Are you frustrated with health trends and diets that aren't working? Which one will work for you or is actually healthy? Health coaching might help fill that gap.
It's easy to undervalue health coaching when you look at the amount of information out there on popular diets, exercise practices, and wellness books.
However, health coaching presents a unique wellness solution. It gives you tools and ideas for making real changes in your behavior that lasts.
As a national board certified health and wellness coach, the personalized approach I bring has proved to be a turning point for my clients that aim to boost their health.
Health coaching is more than an informational session. It is a partnership that helps you structure a personalized plan that considers what you need, your goals and how you live your life.
So, let’s explore health coaching and why it matters more than you think. Everything mentioned below is about my coaching approach, not all health coaches have the same philosophy or work with their clients in the same way.
Table Of Contents
What are the Benefits Provided by Health Coaches That Are Often Overlooked?
As a health coach, I have seen and experienced the positive transformations in my client's lives and there is an extra layer that often remains unseen.
The following are the less-talked-about benefits of health coaching:
Health coaches help you save money: You fall sick less with healthier living. Health coaching might assist in reducing your doctor visits and therefore medical costs.
Health coaches help you feel better inside and out: We support you in managing stress and enhancing your self-esteem. It's not solely about your physique but also how you are feeling mentally and emotionally.
Health coaches can help you make healthier choices: We present evidence and research backed data that can support you in decision-making.
Health coaches help you balance life and work: We believe proper health is about balance: moving your body, eating both your favorite food and nutrient dense foods, and filling up your cup so you can be your best you.
Health coaches can help you build confidence: We help you realize the power to make your life more rewarding rests within you.
Health coaches show you where to find help: We can assist you in identifying additional health-conscious professionals and support within your neighborhood.
Health coaching is a modeling profession: We adopt a healthy lifestyle to give you a real-life example while also being humans and going through struggles ourselves.
Health coaches make a plan with you: We develop a health plan crafted with your routine and lifestyle in mind
Health coaches can help you reach your goals: Our role is to inspire you and support you in keeping consistent.
Health coaches want the best for you: We see you with unconditional positive regard and intend to help you excel in leading your best and healthiest life.
6 Personalized And Holistic Approaches To My Health Coaching:
Individualized and comprehensive techniques essentially improve health.
Here are 6 health coaching strategies that I've used:
1) Taking a whole-person approach
I've found that helping clients understand the interconnection between their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of themselves helps to foster a better sense of self-awareness and self-management. It allows you to see your health as a harmonious circle instead of disjointed parts.
2) Maximizing personal and professional potential
I use different methods, including motivational interviewing and appreciative inquiry to assist you in discovering your built-in capacity to progress. My actual experience has shown me your readiness to change can fluctuate which is where we experiment together to support your continued success.
3) Personalized support
Tailored support is a cornerstone of my coaching approach. By considering your lifestyles and preferences, I can facilitate a health strategy that interacts well with your routines.
4) Helping overcome challenges and barriers
I've worked on real-life client obstacles like battling procrastination or breaking through emotional eating. We work together to overcome your challenges and turn them into opportunities to learn and grow.
5) Emphasizing positive psychology
In my practice, I've found that emphasizing your strengths rather than concentrating on your weaknesses can empower you to achieve health goals.
6) Addressing critical areas of health
In my experience, addressing areas such as diet, sleep, stress, activity, and time management may be overwhelming. So, we usually start with the area you want to tackle first and build momentum from there.
10 Misconceptions About The Role Of A Health Coach
I have observed and experienced the influence of health coaching misconceptions first-hand. Usually within my first few calls with a potential client or even an existing client.
To help clear up some of the misconceptions, let me provide my personal insights on these misunderstandings:
1) Medical advice misconception
I acknowledge the limits of my practice. So, I collaborate with healthcare professionals where needed. And refer my clients to seek medical advice when required. I will not prescribe or diagnose you
2) Weight loss misconception
Each person has personalized health goals. It's my mission to help you attain these, whether it is losing a few pounds so you can play with your kids or prioritizing your sleep so you can be your best self each day.
3) Personal trainer misconception
Addressing your mental and emotional layers usually leads to lasting changes. This method sets health coaching apart from personal training. I can partner with your personal trainer to support your exercise goals but I’ll leave the training to them
4) In-person coaching misconception
You can feel at ease and effectively attain your objectives through virtual coaching sessions. With the added advantage of better access, flexibility and being in the comfort of your own home.
