Karen Laryea | My West London Life

Life coach Karen Laryea on how she stays relaxed, fit and healthy

Posted on 23/03/10

Where do you live and why?

I live just off Portobello Road. I absolutely love it because I’m close to the market, great bars and restaurants. With so much on offer, there’s very little reason to venture outside of Notting Hill

What inspired you to become a life coach?

I worked for many years as a personal trainer. While researching ways to cement the changes I was encouraging my clients to make, I discovered (and then studied) a popular psychology called neuro linguistic programming, or NLP. It’s great. Not only does it mean I can help clients stop addictive behaviours such as binge eating, drinking and smoking, but the subsequent lifestyle changes inspire weight loss, better relationships and more success in life with specific issues. Although it cuts down on the time I see clients, the payoff is far greater.

What do you think is the biggest cause of stress for Londoners?

A perceived lack of time. There are times when Londoners are spending too much time doing what they would rather not be doing such as being in the wrong job or the wrong relationship. This tends to tire people out or wear them down. Energy levels become depleted and the immune system diminishes which increases the rate of poor health.

What’s your top tip for enjoying a better work/life balance?

Get clear on whom and what is important in your life. Be honest with yourself. Realise that time is your greatest asset, once it’s gone it really is gone, so spend time doing things that fulfil you. When you are fulfilled everyone else around you wins and you get to thrive in your life. When you spend time doing things that frustrate, bore or anger you, then it’s time to rethink how to live your life.

How do you relax?

I generally tend to meditate each morning; it keeps me relaxed and focused all day. I also like to have a tootle on my saxophone, do a bit of yoga or have occasional lazy days watching films with my fiancé.

Do you have a favourite local park?

I love Kensington Gardens. I get to experience it regularly when I go running. It’s especially peaceful and beautiful in the early morning when the sun is still rising and the swans seem so still on the round pond.

What’s your fitness routine?

It generally tends to be a run around the periphery of Kensington Gardens and then a weights or kettle bell workout.

What’s your attitude to drugs?    

From my experience of coaching people, I realise that drugs can be a great quick fix. They can either be an occasional form of fun, or more dangerously, can be used as a regular form of escapism from unhappiness. That’s a bit like putting a plaster on a wound when the gangrene has already set in. Unfortunately drugs tend to deplete your health, your state of mind and your bank balance. My coaching techniques enable clients to develop new ways of getting a high without needing to take drugs. You’ll get a more refreshing and healthier experience of life and you get to be in control.

Where were you last three holiday destinations?

Milos and Sifnos, two stunningly beautiful Islands in the Cyclades in Greece; my first ever skiing holiday in Chamrousse, France and walking the length and breadth of the Cinque Terre, a beautiful portion of the coast of the Italian Rivera before flying off to a wedding in Florence.

What do you miss when you’re away?

Not much actually. I try to fully enjoy wherever it is that I’m actually going.

What’s been your most memorable west London meal?

Kensington Place. I was with my fiancé and my best friend. The combination of the company and the food makes for great memories.

What was the last exhibition you saw?  

I recently visited the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising, just off Portobello Road.  I’ve been meaning to visit it for a while. It was great – I find it amazing that a bit of clever marketing can tempt you into buying something you could probably do without. It makes you realise how little control we have on a conscious level if you don’t pay attention.

What’s in your secret address book?

It’s hardly a secret, but I get many of my ingredients from the Portobello Wholefoods store. I love to make healthy treats such as raw chocolate truffles to keep my energy levels boosted all day long.

What’s your philosophy on life?

Learn to embrace change: it’s a fact of life.

Karen runs a coaching practise in Notting Hill; www.korkoi.com