Podcast Summary
From dental assistant to neuroscience entrepreneur and coach: Kathy Mok's journey from dental assistant to neuroscience entrepreneur and coach showcases her passion for humans and their wellbeing, leading her to create businesses that support health and performance.
Kathy Mok's passion for humans, neuroscience, and sales have driven her to dedicate her professional life to furthering health and human performance. Starting with a degree in human biology and a job as a dental assistant at a young age, she eventually transitioned into medical research at Oregon Health Sciences University. From there, she launched her own entrepreneurial pursuits, including a neuroscience-based education company called Z Health Performance. After selling that business, she now focuses on business growth coaching and neuroeducation for health professionals through KJM Consulting and Next Level Neuro. Most recently, she has created a 12-week post-COVID recovery program to help individuals suffering from long-term effects of the virus. Kathy's dedication to supporting people and their wellbeing is evident in her work. She encourages listeners to invest in their own passions and help others in their journey towards optimal health and performance.
Bridging the gap between neurology research and practical use: Applied neurology allows individuals to understand and utilize scientific discoveries about the brain to improve daily functioning through immediate feedback and reassessment.
Applied neurology is the application of scientific discoveries about the human brain into everyday life. It bridges the gap between scientific research and practical use, allowing individuals to understand and utilize this information to improve their daily functioning, whether it be through exercise, breathing, thinking, or sleep. Applied neurology emphasizes the importance of immediate feedback and reassessment, as changes at the level of the central nervous system can occur rapidly. Coaches and trainers can use this approach to help clients in business or neurology by observing bodily changes and investigating the underlying causes to determine readiness and desire for new concepts or ideas.
Understanding Emotions Through Body Language: Functional neurology helps individuals address hidden neurological issues impacting vision, balance, and cognitive function through observation of non-verbal cues.
Our bodies communicate more than we realize, and as a coach, one can observe non-verbal cues like movement, breathing, and facial expressions to understand a person's emotional state better than they may be cognitively aware. Functional neurology has been a game-changer for one individual's life, helping them address long-standing issues like scoliosis, a dominant eye, and vestibular deficits. These issues, which were once considered normal, were actually changeable. A defining moment came when the individual discovered they couldn't process words when only one eye was used, highlighting the importance of addressing these neurological issues. Through functional neurology, they were able to improve their vision, reduce scoliosis symptoms, and maintain balance. Overall, the power of coaching and functional neurology lies in their ability to help individuals understand and address underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent.
The application of medical knowledge is evolving: Technology reveals new medical discoveries, but their interpretation and application are still being figured out. Holistic and functional medicine emphasize a comprehensive understanding of the human body and brain.
While our technological advancements have led to a vast expansion of medical knowledge, the application of this knowledge is still evolving. Doctors, despite their deep expertise in specific areas, may not have a comprehensive understanding of the whole picture. The complexity of the human body and brain necessitates a holistic approach, which is why alternative practices like functional and holistic medicine have gained popularity. Additionally, the ability to see medical issues through technology does not always mean surgical intervention is necessary. It's crucial to recognize that technology shows us something we don't yet fully understand, and doctors are under pressure to provide answers. We're in an era where technology reveals new discoveries, but the interpretation and application of these discoveries are still being figured out. It's essential to approach medical knowledge with respect for its depth and complexity, recognizing that one piece of the puzzle doesn't negate the importance of the whole.
Long-term COVID-19 Symptoms Differ from Acute Phase and Affect Athletes: Long-term COVID-19 symptoms include neurological issues, heart rate problems, chest pain, and severe headaches, affecting athletes and non-athletes alike. Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment.
Acute and long-term COVID-19 present differently, with long-term COVID being more neurologically focused. Athletes, who are in tune with their bodies, have reported experiencing various symptoms such as heart rate issues, chest pain, and severe headaches weeks after recovering from the acute phase. These symptoms, which also affect the average person, were not recognized until late 2020. Initially, researchers focused on athletes due to their dedication to recovery, and the top 12 symptoms were identified. However, it took some athletes to recognize that they had experienced these symptoms prior to COVID-19. The CDC and major research institutions reported nearly 100 symptoms associated with long-term COVID-19 in Q3 of 2020. It is challenging to diagnose long-term COVID-19 for those not attuned to their bodies, as it can worsen pre-existing conditions. The neurological impact of long-term COVID-19 is still being researched, but applying neurological interventions, such as applied neurology, may provide relief.
The interconnected impacts of neurology on health: Neurological issues can cause physical symptoms and vice versa, and addressing one can lead to unexpected improvements in other areas through applied neurology's focus on interoception and body drills.
Applied neurology, which focuses on the connection between the nervous system and various functions in the body, can have far-reaching impacts beyond what one might initially expect. Neurological issues, such as anxiety, can be linked to physical symptoms like headaches, heart problems, or breathing difficulties. Applied neurology can help address these issues through simple body drills that improve interoception, or self-awareness of internal bodily sensations. These drills can impact various aspects of health, from heart rate and breathing to gut health and sensory awareness. However, the challenge lies in helping people understand that these seemingly unrelated issues are interconnected and that addressing one can lead to improvements in others. This is particularly important for individuals dealing with long-term health conditions, such as post-COVID symptoms, where a holistic approach is crucial. In essence, applied neurology demonstrates that our body and nervous system function as an interconnected whole, and addressing one issue can lead to unexpected improvements in other areas.
