Modern life can often feel like a juggling actâconstant work deadlines, family responsibilities, and unexpected curveballs that test our emotional limits. If stress is left unchecked, it can diminish our energy, disrupt healthy habits, and even affect our ability to manage weight effectively. In this interview, Certified Sophrologist Cathy Jeroudi shares how sophrology offers a practical toolkit to help us stay composed, boost mental resilience, and cultivate a healthier body-and-mind connection.
Meet Cathy Jeroudi and discover Sophrology
Q: Cathy, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you discovered sophrology?
A: âEarlier in my career, I was managing a complex client portfolio across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. I was at a stage where I felt I had the best life could offer: balancing my career with raising three children alongside a great husband. But everything changed when my family faced a year-long pediatric medical journey. While I had a strong support network, spending so much time in hospitals opened my eyes to the loneliness of patients and the immense stress families endure.
This experience proved to be a sliding-door moment. It made me realize how much people need to manage stress and emotions when they find themselves unexpectedly thrown into challenging situations, often alone for most of the day, and when life starts to feel overwhelming. I found myself exploring different ways to cope and discovered sophrology. It clicked immediately. After extensive training, I became a certified sophrologist. Now, I help others navigate their own emotional challenges with the tools that help me find strength and composure when I need them most.â
Why Sophrology matters for modern-day pressures
Q: What makes sophrology different from other techniques for managing stress?
A: âSophrology combines mental and physical training to enhance self-awareness, manage stress, and regulate emotions. Unlike other techniques, sophrology allows you to apply these tools immediately, pretty much anywhere and anytime. Whether youâre in the middle of a tense work meeting, undergoing a medical procedure, trying to fall back asleep, or simply sitting down for dinner, managing that rising tension more effortlessly is definitely possible. Itâs all about building resilience and helping you stay composed when it matters most.â
Many people find that unmanaged stress can impact their day-to-day habits, including how they eat, sleep, or make time for balanced nutrition. By practicing sophrology, you can develop better emotional responses and potentially support goals like staying motivated to cook nourishing meals or reducing mindless snacking.
A Typical sophrology session explained
Q: Could you walk us through what a typical sophrology session involves?
A: âA typical session of sophrology is designed to guide you through a series of techniques tailored to your needs. Each session usually begins with a discussion followed by short exercises to help you get centered and ready to embark on a bespoke visualization. Sophrology combines breathing, movement, and visualization as three interconnected elements, practiced simultaneously and guided by the voice of the sophrologist. The aim is to equip you with tools that can later be used independently in your everyday life, without relying on voice guidance. As you progress, youâll learn to combine these techniques, enabling you to tackle specific challenges with greater confidence and agility.â
Key techniques you might practice
- Focused Breathing: Slow, deep breaths to calm the nervous system.
- Gentle Movement: Simple posture adjustments or stretches to release tension.
- Guided Visualization: Imagining calm or empowering scenarios to reframe stressful moments.
Who benefits from Sophrology?
Q: Who is sophrology best suited for?
A: âSophrology is ideal for anyone seeking to enhance emotional resilience and overall well-being. Whether youâre a professional juggling a busy work schedule, a student managing stress, a parent looking for balance, or simply someone aiming to stay focused and calm, sophrology provides valuable tools to support your journey. Itâs particularly beneficial for those dealing with high levels of stress, individuals wanting to improve focus, or anyone looking to boost their emotional health. If youâre struggling with anxiety, fatigue, or frustration, sophrology can help you find the calm and clarity you need.â
In terms of weight management, while sophrology isnât a direct substitute for structured exercise or other specialized programs, it can complement your approach to wellnessâhelping you stay motivated, maintain healthier routines, and ultimately support goals through better stress handling.
Alleviating symptoms through sophrology
Q: What common symptoms can sophrology help solve?
A: âSophrology is known to help improve a wide range of symptoms related to emotional and physical stress, including:
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Fatigue and mental exhaustion
- Stress-related physical symptoms
- Frustration or irritability
- Low motivation or lack of focus
By working with sophrology, individuals can develop greater emotional awareness and learn to manage these symptoms more effectively in everyday life.â
When stress is managed, many people notice improved emotional balance, which in turn can help reduce cravings or fatigue that undermine healthier habits.
Cathyâs âEnergie & Motivationâ program
Q: Tell us about your âEnergy & Motivationâ program.
A: âLetâs be real: staying motivated can be tough, especially when youâre setting new health or wellness goals. Whether itâs battling frustration, resisting temptations, or pushing through mental fatigue, Iâve designed a four-week program to help you stay on track. Youâll learn sophrology techniques that you can immediately apply to shift your mindset and energy. By the end of the program, youâll have your very own personal toolkit to stay more motivated and focused, no matter what sweet lemons life throws at you.â
A Unique approach with MyAuthentikSpoon
Q: What makes your approach unique?
A: âMy approach aligns beautifully with MyAuthentikSpoonâs mission: to help people find balance and resilience on their wellness journey. I integrate emotional agility techniques with their holistic philosophy around food and self-care, offering a complementary approach to well-being. In collaboration with MyAuthentikSpoonâs team of experts, I bring emotional agility to support their holistic approach. Together, we provide a balanced, sustainable approach to wellness that addresses both mental and physical health.â
Take the next step: Sophrology & your wellness
Q: How can people get involved or learn more?
A: âMy âEnergie & Motivationâ program will soon be available for MyAuthentikSpoon users. The program will include live sessions, replays, and additional resources so you can learn at your own pace. Iâm really excited to offer this program and canât wait to see how it helps participants stay motivated and reach their wellness goals. Stay tuned for updates!â
If youâre interested in exploring sophrology further, keep an eye on Cathyâs upcoming program. By combining emotional agility techniques with mindful eating strategies, you can build a robust foundation for overall wellness.
Ready to enhance your well-being through better stress management, mindful routines, and balanced meals? Recently, Cathy Jeroudi joined our Ramadan Challenge team, where she hosted a motivational webinar demonstrating how Sophrology can help you stay focused and energized throughout the day.
Click here if youâd like to learn more and watch the webinar replayâand donât forget to download our Ramadan Cookbook to jumpstart your journey with nourishing recipes and holistic tips. Pair these practical meal ideas with Sophrology techniques for an even more transformative experience.
Conclusion: Start your path to a calmer, healthier life
Sophrology provides a path toward greater emotional resilience, helping you face lifeâs obstacles with composure and clarity. Whether youâre aiming to revamp your routine, regain a sense of calm, or feel more confident handling day-to-day stress, these techniques can be an invaluable addition to your toolbox. As Cathy Jeroudiâs experience shows, real transformation begins when you recognize the power of your mindset and learn practical ways to harness it.
Take the first step toward a healthier, happier life by incorporating sophrology into your daily habits. With the right resources and consistent practice, you can nurture lasting changeâfrom improving your emotional balance to supporting any wellness goals you set your mind to.
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About the author
Meet Nabil, the co-founder and COO of MyAuthentikSpoon, an online plateform dedicated to helping people make better food choices for stronger wellbeing. If youâre ready to tackle wellness with a fresh perspective, schedule a complimentary private consultation with our expert naturopathic coach to receive personalised dietary insights and weight management strategies. This is your opportunity to have your questions answered and to learn how to incorporate the food choices into your lifestyle and achieve a better wellbeing.