Care coaching at Neura Health is a supportive program meant to help you understand and manage your neurological condition.

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Why goal setting matters in your neurological journey

Goals are great for helping you pursue and build sustained positive outcomes through improved symptom tracking, lifestyle consistency, and treatment adherence, regardless of where you are in your health journey.

Goals are most effective when they are clear, realistic, and personally meaningful. Don’t have all your goals figured out and cataloged in your head? Don’t fear, your Care Coach will be there to help you every step of the way.

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What are goals anyway?

Goals are often small, achievable actions that move you toward better health and a higher quality of life.

At Neura, we typically focus on two different styles or types of goals:

1. Outcome goals: e.g., “Reduce migraine frequency,” or  “Be prepared to return to work by XYZ date.”
2. Process goals: e.g., “Track sleep and hydration daily,” or “Set up a manageable sleep routine for my work week.

Here are examples of common goals our patients have found supportive:

• Establishing a consistent sleep routine
• Reducing screen time before bed
• Tracking triggers using the Neura Health app
• Advocating for yourself in provider visits
• Practicing relaxation or mindfulness techniques, such as box breathing or meditation

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Getting started with goal setting

Taking the time to reflect before your session can help you organize your thoughts. I often refer to this as “tackling the mental exercise" because it means you’ve had the opportunity to check in with yourself before continuing the conversation with your coach.

Here are some reflection questions to get you started:

• What’s currently challenging? (e.g., pain frequency, fatigue, medication side effects, stress)
• What’s going well? (habits or tools that already help)
• What do I want more of? (energy, control, balance, confidence)
• How ready am I to make changes? (rate 1–10)
• What’s realistic for my current life? (acknowledge work, family, or limitations)

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What are SMART goals?

Most patients find that having some level of structure can help them feel on task, making goals more achievable. We recommend trying out the SMART goal formula by focusing on a goal that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

“I want to feel better” becomes “I will track my headache triggers in the Neura app at least 5 days a week for the next month.” Never used a goal formula before? Your coach can help you work your current thoughts into the SMART format, which helps you feel supported and on task.

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Our top tips for a successful goal-setting session

• Be honest about what’s been hard or inconsistent.
• Think about what motivates you: internal motivators (health, confidence) or external motivators (family, work, school).
• Come with curiosity, not perfection. “Progress not perfection.”
• Write down any questions or challenges to discuss.

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After the session, keep the momentum going

• Review your goals in the Notes section of your app after your session.
• Schedule a follow-up with your coach either at the end of your session or in the app at your convenience.
• Celebrate the small wins in between sessions - progress is progress!
• Remember that setbacks and regression are both normal; your coach can help you adjust to them.

Remember that goal setting is about empowerment and progress. Your Care Coach is your partner in your health journey, helping you take small, meaningful steps toward a better quality of life.

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