Assessing and addressing long COVID symptoms: Effective approach to long COVID recovery: assess symptoms, provide appropriate drills, and anticipate next system to address
The speed of implementation is crucial when dealing with long-term effects of COVID-19. The longer the disconnect in the body's communication pathways is practiced, the longer it takes to reconnect them and restore health. Common symptoms like headaches, chest pain, and breathing problems can indicate which systems are affected first, allowing for early intervention. However, many people push themselves too hard, believing they feel better, only to be knocked back down by debilitating symptoms. The most effective approach is to assess each symptom, provide appropriate drills, and anticipate the next system to be addressed. This method has proven successful in helping people recover faster, regardless of how long they have been dealing with long COVID.
Healing from long-term COVID in 12 weeks: Patience, consistency, rest, and advocacy are key to recovering from long-term COVID symptoms within a 12-week period. Avoid overexertion and integrate recovery practices to clear symptoms.
Recovering from long-term COVID symptoms requires patience and consistency. The process is broken down into manageable three-week blocks, where symptoms must decrease significantly before moving on to the next stage. This can be challenging as people are often pressured to return to normal activities before they are ready. It's important to remember that rest is essential for recovery and giving the body permission to take it easy. Long-term COVID symptoms are often invisible, making it difficult for others to understand the extent of one's condition. Consistently integrating recovery practices with good rest and avoiding overexertion can help clear symptoms and get individuals fully back to their normal lives within a 12-week period. However, unexpected setbacks and external pressures can make this journey difficult. Advocating for oneself or having someone advocate for taking it easy for up to 12 weeks can help ensure a successful recovery. Additionally, getting the vaccine can be a setback for some, but the importance of vaccination should not be overlooked.
Support and community matter during challenging times: Seek out resources and support when making difficult decisions, especially during a pandemic when isolation can add extra stress
Personal decisions, especially during challenging times, can be difficult and overwhelming, especially for women who often feel the pressure to prioritize others and take care of their families and communities. The added stress of dealing with a virus or vaccine can make it even harder to find the energy and wherewithal to say "not today." It's important to find support and community during these times, whether it's through online groups or in-person connections. Change, no matter the area of life, always takes energy, and it's important to remember that and seek out resources and support when making difficult decisions. Additionally, the isolation caused by the pandemic can add an extra layer of stress and difficulty, making it even more crucial to find ways to connect and build community.
Navigating Change for Business Growth: Embrace change to grow, recognize that old methods may not work, use tools like applied neurology to help teams adapt, and make subtle shifts for success.
Growing a business involves embracing change, which can be challenging regardless of the size or success level of the business. Change, whether it's trying a new tactic or expanding to reach more customers, requires energy and can be difficult to navigate. For established businesses, growth may mean moving beyond one-on-one interactions and leveraging new methods like online products or hiring staff. However, this shift can be met with resistance due to the potential loss of income or fear of the unknown. Even in large corporations, the struggle to adapt and grow remains consistent, with common challenges revolving around marketing, sales, team management, and social media. By using tools like applied neurology, entrepreneurs can make change less threatening and help their teams adapt, ensuring growth without sacrificing existing skills or successes. Ultimately, the key to successful growth is recognizing that what got a business to its current level may not be the same recipe for success at the next stage, and that subtle shifts and nuanced adjustments can be more effective than starting something entirely new.
Respecting the unique nervous systems of children and clients: Provide safety and instruction while allowing exploration and learning for children. Understand unique needs and communication styles for clients to effectively support and guide.
Understanding the unique nervous systems of children and clients requires respect and patience. Parents and professionals must navigate the delicate balance between guiding and respecting individual autonomy. For children, this means providing safety and instruction while allowing them to explore and learn. For clients, it means understanding their unique needs and communication styles to effectively provide support and guidance. Jennifer's 12-week COVID program, Next Level Neuro, is a testament to this approach, offering personalized coaching and resources to help individuals navigate the challenges of the pandemic. By respecting the individual's nervous system and unique experiences, we can create a safe and effective learning environment for growth and development.
Affordable and Accessible Long COVID Recovery Coaching: Creators offer a 12-week live coaching program for $97/month and a self-paced product for $197 to make long COVID recovery resources accessible and affordable for individuals and coaches.
The discussed program prioritizes accessibility and affordability for individuals seeking recovery from long COVID, as well as for coaches looking to effectively assist them. The creators of this program recognized the need for immediate and comprehensive resources, and responded by offering a 12-week live coaching program at an affordable monthly rate of $97. Additionally, they compiled their extensive research and knowledge into a product called "Everything You Need," priced at $197, which is available for self-paced learning. The creators also limit their private business coaching to only four clients at a time to ensure focused attention and growth for each client. Overall, this program demonstrates a commitment to making crucial resources available and accessible to those who need them most.
