It’s a great time of year to be asking this question. A Wellness Coach can be a fantastic resource to help you get and stay on track with your health goals and your new year’s resolutions.
Wellness coaches are typically highly trained, certified health specialists with expertise in topics such as nutrition, weight management, fitness, stress management, and/or tobacco cessation. Since many of these areas are best worked on together (for example, if you want to better manage your weight, you’ll likely want to consider making changes to both your diet and your exercise regimen), connecting with a wellness coach who is knowledgeable about these topics is key.
One of the biggest benefits of talking to a wellness coach is that their service is often very personalized. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all way that helps people get healthier or stop smoking—but you and your coach can work together to tailor-make a plan that fits your needs, abilities and lifestyle. If you want to begin exercising, but you’re a fitness novice, your coach can design a plan that challenges you without overwhelming you. If you want to quit smoking, but your high-stress job or lifestyle is a barrier to quitting, your coach can help you make reachable goals, and then motivate you along the path to success.
Your wellness coach is also a great source of support as you make progress toward your health and wellness goals. Your coach can provide help and motivation along the way—and, due to the personalized nature of wellness coaching, can often help you address specific obstacles that fall into your path. Your wellness coach can also help hold you accountable for your progress--that alone is often a great motivator!
So where can you find a wellness coach of your own? First, look to your employer. Many employers offer wellness programs at no charge as a benefit to their employees. Read your benefits literature, or talk to your human resources director, to find out if your company has a wellness program you can participate in, and if that program includes wellness coaching. No company wellness plan? You can always search online to find a wellness coach to connect with.
Curious about other ways a health advocate can help you? Email me at nhess@healthadvocate.com, and I'll do my best to answer your questions in an upcoming column!
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