Health & Wellness Coaching
- pvrletitia
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
Lately I've been asked a lot of questions about Health & Wellness Coaching. So I thought I might clarify what it means to me.
In some countries, it is common practise after being discharged from the hospital following an illness or injury to transition into Health & Wellness Coaching. Not so where I live. I think there is a great deal of information out there on what we need to do to stay healthy, get healthy, be healthier, but where do you start and what is right for you? And, even more important if you are in recovery.
That's where Coaching can help. I have started diet plans, exercise plans my whole life and starting was never the problem. Staying committed was the problem.
We know we should. We really want to and then it slips away. Why is it so hard for some of us to stay committed?
There is choosing the right activity, adjusting your diet etc. but making the plan stick is a bit trickier. There are a few factors to consider.
Understanding how we make habits and how we can change habits is part of it. Or can we change a habit? And, the other big one - Motivation. Are we intrinsitic or extrinsic motivators? What give us that 'yes' I did it, enough so so that we will come back and do it again. I will break down a few of this in future blogs, if your someone who wants to make a change in your activity levels and maybe what you eat, understanding some of this may help you be successful.
Goals are different than habits and require "modifying or transforming your actions, reactions or habits". This modification can respond to internal cues, external environmental changes and interventions.
We have all heard of dopamine, it has become quite popular on social media and understanding the true neurobiology of dopamine can help with how and why your goals are working or not working. The neuro-transmitter Dopamine is not only a reward 'feel good', it is essential to initiating movement.
We know exercise is good for our body, but it is also essential for our cognition. One of the best exercises for your brain is physical exercise. Physical exercise is associated with better brain function, reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia, and reduced burden of mental health.
If your someone who is factoring in the ageing, the bio-phycho-social model factors in the connectedness of biological, physchological and social, making a full specturm health and wellness plan even more important.
Carol Dweck said, "Mindset is the single attitude that separates those who suceed from those who don't". Knowing if you have a Fixed Mindset or a Growth Mindset can make a big difference in achieving your goals.
Suddenly the changing your diet and going to the gym takes on a whole new dimension. Maybe there are reasons why it is so hard to stay on your health plan? Maybe there are factors that can make a difference. And, maybe it really is as important as we are told.
I believe you can succeed in your health and wellness plan when you understand some of the underlying reasons why it not working.
I prefer to call this Health and Wellbeing Coaching, we can't seperate out pieces of ourselves, we are a wondrous interconnected unique being.
It doesn't have to be overwhelming, as a few pieces start to fall into place, and the tried and true 'one step at a time' start to add up. You goal is achievable.
Coaching Question
How does this effect your perception of a Health & Wellness Program?
