All Categories
All Categories
Do you talk about self-care with your clients?
Are you sure you understand what it means? Really?
If you’re nodding along, confident in your approach, let’s delve deeper into what self-care truly entails, and what you and your clients might be doing instead.
Consider these scenarios and identify which you believe represents self-care:
(A) Advising a client to book a same-day massage after a particularly taxing day.
(B) Suggesting a favorite treat to unwind after a strenuous session.
(C) Recommending a week off to a client on the brink of burnout.
Interestingly, these examples fall into the category of SELF-SOOTHING, not self-care.
Thus, the answer is: NONE.
Self-care embodies a proactive stance, aiming to fortify against burnout and promote flourishing health. Self-soothe, in contrast, is a reactive measure, a temporary balm for the stresses of the moment.
For health coaches, advocating self-care means encouraging clients to actively engage in practices that support their physical, mental and emotional health, thereby preventing burnout and enabling them to thrive. This approach is about foresight, routine development and habit formation that collectively work towards comprehensive wellness.
Try the following affirmation: “I prioritize self-care to uphold my well-being, recognizing the value of feeling nurtured and revitalized.”
Self-soothing strategies are crucial for immediate stress relief but should be seen as supplementary to a robust self-care regimen.
For health coaches, positioning self-care as a fundamental aspect of your coaching practice is essential. While self-soothing is vital for navigating life’s immediate challenges, self-care establishes a foundation that prevents burnout, reduces the reliance on self-soothing measures, and promotes a thriving life.
Empower yourself and your clients to place self-care at the forefront of your wellness strategies. By fostering proactive well-being habits, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving in a demanding world.
Remember, the journey to holistic health is a collaborative endeavor. You’ve got this!
Ariel Belgrave, an award-winning health and fitness expert and business advisor, founded Gym Hooky after over a decade in corporate HR for Fortune 100 companies like JPMorgan and Facebook. Her L.E.A.N Method has empowered thousands of women globally to embrace healthy, sustainable habits. She’s renowned for creating wellness programs that blend HR insights with health expertise, significantly enhancing employee engagement and inclusivity. Ariel’s impact is highlighted across major media, including Good Morning America, NBC, and Women’s Health Magazine. She also contributes to Women’s Health Magazine’s board and is an Under Armour sponsored athlete.
Find out more about engaging Ariel for speaking opportunities.
Have you ever heard your client complain about feeling tired, even after a good night’s sleep? Or after spending a whole weekend catching up on sleep?
In our fast-paced lives, it’s common for both us and our clients to experience fatigue, even after seemingly sufficient sleep. This brings us to an essential distinction that’s often overlooked: the difference between sleep and rest.
Contrary to popular belief, achieving rest encompasses much more than obtaining adequate sleep. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s insights in Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity highlight the critical need for various types of rest for optimal functioning and preventing burnout. She identifies seven distinct rest needs.
Here, we explore these rest types and discuss their integration into health coaching practices.
Physical rest encompasses more than sleep; it includes restorative activities that relieve physical stress and rejuvenation. Coaches can encourage clients to adopt light stretching, yoga and more. Emphasizing the importance of physical rest can lead to significant improvements in clients’ energy levels and physical health
Our brains are constantly processing information, leading to mental fatigue. Coaches should guide clients in establishing mental rest practices, such as digital detoxes and regular breaks during work. These strategies can help clear mental clutter, leading to improved focus and reduced stress.
In our overstimulated world, sensory rest is vital. Coaches can recommend strategies for reducing noise and screen exposure, such as going on an “information diet.” These practices can help mitigate the overwhelming effects of constant sensory input.
Spiritual rest involves connecting with one’s inner self and finding a sense of purpose. This can be achieved through being in the moment and engaging in meaningful work. Coaches can support clients in exploring what spiritually nourishes them, fostering a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Balancing social interactions is key to avoiding social fatigue. Coaches play a crucial role in teaching clients how to identify energizing versus draining social interactions and setting appropriate boundaries. This balance is essential for maintaining emotional and social wellbeing.
Providing a safe space for clients to express their feelings is a cornerstone of health coaching. Encouraging practices like journaling, engaging in self-compassion exercises, and setting boundaries can offer clients the emotional rest they need to process and grow.
Creative rest is rejuvenating one’s creative energy through exposure to beauty and engaging in creative activities. Coaches can inspire clients to try new things, immerse themselves in nature, or engage in artistic endeavors, enriching their lives and sparking innovation.
As health coaches, our role in promoting a comprehensive approach to rest is invaluable. By expanding our understanding and application of the seven types of rest, we can enhance our clients’ journeys towards holistic wellness. Let’s lead by example and make rest an integral part of our coaching philosophy and practice.
Ariel Belgrave, an award-winning health and fitness expert and business advisor, founded Gym Hooky after over a decade in corporate HR for Fortune 100 companies like JPMorgan and Facebook. Her L.E.A.N Method has empowered thousands of women globally to embrace healthy, sustainable habits. She’s renowned for creating wellness programs that blend HR insights with health expertise, significantly enhancing employee engagement and inclusivity. Ariel’s impact is highlighted across major media, including Good Morning America, NBC, and Women’s Health Magazine. She also contributes to Women’s Health Magazine’s board and is an Under Armour sponsored athlete.
Find out more about engaging Ariel for speaking opportunities.
Powering the Business of Health, Fitness, and Wellness Coaching