We live in a time when no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of wellness, and with it – we hope at least – happiness. The health and wellness industry is now worth an astounding $4.2trillion (£3.5trillion), a colossal figure that reflects the scale of our preoccupation with being ‘well’. Where once we would go for a quick massage to address a stressful few months, now we’re meditating, intuitively eating and attending silent retreats daily, all in the name of self care.
The parallel rise in the popularity of wellness coaches – or life coaches as they’re also known – is one that has been met with some controversy. Who are these people? What do they do? And do we really need to be taught how to feel well?
What exactly is a wellness coach?
A good question, and one that is difficult to answer definitively, such is the variety of definitions and titles bouncing around in the wellness lexicon. An umbrella term that can refer to life coaches, holistic coaches or health coaches, different ones offer different expertise. From looking at diet, energy levels and exercise routine to assessing mental health and general lifestyle, a wellness coach helps a client to address imbalances in their life, and set out clear goals for their future.
“We support clients step-by-step to implement and sustain lifestyle and behaviour changes that contribute to achieving their personal health and lifestyle goals. And all at a pace that is comfortable for them,” says health and lifestyle coach Milla Lascelles.
