Bérénice Kruger-Trave shows how reconnecting with your body and mind can transform your well-being, offering practical ways to manage stress, restore balance and embrace life with renewed energy.
In a world where being constantly ‘switched on’ has become the norm, it’s easy to miss the warning signs when stress starts to overstay its welcome. But wellness, says Bérénice Kruger-Trave, is less about coping strategies and more about tuning in – listening to what your body and mind are trying to say.
Her health and well-being practice Being Well, with Bérénice, based in the Upper Highway area, is grounded in this philosophy. She combines gentle yet powerful techniques, from Specialised Kinesiology, and BodyTalk, to Neural Organisation Technique (N.O.T), Thai Foot Massage, and Transformational Coaching all with with one goal in mind – helping people of all ages reconnect with themselves and thrive.
“Our bodies are constantly communicating with us,” she explains. “When we begin to listen, we feel more grounded, at ease, and in tune with ourselves.”
Bérénice’s journey into complementary health began in 2003, when she first encountered Specialised Kinesiology.
“It was as if the missing piece finally fell into place,” she recalls. “I realised we can’t look at a person through a one-dimensional lens – physical health on its own or psychology on its own. True well-being means addressing all aspects of body, mind and emotions, and I found the emotional dimension was the key often overlooked.”
Inspired by her own transformation, she trained in Specialised Kinesiology from 2004 and later BodyTalk in 2007. By 2009, she had left her diplomatic post at the Belgian Consulate in Durban to pursue what she felt was her true calling – supporting others on their path to health and wholeness.
Over time, she deepened her practice, learning modalities such as Neuro-Training, Neural Organisation Technique (N.O.T.), Thai Foot Massage and Transformational Coaching. But her path wasn’t a straight line. She took a break from practice for several years to support her husband’s business, though she remained involved in the field, attending workshops, staying current and offering help whenever she could. In 2022, she felt the timing was right to relaunch her consultancy in Botha’s Hill, and since then, she hasn’t looked back.
“Nothing gives me more joy than seeing people thrive,” she smiles. “Healing and growth are lifelong journeys and I’m honoured to walk alongside people at every stage.”
That journey looks different for everyone, whether it is an expectant mother preparing for new beginnings, a child building stronger neural pathways for learning, a teen navigating anxiety, or an adult balancing the weight of responsibility. She also treasures working with older clients too, whose wisdom and lived experiences bring richness to the healing space.
What drives her most is witnessing transformation – that shift when someone feels safe, present and able to ‘breathe out of water’. “There’s so much more to being well than most people realise,” she says. “Through gentle, non-invasive methods we can clear blockages, restore balance, and reconnect to ourselves.”
For Bérénice, stress is not an abstract concept, it’s something that shows up daily in her clients’ lives, often unnoticed until it takes a toll. Fatigue, irritability, anxiety and physical tension are just some of the early signals she sees all the time.
“This survival state – fight, flight or freeze – is the body’s emergency mode,” she explains. “When it’s switched on too long, it disrupts everything from sleep and immunity to emotional resilience.” The good news is that more people are open to recognising stress early. “Especially post-pandemic, I see a shift,” she notes. “People no longer see stress as a weakness, and are asking for help sooner, not waiting for a crisis.”
Restore calm, reclaim energy
Bérénice offers these simple tips to help beat stress.
At work …
Mindful breathing: Try Box Breathing or 4-7-8 breathing between meetings. Just a few rounds can reset your nervous system.
Hold your forehead: Cover your forehead lightly with one palm for 30 seconds to activate calm and clear thinking.
Step away: Break the stress cycle by moving – take a walk, step outside or simply change rooms.
Try acupressure: Press on your inner wrist or hand webbing to calm anxiety and tension.
At home …
Create a reset nook: A comfy chair, soft lighting, calming music or essential oils can create a mini-retreat.
Cut down screen time: Swap scrolling for a few minutes of silence, connection within or get moving.
Declutter one spot: A clear counter or drawer can calm the mind and shift stagnant energy.
Practice gratitude: Even a two-minute reflection on the good in your day can reduce stress and reframe your mindset.
Bring in nature: Add plants, open windows or let in sunlight to help your body relax.
Bérénice, unplugged
Non-negotiable wellness ritual: “I step outside every morning to breathe fresh air and catch the sunrise. I combine that with light Qi Gong and a gratitude mantra. Nature reminds me to slow down and be present.”
Advice to her younger self: “Listen to your body and your intuition more. Don’t wait until things fall apart to care for yourself. Long-term balance comes from small, consistent acts of self-care.”
End-of-day de-stress must: “Music and movement! I love line dancing – it’s fun, social and uplifting. Even at home, I put on music while cooking. It shifts my energy instantly.”