The importance of being fully present: Being fully present in relationships and commitments can lead to growth and opportunities. Recognize the unpredictability of life and find predictability in the instability to overcome fear and move forward.
Being fully present and committed in our personal and professional relationships is crucial. The speaker shared a personal experience where her mentor was always there for her during crucial moments, despite his own commitments. This experience inspired her to prioritize being 100% present with her private coaching clients. Furthermore, recognizing the unpredictability of life and business, and finding predictability in the instability, is essential for overcoming fear and moving forward. The present moment holds all opportunities, and staying present can help us navigate through the changes and challenges that come our way.
Setting intentions and focusing on the present: Visualize future goals, break them down into quarters, assess progress, celebrate wins, prioritize health, relationships, and business, practice gratitude, and count wins
Setting clear intentions for the future and focusing on the present can help individuals achieve their goals. By visualizing the end result and breaking it down into manageable quarters, individuals can assess their progress and celebrate their wins. It's important to put attention to all areas of life, including health and well-being, relationships, and business, as neglecting any one area can lead to explosive consequences. Practicing gratitude and counting wins can help individuals stay motivated and focused on their intentions. By differentiating the language between gratitude and wins, individuals can better understand their progress and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
Improve focus, energy, and well-being through consistent journaling and self-care practices: Give yourself permission to adapt practices to fit your personality and lifestyle, remember progress is not always linear, and addressing underlying issues can enhance the benefits of journaling and self-care
Consistent journaling and self-care practices, such as gratitude journaling, morning routines, and vestibular exercises, can significantly improve focus, energy, and overall well-being. However, forming these habits can be challenging, and it's essential to find ways to make them work for your personality and lifestyle. For instance, if you rebel against being told what to do, give yourself permission to find alternative ways to complete the practice, like using a phone app instead of a physical journal. Additionally, it's important to remember that progress may not be linear, and it's okay to look back on old journals and see how far you've come. Furthermore, addressing underlying issues like disordered eating and emotional processing through methods like vagus nerve upregulation and tapping can also be beneficial in the journey towards better mental and physical health.
Impact of relationships and environments on personal growth: Recognize interconnectedness, seek support, address systems holistically, prioritize growth areas, and be aware of limitations.
Our relationships and external environments can significantly impact our personal growth, even in areas where we believe we have already made progress. Disordered eating, for instance, can be a deadly mental health issue, particularly for women, and the eating habits of those around us can trigger us without us realizing it. It's crucial to recognize this interconnectedness and seek understanding or support from loved ones to maintain growth and progress. Approaching personal development holistically, by addressing various systems in our body, can lead to better overall well-being. For instance, focusing on upregulating the vagus nerve can provide growth and feedback in multiple areas, leading to improved overall health. It's essential to be aware of our limitations and prioritize which areas to address first, and not push ourselves beyond our capabilities.
8 words: Self-care through awareness and mindfulness: Self-care is a complex process requiring attentiveness and adaptability, involving understanding body signals, practicing mindfulness, tracking progress, and reflecting on experiences.
Self-care and healing require awareness and mindfulness. The speaker shares her personal experience of the importance of knowing when to push through and when to take it easy, and recognizing the signals from the body. She emphasizes the need to understand if the body is truly in need of nourishment or if it's a response to stress or emotional needs. The speaker also highlights the role of mindfulness practices, such as meditation and breathing exercises, in helping to regain connection with the body and manage stress. Additionally, tracking progress and reflecting on daily experiences can be helpful in gaining insight and making adjustments to self-care practices. Overall, the key takeaway is that self-care is a complex and ongoing process that requires attentiveness and adaptability.
Incorporate Applied Neurology into Daily Life: Create tracking sheets, practice drills, and assess mindset daily for optimal growth and presence in life.
Applied neurology should be incorporated into daily life just like regular hygiene practices, such as brushing teeth or taking a shower. Creating expansive tracking sheets with variability, drills, and mindset assessments is essential to make a difference in one's life and growth. Applied neurology helps individuals show up fully present in their lives and can be done in minutes. Kathy, an expert in applied neurology and high-level performance business coaching, emphasizes the importance of structuring a business and offers consulting services for those interested. She only takes on a few clients a year, and through Next Level Neuro, there is a money-back guarantee and a 2-week trial period for their post-COVID recovery program. My personal experience with applied neurology has been a next-level game changer for me.
The importance of continuous learning and connection in business: Connecting with others and continuous learning are essential for personal and professional growth.
Key takeaway from today's conversation with Kathy is the importance of continuous learning and connection in business. Jennifer expressed her gratitude for the insightful discussion and encouraged listeners to connect with Kathy and explore what she can offer. To further the conversation, Jennifer invited her audience to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with friends. She also highlighted her own qualifications and experiences, emphasizing her passion for sharing knowledge and helping others. Overall, the message is clear: learning and growing, both personally and professionally, is an ongoing process, and connecting with others is an essential part of that journey. So, hit subscribe, leave a review, and connect with Kathy and Jennifer to join the community of continuous learning and growth.
