Most of us have a basic understanding of the idea of what health and wellness is. But really, what does that mean? As a life / health life coach, I have heard everything from exercise and eating healthy to yoga and meditation. What if it’s bigger than that. The next question I ask is, “how can you apply health and wellness to your life and how does that affect your life now and long term.”
So let’s define what health and wellness is. Below are 2 definitions from leading professionals:
The concept of total wellness recognizes that our every thought, word and behavior affects our greater health and well-being. And we, in turn, are affected not only emotionally but also physically and spiritually. – Greg Anderson
Wellness is living your life consciously in ways that improve your health and well being.
In this posting, I have asked and answered some questions about coaching. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Who should work with a life coach?
Anyone who desires to build a happier, more meaningful life, can benefit from working with a life coach. Working through a transition, such as changing jobs, moving to a new place, or experiencing a change in relationship, can be very uncomfortable. During such times, people may experience irritability, high levels of stress or anxiety, a spike in bad habits, dissatisfaction, blocked creativity, or grief, and working with a coach can help you ease the process.
Why should I work with a coach?
When people go through transitions, we often experience a lot of stress. Coaches work from a non-judgement place to provide support during that time. A good coach believes in a client’s capacity to change, and will work to provide space for clients to process their experience. A coach may provide additional resources, act as a reality check, and/or help with accountability challenges.
Clients partner with coaches to improve their skills, gain insight into themselves, and enhance their overall well being. The coach and client work together in order to achieve goals set by the client. We do this in any number of different ways. It requires courage and dedication to look within yourself and what you would like to change. You as the client are the expert in your own growth.
What is coaching and how do I do it?
The first meeting, we will get to know each other. Discuss what you are looking for, and talk about your goals. I want to know how we can work together and how I can support you for the best outcomes.
We will do some strategic thinking together, such as goal setting, and/or goal clarification, and talk about moving from surviving to thriving. Through the process you will become more aware of who you are and where you want to go in life.
Transitions require you to think outside the box. This is not about “why” you do the things you do, it’s more about “how do you feel when you do the things you do,” or “what would happen if you tried something different?” Transitions are about letting go of old, out-dated patterns that prevent you from changing.
We work with limiting beliefs, self-esteem/self-worth, and letting go of what no longer serves us so that you are able to embrace the person you are meant to be. We’ll discuss transitions, values, resiliency, and what is called the “9-needs.” This can be very complicated, but in doing this, you can work towards creating true happiness in your life.
I’ll ask you to complete survey questions, as well as other assignments or readings that I think could be helpful to you. My goal with them is to introduce you to tools that can help you break up the repeat patterns that we all automatically default to when life gets difficult. Of course, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want. You, as the client, are in charge of your wellness journey. I am here to provide support, ideas, accountability, and resources if needed. This journey requires you to look within and work with fears and outdated beliefs. It requires strength, endurance and courage.
Is coaching different from therapy?
Yes. First off, psychotherapists are trained to address mental health issues. They are licensed, regulated professionals. While coaches can be licensed and regulated, it is not a professional requirement.
In addition, psychotherapy is more about discussing your past while coaching is focused on your future. Coaching helps you create a path forward and teaches techniques that keep you on track to achieve the goals you set.
What is the difference between a “health coach,” a “wellness coach,” and a “life coach?”
There are all kinds of coaches, but they all are about supporting you in your growth. There are also coaches who “specialize” in areas. For example, health coaches mainly work with clients who wish to improve their health. Sometimes this is about eating healthier or body-movement techniques, and sometimes this is learning ways to manage chronic illness. A wellness coach looks at over-all wellness. This is tailored to what the client defines as “wellness,” and may be physical, mental, or spiritual. Life coaches work with clients who are having challenging life conditions in which they require more involved support or a longer term client-coach relationship.
How can coaching affect your life in the short and long term?
Working with a coach is beneficial because they are impartial to your goals. While it is natural to talk about goals with your friends and family, they may not be objective and could in fact be part of the cycle you are trying to break. Talking with a professional coach can provide an objective point of view, helping you brainstorm ideas while providing support on making life long changes.
How can coaching help with stress?
Making changes can bring up some uncomfortable feelings and may even be scary for some. Often when the tough things surface, we abandon our goals and the result is increased stress. I call this surviving rather than thriving. Coaching helps ease the transition process. By helping you plan, and take steps, to make changes, coaching decreases your stress level. Medical evidence has made a direct correlation between stress and diseases. For more information on the stress-disease connection, see my blog at HumanTouchMassageMN.com.
How can coaching help build my resiliency skills?
Resiliency is about how you react to situations as they come up. It is something you learn to do, not so much who you are. As a coach, I teach resiliency skills and work to get you to a point of thriving rather than surviving. As you learn resiliency skills, you respond to stressful events differently; thereby reducing your stress level; affecting your mind – body – spirit experience.
What should I look for in a coach?
Since there are many different types of coaches, look for one that matches the particular goals you are trying to achieve. Since the relationship you form with your coach is personal, find a coach that you feel understands what you are looking to do. In addition, know that, like with any personal care provider, it may take more than one try to find a coach that you really “click” with.
What questions can I ask a coach?
You may ask your coach any question regarding their training and work philosophy. Keep in mind, however, that the coach is a professional and as such, must be treated with respect.
Can I work with a coach remotely?
Yes. Especially during the current corona-virus pandemic, most coaches are available for secure remote sessions. While I believe face to face interaction is best, I, personally, am open to communicating via whatever platform you feel most comfortable using.
What is my philosophy regarding coaching?
I took my coach training at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in 2016
What are my areas of interest?
Previous to me becoming a massage therapist and health coach, and somatic trauma practitioner, I was a cook / chef and owned a restaurant with my partner for 9 years. Previous to that, I worked in the medical field in various capacities.
As a massage therapist I have a passion for research – informed practices for the efficacy of massage therapy, working with people who are choosing to become the best version of themselves, and help people heal from trauma related histories.
I enjoy outdoors, reading, cooking, and home repairs. I would like to travel the United States when I have time.
If you are interested in reading more on stress, and how it affects our health in general please check out my blog posts Stress Awareness and Stress – My Thoughts.
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