Home » Coaching » Health coach

Is life moving too quickly and your health taken a back seat? Or do you want to strengthen yourself and prevent poor health? A health coaches help you get where you want to go.

Your health is the foundation

Creating the conditions for well-being and acting accordingly is the basis for feeling good. By feeling good, you can access joy, meaningfulness, motivation and commitment. You will also perform better at work.

In this article, we will look at how a health coach can help you in your health development.

Health coaching – What health is for you?

Life is relentless and suddenly leaves you realising your kids are older, you have climbed the career ladder, and the time has gone. The question now is, who are you now?

What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!

Benedetta Osarenk


Our counsellors

Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.

What is your well-being now, at this stage of your life?
How do you want your well-being to improve?
What are the benefits of health and well-being?

Many of us listen to what friends, family and social media say about health, then sometimes try to follow the advice.

But is it right for you?

You and your health coach will explore your current habits and behaviours and discover what find fun, motivating and effective. From there, it’s about building on that and following your path to good health.

What do you want more of? What habits, patterns and behaviours need to be broken?

Together, you will customise a plan for your life that includes healthier habits and a healthier lifestyle.

Physical activity

Physical activity can be a chore, but it can also be wonderful and bring a lot of pleasure. Finding physical activities that are fun to you is very important.

At least 30 minutes of exercise a day is generally recommended. Twice a week we need to exercise our muscles. You don’t have to go to the gym if you don’t like it, there are other ways.

There are so many options out there, from calisthenics to pickle ball.

Whichever physical activity feels right for you, our coaches will help you find the one – or ones – you enjoy.


Book a meeting

Fill in the form, choose a counsellor and proceed to payment.

Diet

Success with diets can be a challenge, but with a good routine and structure it is definitely possible.

Days are long and hectic, ingredients in the kitchen are missing, and we are tired after work. This makes it very easy to fall for temptation and eat what is most handy. That might be a sandwich or fast food, instead of a proper dinner. Preparing a healthy lunch for the next day at the office can also easily be ignored.

The brain is lazy, so we need to help it make correct choices.

Your health coach will help you create a structured plan and routine that works for you. A proper plan is essential for success. By working with a coach, you will have more opportunity to succeed, with all the tools necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Sleep

Many adults are sleeping less and less today. A lack of good sleep has been linked to a rise in physical and mental health problems. Improving sleep forms part of the foundation for the path to good health. Your health coach understands the obstacles to getting proper sleep and tools for getting around them.

Did you know that when you sleep, magic happens inside you? You don’t even have to make an effort. Sleep helps you to focus and concentrate better. It makes you more efficient and happier.

Here are some things that happen while you sleep:

  • New cells are produced
  • Cells are repaired
  • Rebuilding occurs in the body and brain
  • Energy savings occur
  • The immune system works at its peak
  • Stress hormones are reduced
  • Memory storage occurs
  • The brain clears out ‘mental lag’

Recovery

The body and mind need to recover several times during a day to help build resilience to the challenges you face. These breaks can be as short and simple as a 2-3 minute walk.

When exerting yourself during challenging tasks, the brain and body need a break to recharge.

To show how recovery is important, we can compare it to a car. If your car is running out of petrol, you refuel it so you can keep driving. It is the same with your body and mind.

Together with a health coach, you will work out the amount of recovery and activity you require. People are different and need different activities. Yoga might be good for one person, while walking in nature is good for another.

Motivation

Why do you need to know what motivates you? It is because motivation is the inner driver to achieving the well-being you want.

Health coaching helps you understand what motivates you. Your coach will incorporate your personal motivational factors into your health plan. This will increase the chance of reaching your objectives.

Another important part of feeling motivated is that you a goal is set that is clear, measurable, accepted, realistic and time-bound. Goals should be simply stated, often consisting of a single sentence. A sentence that should always include the word ‘I’.

Remember to celebrate all big and small successes and milestones! This will increase your motivation.


Why Lavendla?

4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews

Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.

Choose your own counsellor

Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.

45, 60 or 90 min sessions

Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.

Inner fitness

To feel good, we also need to train our inner fitness. You and your coach will explore your self-image, as it greatly affects one’s self-esteem. Self-compassion is about how you are kind to yourself. It is about what you say about yourself and to yourself. It has a major impact on your health.

