2021: the year of renewed well-being (and recovering energetically from all that was 2020).
If you’re feeling called to look for a wellness coach this year, there’s no shortage of coaching programs out there. The virtual galaxy has been ‘gooped‘ and moon-dusted with health advice at every swipe.
It only takes a brief glimpse on social media to scroll upon a fitness routine reel, chakra-balancing smoothie, breathwork exercise or new regimen for wellness (which begs the question, “is my phone listening to me?”).
Truly connecting with a qualified wellness coach is intentional, deep and sustainable.
When it seems like everyone and their dog are now offering holistic health services, how the heck does one find their soul-aligned wellness coach?
For starters, there are a few qualities (and qualifications) your wellness coach should ideally possess.
It’s also important to feel comfortable asking for wellness support and then giving yourself permission to receive support.
When was the last time you genuinely and openly asked for help? We live in a cultural society of overextending and do-it-yourself’ing. Asking for help can be really, really hard.
But our capacity to thrive and reach our goals is strengthened in an ecosystem of support.
Here are our top five qualities to seek out in a wellness coach.
1. They work with their own coach.
Therapy for therapists is a very real (and therapeutic) thing. Finding a wellness practitioner or coach who practices what they preach (aka, they’ve worked with their own coach) will make your experience even more authentic. They’ve done the inner work, and they know what it takes to be accountable.
Would you trust a bungee jumping or skydiving guide if they hadn’t ever tried it before?
2. They have coaching credentials.
Many self-proclaimed health and nutrition coaches have amassed a vast loyal following. Some bring years of personal experience and alternative training in their field, which is all well and good.
Holding distinct credentials (i.e. coaching certificate, diploma or degree at an accredited institution) legitimizes their work and clarifies how their background can be of service to you.
3. They listen, offer empathy and ask thought-provoking questions.
Every good conversation starts with a good listener. Brene Brown once said, “empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.'”
The right wellness coach will always come from a place of empathy and compassion, regardless of where you’re at on your wellness journey. You will be asked forward-focused questions that tap into your inner wisdom and knowing. Rather than asking, “what past events or actions caused all of these issues for you?” they may ask, “how do you want to feel, and what realistic goals are you willing to set?”.
4. They create a supportive environment for all your “stuff.”
A wellness coaching session should leave you motivated and encouraged, not depleted and uninspired to reach your goals. If you feel in over your head, your wellness roadmap needs an adjustment. “How am I supposed to meditate, make green juice and take care of the dogs/kids all before sunrise?” You’re not expected to, nor are you made to feel overwhelmed by your wellness coach.
They have your back, and they’ll ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
5. They’ll help you extend past your comfort zone, safely.
Growth and comfort do not coexist (coined by Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM). In order to grow, we must experience a degree of discomfort. But as human creatures of habit, we like to stay cozy in our comfort shells.
A wellness coach will support you in digging deeper and getting intimate with your edge. They’ll guide you through areas of discomfort (like fitting your wellness priorities into work/relationships) to help you grow and flow forward.
How you’ll benefit overall from a wellness coach…
- You’ll attune to your inner wisdom.
- You’ll see your blind spots and patterns you usually bypass.
- You’ll connect with someone who holds an objective stance on your unique circumstances (as opposed to family/friends/loved ones).
- You’ll experience a profound shift in your perception of wellness.
Many of us find it easier to meet external accountability rather than answering to ourselves.
Wellness coaches serve as accountability partners who will celebrate your successes and help you carry on when the going gets tough. They also believe in your limitless potential, especially in areas where you feel constricted.
Looking for deeper wellness support?
Check out our tuja live well services, and connect with a tuja-vetted wellness coach faster than you can say “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast” (SCOBY, aka kombucha starter).
