour change – the good, the