By strengthening your self-compassion, you also create a stronger self-confidence. Good self-confidence makes you believe in yourself and dare to challenge yourself and do things that might feel a bit scary. You dare to succeed. Strong self-compassion and self-confidence is excellent protection from stress and depression.

Is it time to take the plunge?

If you feel that you are not living healthily or would like to change something to feel better, it may be time to consider health coaching as an investment in yourself. You might know someone who has made a positive health journey and would like to do something similar for yourself. A journey that can change the trajectory of your life.

Hiring a health coach

Lifestyles get been built up over long periods of time. This means you need a long time to break an old one and create a new style of health.

Before you contact a health coach, it is good to first reflect on what you want to achieve and why you want to do it. How do you want this new lifestyle help you? Imagine how that might feel.

Your programme will start by examining your current situation, before goals and sub-goals are agreed upon. It will be designed to bring out your strengths, things that bring you joy, energy, commitment and motivation. Very often when we feel conflict it is because we are not living inline with our values. Your coach will discuss your values and assess if you are being true to them.

Coaching is about gaining new insights and perspectives, increasing awareness, finding tools that help you, and creating an understanding of how you function as a person.

This is all possible if you begin properly, take small steps, stay disciplined, create new routines, and have patience. Our coaches are here to accompany you on your health journey.

We don’t say it’s easy, but it’s worth it. We help you make the difficult things easier.

How can I reduce stress levels and improve my sleep?

Research shows that physical activity reduces stress. And, if physical activity is done outdoors in daylight, it contributes to better sleep.

Our coaches will work with you to arrange coaching sessions that fit with your schedule. Together, you’ll create a plan for good health.

What can a health coach help me with?

A coach will help you gain new insights and perspectives that lead to an increased awareness. You will also be given tools that are right for you. The result is an understanding of how you function as a person and what creates well-being for you.

Can the health coach help me with simple changes in my daily life?

Definitely. Your health journey begins with how you feel today before exploring how you want it to be and what you want to change. Causes of the problems you are experiencing get identified and changes brought about that will ultimately improve your well-being.

How can my health improve if I practice self-compassion?

When we are not kind to ourselves, we do not take good care of ourselves. Being kind to yourself is about liking yourself. It also means not saying negative things about yourself that you would never say to anyone else.

If we get into the habit of liking ourselves, we will have the courage to help ourselves more. Courage to do things we couldn’t even imagine before. It is a positive attitude towards yourself and towards life that underpins mental and physical well-being.

The benefits of professional help

Taking the first step to talk to a professional coach can make a huge difference in your life. It helps you see your problems and challenges from a new angle and provides practical solutions that you might not have considered on your own.

Many people believe coaching is only for people with problems or who suffer from mental illness, but this is far from the truth. Coaching can be extremely beneficial for people who are simply looking for support, guidance, or improvement in areas of their life.

If you’re ready, we are too

When you feel it’s time to invest in your personal development and health, we have qualified coaches who can help you on your journey. Because coaching is confidential, you can feel confident in developing on your own terms. Our core principle is to make the difficult easier for you.


12 frequently asked questions about health coaches

What is a health coach?

A health coach is a mentor who supports you in your journey towards better health and well-being. They use techniques from psychology, nutrition, exercise science, and positive behaviour change to help you set and achieve your health goals. The health coach works with you to create sustainable lifestyle changes that lead to improved physical and mental health.

How much does a health coach cost?

The cost of a health coach varies depending on the coach’s experience and the length of sessions. Sessions generally cost between €30 – €100. Please find out more about our coaches’ prices on their profile pages.

How do I choose the right health coach?

Choosing the right health coach means finding someone whose expertise, approach and personality match your needs. it is important to ask about their training, certifications, and experience. An introductory session will give you a good sense of whether they are the right match for you.

What can I expect from my sessions with a health coach?

During your sessions with a health coach, you will work together to identify your health goals, explore obstacles, and develop strategies to overcome them. Your coach will provide you with support, knowledge, and tools to make positive changes. Each session is unique and tailored to your individual needs and progress.

Can a health coach replace a doctor?

A health coach cannot replace medical care from a licensed health professional. They complement the care you receive by offering additional support, motivation, and guidance in making healthy choices in everyday life. If you have specific medical conditions that need addressing, always consult a doctor before starting a programme with a health coach.

How does a health coach differ from a personal trainer?

