Marie-ann Quin knows all too well the importance of balancing work and personal life.
"We live in an ever-demanding world where there are increased pressures on our lifestyle.
"I found out first hand how these pressures can overwhelm you.
"I suffered from 'burn out' around 10 years ago when I was working as a midwife.
"All the medical professionals I saw told me I'd never work again and they wanted to treat me for severe depression.
"But I knew that I had just demanded far too much of myself and that I could take a natural path back to health.
"One of those ways to help me recover came through learning meditation.
"Once I had mastered that I wasn't quite ready to become a teacher of meditation, although I knew it was something I would do as soon as my stress ravaged body was healed.
"In the meantime I undertook studies to become a life and career coach.
"Once I had completed studies I started giving seminars to midwives, student nurses and anyone else who saw the value of learning about a work/life balance."
Eventually she also travelled to Spain to undertake the self mastery course to become a teacher of meditation.
She completed the first three months in 2010 and the rest earlier this year.
She also completed some travel through Europe and staged weekend meditation courses.
Now back in Te Awamutu Mrs Quin has set up a business called 'About Balance' offering her services as a life and career coach.
"I know I can help people, provide them with inspiration and the tools they need to live their lives."
Mrs Quin takes seminars on work/life balance for companies and workplaces, groups and individuals.
"I will be teaching weekend courses in meditation locally and I conduct coaching sessions using Skype for people who live elsewhere. To date these have included clients in Europe."
Her life coaching helps people with career choices, life choices, parenting skills, stress relief techniques, health choices and transitions in their lives.
"It's about balance, about choices and about being able to enjoy an exceptional life."
Mrs Quin takes appointments at home, at her clients' homes and at Mahoe Health Professionals rooms (160 Mahoe Street)
"I'm flexible really, it's up to my clients where they feel the most comfortable and I make an appointment time that suits them."
For more details or a no-obligation 30 minute consultation contact Mrs Quin (ph 871 1636 or 027 4737 098).