Adopting new tools for managing stress, physical and mental health: How Holly Health, the digital coaching app, helped Jane
In light of Stress Awareness month, we’re shining a light on how digital health tools, like Holly Health, can play a significant role in supporting individuals in improving overall health and wellbeing. Stress management is connected to maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and by integrating small, manageable habits, people can sustainably take control of their wellbeing.
The Holly Health team met Jane, who received free access to a year’s subscription of Holly Health digital coaching through her GP. Here’s an insight to the start of her Holly Health journey and how it’s going so far…
Why did you begin using Holly Health?
"I changed to a different GP surgery, and a week later, they texted me out of the blue about Holly Health. At first, I second-guessed why they sent it to me, but I assumed it was a blanket message. I knew I needed to sort myself out in general, especially my mental health, so I saw it as an opportunity and took it. After Googling it and reading about how some people found it reduced their need to visit the GP, I decided to give it a try."
What challenges were you facing related to health, wellbeing or everyday stress?
"I have knee arthritis, shoulder and neck problems with headaches, and I’m overweight. I wasn’t sleeping enough, and I knew I was struggling with depression and anxiety. When I took the mental health questionnaires in the app three weeks ago, they confirmed I was moderately depressed and had severe anxiety. I felt confident in the nutrition side of things, but I knew my mental health needed attention. I believed that if I could get that right, everything else would follow."
How have you found it so far?
"After just three weeks of using Holly Health, the results were already noticeable. I redid the mental health questionnaire 48 hours ago, and my scores had improved to mild for both depression and anxiety. I’m so happy to be sorting myself out. I didn’t realise how much I didn’t know about the mental health area of things until I started using it.
I worked through the suggestions from Holly Health, and none of them felt impossible. It’s just helped to get my ducks in a row and now that my mindset has improved, I’m eating properly and exercising. I know that as I lose weight, my knee issues will improve."
How has your approach to building healthy habits evolved since starting Holly Health?
“I’m taking a long-term approach. At first, I was chopping and changing habits, but I’ve learned patience. I don’t need to cram everything in when I have a whole year. My anxiety and stress were the bigger problems, but I’m learning to manage them. Sleep is still a work in progress, but I feel like I’m settling into a routine, and that will come with time.
I’ve got five habits locked in: spending 30 minutes outdoors, meditating for 10 minutes, doing brain-powered exercises for 15 minutes, completing household tasks for 20 minutes, and doing something creative daily. I have a couple more habits lined up for May. The initial frustration of wanting immediate results has faded, and I’m better at calming myself down. Even my husband has noticed the change, saying, 'I don’t have to peel you off the ceiling every five minutes - it’s great.'
It’s too early to say how much my physical health will improve, but I already feel better. The biggest surprise was realising how unprepared I was to take control of my mental health. Now, I’ve picked up the ball and I’m running with it.”
What have been the most noticeable milestones so far?
“I’ve already made some key changes. I’ve cut back even more on drinking, even though I didn’t necessarily need to, and I often choose alcohol-free beer now. These improvements are happening because I’ve finally got my ducks in a row. The mental health questionnaire scores prove just how much I’ve progressed."
What have you found most valuable about using Holly Health?
"The app as a whole is brilliant. It’s not like those glorified step counters or apps for elite athletes obsessed with tracking miles or protein. It’s not another diet culture gimmick. Holly Health actually works, and it doesn’t leave you feeling confused or overwhelmed with your head in your hands. I’m really grateful it came along."
What would you say to someone considering trying Holly Health?
"Just do it. The small pieces of advice the app gives are surprisingly helpful. Recently, I was leaving the supermarket when my phone pinged with a reminder to look for five blue things. It sounds simple, but it arrived just as I was getting anxious about something. That little mindfulness tip worked. I don’t know how the app knew, but it was exactly what I needed at that moment. Mindfulness is a trendy word, but honestly, it works. Please just try it - you won’t regret it."
We’d like to say a big thank you to Jane for sharing her personal journey with us. If you’re interested in trying Holly Health, consider Jane’s advice and just go for it - you might be surprised by how much it helps.
*Patient name and image changed for anonymity.
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