The Benefits of Working with a Wellness Coach
Est. Reading Time: 3 Minutes
Thanks to the world wide web, social media, and other media platforms, we are constantly being reminded of what it takes to be healthy.
What to eat? Follow your favorite food blogger.
How to exercise? Google how to create your own workout.
But, how to stay accountable to your wellness goals? That’s when a Wellness Coach comes in!
A Wellness Coach is just that – a person who teaches, trains and encourages others through their wellness journey. The one-on-one engagement allows for plenty of discussion surrounding health goals, stress management, challenges and barriers, and steps to reach sustainable success. Rather than just focusing on one’s “health”, wellness coaching is intended to “enhance overall well-being.” Health refers to the current state of physical, mental, and social areas, whereas wellness is a “state of living a healthy lifestyle.”
According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, working with a Wellness Coach can drastically improve the overall quality of life, levels of stress, depressive symptoms, and the five domains of quality of life (physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual functioning). As you can see, a Wellness Coach is working with more than just your physical being, but encompassing a more holistic approach focused on inclusive quality of life. This relates to how well you handle stress; what habits you engage in when stressed; your quality of sleep and sleep routine; and the health of your relationships.
How do you know if Wellness Coaching is best for you? When is the right time to get started?
In-person and virtual coaching typically involves one-on-one engagement to ensure an honest, trustworthy and personable relationship is built between the coach and client. Expect to be extremely honest with an open line of communication. The more honest you are as a client, the better understanding the coach will have on how to help you set goals and increase motivation.
A coach shouldn’t tell you what to do, but they should guide you through the conversation to help you recognize the steps you feel comfortable and confident in taking. The discussion will continue to flow with the coach guiding you with open-ended questions that lead you to your own conclusions. You will set S.M.A.R.T. goals together and review any barriers that may stand in the way of your success. Expect to put in the work! You and your coach work as a team.
Coaching sessions may last 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the coach and the setting. You can find coaches in medical centers, school systems, businesses or corporate wellness, health clubs, and private practice.
Many Wellness Coaches have professional certifications and degrees related to one or more aspects of health. Be sure to do a background check of the coach prior to working with him/her. Coaching should remain within their scope of practice. For example, if the coach is not a certified personal trainer, he/she should only give general exercise advice that is known to the general public rather than creating an individualized exercise plan for you. The same thing goes for nutrition and mental health.
Ready to take the next step in your wellness journey? Keep reading the Actionable Steps below!
Are you experiencing lack of motivation, a new lifestyle change, lack of support, frustration in reaching goals, or confusion on what to do next? It might be time to invest in a Wellness Coach.
Write down your desired goals, your questions, and anything else you feel is important for your prospective coach to know about working with you.
Because coaching is a very personable engagement, you want to make sure it is the best fit for both of you. Write down what is important to you about your coach – gender, age, cultural considerations, experience, location, etc.
Browse our Find a Coach page on A Guide for Your 20s. Read each coach’s profile and find the best fit based on your coach criteria.
Before you jump into a full commitment, the coach will most likely offer a complimentary discovery call that allows the two of you to get to know each other and ensure the fit is best for both of you. Bring your reasons and questions from step two to make the conversation most productive.
Health Coaching is Effective by Harvard Health Publishing. What is a Wellness Coach by Very Well Fit. Five Benefits of Employee Wellness Coaching by Well Right.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Hi, I’m Shannon! I’m a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Culinary Coach, and Personal Trainer. After dedicating over 8 years to the corporate wellness world, I began my own nutrition practice. Chef Shannon Nutrition focuses on plant-based nutrition and culinary coaching. My passion for culinary nutrition grew when I worked as a cooking instructor for a culinary entertainment company. After several years as an instructor and event coordinator, I moved into the role of Director of Culinary Entertainment where I developed all the recipes, menus, and instructor trainings. My dietetic’s expertise helped the company expand into allergy-friendly and health conscious menus to suit all clients.
Full Bio | LinkedIn | 1:1 Coaching
Add to Favorites Life Coach Stacey O’Callaghan shares the 6 key skills to learn in your 20s that will set you up for a successful future.
Trying to save money by buying in bulk and storing food? Use these tips on how to store food long-term to save money and eat well.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “life is a journey, not a destination?” It’s not just a cliché, it’s a great guiding philosophy.
Your free self-improvement perks and community features are waiting!
