Empower Founder Pam Borton Shares the Importance of Wellbeing for Girls

By Chris Olsen

Empower Leadership Academy for Girls founder Pam Borton recently became a certified health and wellness coach, but a focus on wellbeing has been a part of Borton’s life and work for as long as she can remember. As the former head coach of the Minnesota Gopher’s women’s basketball program, a focus on wellbeing was critical. Today, she incorporates physical and emotional health into her executive coaching practice, her speaking engagements, and in her nonprofit work. In fact, Empower Academy’s four pillars of empowerment—the foundation of its programs for girls—include wellbeing.

Pam recently shared her valuable insights about the importance of wellbeing for girls:

What does wellbeing encompass for Empower program participants?

In working with our youth, we not only focus on the importance of the physical aspect of health and wellbeing, but also emotional health. To be truly healthy, a child’s emotional health must be nurtured and strengthened.

Why is wellbeing such an important part of Empower programs?

Developing physical and a mental attitude of wellness is essential. When we adopt an attitude of wellness, we take on a belief that being well is a natural, normal state. Our goal is to have outstanding, vibrant health. With a wellness attitude, we know that we have control over our own mind and body and how healthy it will be.

Why is a focus on wellbeing so important for girls in middle and high school, in particular?

This is a formable age to develop positive health habits that will last a lifetime. Our youth today experience a tremendous amount of pressure, stress, anxiety and high expectations from social media, peers and parents. We give them tools to implement into their lives to manage their health and wellness overall.

What are some wellbeing practices girls can implement into their every day lives?

To develop focus, discipline and consistency around movement. Do something active every day that you enjoy—walk, run, bike, swim, sports, dance, etc. There is research that shows movement makes the brain healthier and increases happiness. We also teach them to implement mindfulness and meditation into their daily lives to learn to relax.

What advice would you give a girl who may be overly-focused on exercising/losing weight/physical appearance?

Be true to yourself. Take the focus off of what others think you should be and surround yourself with positive individuals in your life that will love you for who you are.

What do the girls who attend Empower programs take away about wellbeing?

We teach and help youth understand how wellness can positively change their lives. Children have much more control over their own health than you (or they) may think. The body and mind together are a very powerful mechanism with miraculous control over health and wellness. The more our youth learn to use the extraordinary powers of their minds, the healthier and happier they will be.

Beyond Empower, how do you integrate wellbeing into your coaching practice?

I make it part of my clients’ objectives and require accountability around it. I start off each session by setting an intention of the day with mindfulness, and we discuss how important wellness is in managing the stress, burnout and fatigue in our lives.

Why is wellbeing so important to you, professionally and personally?

It has become more important with my clients because of the stress and pressure placed on them each day. Implementing the tools and skills of health and wellness as a coach will only support them better, and help them perform more effectively and efficiently on a daily basis.

It has always been important to me personally. It’s structured into my every day life. I can’t be great for my clients or anyone else if I don’t take care of myself. It is critical for me to be at the top of my game. Focusing on my own health and wellness keeps my energy level high, and my focus sharp, alert and attentive. It helps me stay my best.