5) Physical condition misconception:
Compassionate listening, empathy, and evidence-based research are the core aspects of an effective health coach rather than your physical appearance.
6) Wealth misconception
Health coaching should be accessible to everyone, so pricing varies coach to coach, location to location and package to package.
7) Instant results misconception
Sustainable change takes time. I prioritize consistency in nurturing long-term wellness practices.
8) Doctor replacement misconception
A holistic strategy comes from working with your healthcare professionals' treatment (this can be doctor, nutritionist, RD, etc.) recommendations and a health coaches' behavioral change expertise.
9) Uniform health philosophy misconception
I base my health coaching on evidence based research to aid us in meeting (and EXCEEDING) your objectives.
10) Imposing lifestyle and diet misconceptions
As a health coach, the most fulfilling achievement is guiding you to find an optimal approach that works for you instead of forcing a single, uniform method.
I am confident that if the community's understanding of health coaching widens, the false impressions will lessen.
Additional Insights
Aligning with a health coach is an effective way to establish sound health goals and nurture the skills needed to hit them. Pick a coach who has a credible history of success and can support you in achieving your goals.
Additionally, ensure that the coach is someone you feel at ease with and can work within your schedule.
You can check out this blog for an overview of What To Expect When You Hire A Health Coach, From Intro Call To Final Session. Where I and other coaches were interviewed by mindbodygreen to give you a fresh perspective into the potential contributions of your health coach and how we can empower you.
Success Stories
Health coaching partnerships with clients can include handling common health concerns like stress and poor physical activity.
Check out these success stories that prove the worth of health coaching.
Video Testimonials
The Future of Health Coaching
Potential growth and trends
Health coaching is booming as more people become health conscious and looking to improve their lifestyle. The industry has grown into a nearly $7 billion service industry, and its future looks promising [1].
For instance, I am seeing more clients seeking advice for a balanced, healthy lifestyle. These figures are mirrored globally as well.
As reported by Allied Market Research, the Global Health Coaching Market size, valued at $16,914.65 million in 2021, is set to reach $34,812.48 million by 2031 with a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2022 to 2031.
Technology and innovation will help shape health coaching
Using digital tools and resources has enhanced my coaching process. I've harnessed automation tools like reminder apps or digital calendars to manage my schedule more and more and clients are hopping on the bandwagon.
Remote communication with my clients makes health coaching accessible to anyone, anywhere. We've used video, phone, chat and email in just the last few years.
Technology and innovation are enhancing my coaching practices to offer more personalized, timely, and efficient services, even without face-to-face meetings.
Why Health Coaching Matters More Than You Think? (FAQs)
What is the effect of coaching in mental health?
Coaching serves as a cornerstone for improving health significantly. It enhances well-being and shows effectiveness across different demographics and organizational groups. You can find positive traces in performance-related areas, according to research by BetterUp, which also validates the holistic good it can have on mental health [2].
What are the benefits of holistic coaching?
Holistic coaching addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of yourself. By identifying any area of imbalance, this approach aims to nurture overall health and wellness. Potential outcomes include enhanced self-awareness, more effective stress management, emotional balance, mindful nutrition, and improved physical well-being, contributing to a more fulfilling life.
What makes someone a health coach?
A health coach is a professional trained to help you achieve your health and wellness goals, including nutritional enhancement, advocating for physical activity, stress management, and breaking barriers to change. The highest accreditation you can receive as a health coach is to become an NBC-HWC (National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach) which is received upon completion of an accredited course, practice coaching sessions and passing the National Board exam. The National board provides a framework of ethical standards and scope of practice for NBC-HWCs.
What to Do Next?
You've probably noticed that today's society is more health-conscious than ever. It's our mission to inspire you and give you the resources to live a healthier life while working with you hand-in-hand to map out and go after realistic wellness goals.
Are you motivated to give your wellness goals a real shot? Book a session with me and let’s get you started on your health journey.
Health is a long-term commitment. Every step you take towards health adds to your well-being.
With Gratitude,
Alexa
About the Author
Alexa Hanshaw
Alexa Hanshaw is a national board-certified health and wellness coach (NBC-HWC). She is also a stress management coach who helps women be the CEO of their stress. She empowers her clients to push past the confusion of the health and wellness industry to create lifestyle habits that bring them energy and work with their bodies instead of against it.
Join her free Facebook group, Be the CEO of Your Stress, and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube for quick, easy & healthy tips on stress, health, fitness, nutrition, sleep, and how to stay mindful!