While a personal trainer focuses primarily on creating and implementing exercise programmes to improve physical performance and fitness. A health coach takes a more holistic approach to your well-being. They work on physical activity as well as nutrition, sleep, stress management, and emotional well-being, supporting you in achieving a balanced lifestyle.

What does it mean to work with an online health coach?

Sessions with our health coaches are done by video conference. This provides you flexibility to meet with a coach wherever you are, at times that suit you. The format makes it easier to fit sessions into your schedule and maintain the continuity of your health programme, even when you are traveling.

Is health coaching effective for weight loss?

Yes, health coaching can be very effective for reaching weight loss goals. You will get tailored guidance and support to understand and change the behaviours contributing to your weight issue. Health coaches help you set realistic goals, and develop healthy habits and strategies to deal with challenges. This leads to sustainable weight loss.

How do I measure progress with my health coach?

Progress is measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. It can include everything from tracking changes in weight, body composition, and fitness levels to observing improvements in sleep quality, energy levels, and general well-being. Your health coach will help you set measurable goals and use regular assessments to see your progress over time.

Can health coaching help with chronic diseases?

Health coaching can play an important role in the management of chronic diseases by supporting individuals in making lifestyle changes that can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Coaches can help with diet, physical activity, stress management and other factors that influence the disease. However, it is important to complement health coaching with regular medical care and follow recommendations from health professionals.

How can a health coach help me manage stress?

A health coach can be an invaluable resource when it comes to managing stress. Working together, you can explore the underlying causes of your stress and develop tailored strategies to manage it. This can include techniques for mindfulness and relaxation, time management, and setting healthy boundaries in both personal and professional relationships. By reducing stress levels, you can improve your overall health and well-being, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

What is the difference between a health coach and a nutritionist?

While both health coaches and nutritionists can offer guidance in terms of diet and nutrition, their approaches and areas of expertise differ. A nutritionist, often known as a dietician, is an expert in diet and nutrition who can offer detailed meal plans, analyse nutrient intake, and provide specific advice for medical conditions or diet-related health issues. On the other hand, a health coach takes a more holistic approach, working to integrate nutrition as part of a broader strategy to improve your overall health and lifestyle. They can help you understand and implement the role of nutrition in your well-being, but their advice is often more focused on general health goals than specific medical conditions.

How we help with your personal development

Striving for your full potential is a journey that requires commitment, work and mental focus. We have developed a step-by-step guide that includes elements of mental training and coaching to help you start your journey.

  • Step 1: Self-reflection
    Purpose: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
    Action plan: Use tools like SWOT analysis or journaling to identify your core values and ambitions. Map out what you contain and why you have become who you are.
  • Step 2: Goal setting
    Purpose: Set clear and measurable goals.
    Action plan: Use S.M.A.R.T. criteria or other mapping to define your goals.
  • Step 3: Scheduling
    Purpose: To create a realistic and achievable plan.
    Action plan: Use calendars and planning tools to prioritise time to work on your goals. Get other exercises that can focus more on emotions and body depending on what you need to practice more.
  • Step 4: Mental or Emotional Training
    Purpose: Improve your mental and emotional state and focus.
    Action plan: Use techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, and visualisation.
  • Step 5: Coaching/Therapy
    Objective: Gain external insights and hold yourself accountable.
    Action plan: Engage a professional coach, therapist or mentor to guide you. You will be given exercises to practice between sessions.
  • Step 6: Monitoring and follow-up
    Purpose: To make sure you are on-track.
    Action plan: Regular evaluations and adjustments to your plan.
  • Step 7: Feedback and adjustment
    Purpose: Understand the impact of your efforts and make necessary adjustments.
    Action plan: Ask for feedback from trusted sources and make adjustments to your plan accordingly.
  • Step 8: Reward and Recognition
    Purpose: Celebrate your progress.
    Action plan: Set smaller milestones and reward yourself when you achieve them.

‘Is personal development for me?’

Working on personal development can be challenging but extremely rewarding. Instead of struggling to manage stress or emotions on your own, you can train yourself mentally with professional help. Our platform makes it easy to get in touch with therapists, coaches or psychologists who can support you on your journey and make the difficult easier.


Written by Dominic Wardall

Dominic is a Cape Town-based copywriter and editor with extensive background and studies in psychology. Dominic is a central part of the articles written on Lavendla.