Friend: "Training for what?"
Me: "I'm going to be a Health Coach! I'm SO excited!"
Friend: "Did you say 'Health Coach'? Ummmm. Okay. I have NO idea what that means..."
Oh, Friend, you are not alone! There are even some health coaches who aren't really sure what it means. (On that note, if a health coach claims they can diagnose you, cure your serious disease, medicate you/take you off medication, save your soul, or be your doctor/nutritionist/psychologist...RUN the other way! That is NOT what health coaches are trained to do!)
But I digress. I'm here to give you the lowdown on what a health coach actually does do! So here goes...
A Health Coach...
Listens Well
Ever been at the doctor's office and felt like they had their hand on the door handle the whole time just waiting for you to stop talking? (No offense to the Docs...it is the nature of the system.) Most primary care doctor appointments are 15 minutes or less. Crazy, right? I mean, this is your health--the most important thing there is!
It's different with a coach. You talk. A health coach listens. No judgement. You are heard and valued and un-rushed. Telling your story is therapeutic...it feels good to let it out to someone who really cares and wants to listen.
Asks Questions
A coach knows you are an intelligent human being and that you know, in your heart, what is going to make you look and feel your best. We ask questions to get you thinking--out loud. Have you ever heard your inner voice aloud? It's amazing how hearing that voice can really increase your self-awareness. And guess what? Self-awareness creates behavior change!
Collaborates
OK, so your health coach isn't going to tell you what to eat, how to exercise, what time to go to bed, who to date, or what to do with your time off. Your health coach IS going to help you to figure all that out for yourself. Remember? We ask questions...lots of them. These questions help you to figure out what's important to you and what's not. You create your OWN goals and your OWN steps to reach them. That way your goals come from within and are meaningful to you. You have to care about something in order to make real, lasting change.
Motivates You
First, your coach will help you figure out WHY you want to work towards certain goals. That way, they are meaningful. For example, losing 30 pounds is great, but knowing that you're losing those 30 pounds so you actually have the energy to play with your kids at the playground is so much more motivating. A coach will help you uncover the reason for your desire to change.
Makes it Easier For You
Breaking bad health habits takes work. A health coach can make it a little easier. They can give fun tips and tricks for success, such as helping with time management, finding affordable healthy foods, and recommending resources for recipes, apps for food tracking, videos for exercise workouts, books to read, meditation apps...you name it!
Takes a Holistic Approach
There are so many things that affect our health. It's not all about our leafy greens. Sleep, hydration, stress management, environment, relationships, exercise, career, self care, joy...these all impact our overall health. A health coach will help you figure out if anything feels out of balance for you. If it does, your coach will guide you to make goals in the areas that need a little boost, and celebrate those areas that are going great!
Stays With You...Every Step Of The Way
Attaining good health is a journey. And not always an easy one. A health coach is there for you when you hit that plateau or for when you fall off the wagon and land headfirst into a giant hot fudge sundae. A coach picks you up, dusts you off and gently places you right back on the wagon so you don't go through some crazy downward spiral lined with negative self talk and chocolate chip cookies. We're looking for progress, not perfection. Setbacks are normal. We are, after all, human. Your coach will stick with you through these setbacks and help you use them as learning moments, finding strategies for dealing with temptations and triggers.
Holds You Accountable
So once you make your goals, a coach is going to check up on you. Regularly. And it's no surprise that people are way more likely to stick to their goals when they know they're going to be held accountable.
Celebrates With You
Getting healthy and feeling your best is a journey. EVERY step in this direction (no matter how small) is cause for celebration. Your coach wants you to succeed and will totally do the dance of joy for even the smallest steps towards better health. It's awesome having your own personal cheerleader!
Sooo....do you feel a little more comfortable saying you know what a health coach does? If not, let me know. I'll help out and clarify where needed!
Take care, Friends!
Dorothy
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