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Advantages of Working with a Life Coach

 The profile of life coaching continues to rise as many with a wide range of life skills and experiences realize that helping others reach their goals is a viable career. Although sometimes the work of life coaches is confused with therapy, the two are fundamentally different. Therapists help individuals overcome obstacles and personal experiences from their past that interfere with their lives, while life coaches help people forge the life they want to live once they have moved past their emotional or psychological hurdles. In short, a person in therapy grows from gaining insight into particular events in their lives, while a person seeing a life coach works to accomplish their goals.

Another significant difference between the two occupations is that life coaches are not required to have formal academic certifications or licensing, are not bound by health privacy laws, and cannot treat mental health conditions. In contrast, therapists must be licensed, have a related degree, and adhere to ethical codes. Therapists also can treat mental health conditions.

Life coaches give fresh, objective perspectives on accomplishing goals. They target the behaviors that adversely impact progress. Life coaches help people achieve a work-life balance, improve communication skills, cultivate stronger relationships with friends and family members, and eliminate fears and anxieties, among other goals.

While anyone can see a life coach, people with certain issues might find life coaching beneficial. This includes people who suffer from irritability and high levels of stress and anxiety, and who find themselves incapable of breaking bad habits. Outside of these mental issues, those who want to improve their social life, experience dissatisfaction at work, or are dealing with blocks in creativity are also candidates for working with a life coach.

Research shows that partnering with a life coach has various advantages. According to a 2016 Frontiers in Psychology article, group and individual coaching reduced procrastination, which positively impacted productivity. A 2013 UK study found that life coaches had the potential to improve self-efficacy and self-empowerment in their clients. And a 2020 study in Frontiers in Psychology found positive impacts for organizations incorporating coaching-based leadership interventions.

Working with a life coach has other advantages, such as giving the person greater self-awareness. In talking with a life coach, the person realizes their own beliefs, strengths, and weaknesses. Working with a life coach also helps a person address beliefs and assumptions that might be holding them back. By focusing on these beliefs and assumptions, the life coach assists the individual with reframing their thoughts, leading to more positive thought patterns. Finally, working with a life coach has positive accountability impacts in that the coach can help the person stick to their goals.

Life coaching can take place face-to-face, over the phone, or virtually via platforms like Skype. Clients shape the direction of sessions, which should leave them feeling empowered and uplifted; however, this requires a life coach with a similar philosophy and style. Most life coaches have backgrounds in wellness, mental health, and psychology and have attained certification through accredited training programs.

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Complexities Involved in Attaining Sustained Weight Loss

 Losing weight is a complex process that involves both the body and the brain. One major issue that arises when embarking on a diet is trying to lose too much too fast. In a society that promotes instant gratification and offers weight gain opportunities in unhealthy foods everywhere, weight loss seems extremely slow and inefficient.

Even though putting on excess pounds is usually a gradual process that can take years, people often become impatient with the recommended weight loss rate of one to two pounds weekly. There are simply too many temptations. Yet, a slow and gradual rate works best. When weight loss occurs too fast, it’s usually due to losing water or lean tissue instead of desired fat. When lean tissue is lost, one’s metabolism slows, placing additional barriers to weight loss.

A proven approach toward a graduated and attainable weight loss arc involves maintaining consistency in one’s diet and workout regimen. Yet, even the most consistent eater will eventually break their streak of healthy meals. One poor nutritional decision leads to another, as the routine has been broken, and binge eating becomes a risk.

It pays to be aware of the chemical dynamics unfolding in the brain as one loses weight. One study reveals that those who lose 10 percent of body weight also have significantly lower levels of leptin than before starting the weight loss regimen.

As the fat cells shrink, the body reduces its leptin production to signal to the brain that more energy in calories is needed. This can result in cravings for higher-fat foods that help replenish leptin. Other factors influence leptin production: higher quality sleep, less stress, and decreased sugar intake are all associated with more balanced hormones and an ideal weight.

Another aspect of this is the brain’s tendency to want to maintain whatever the current or recent stasis was. Losing too much weight too quickly and the hypothalamus, the brain’s thermostat, trigger behavioral and physiologic responses. These are designed to bring the body back to what the hypothalamus sees as one’s correct weight and fat level. These compensatory mechanisms continue for at least a year after attaining the desired weight. Constantly fighting cravings causes many to lose the battle and regain their recently lost weight.

Ultimately, losing weight involves setting goals that are small and achievable. This provides positive reinforcement as each milestone is fulfilled, rather than a sense of never quite doing enough. Examples of this approach include integrating more fruits and vegetables into meals and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Also, making simple substitutions can have a major impact, such as selecting a salad instead of French fries or drinking a non-sugar drink at a coffee shop.

Seek out simple whole foods that come in natural packages, from fiber-rich grains to legumes such as lentils and beans, and read packages carefully. While nuts can be integral to a healthy diet, those cooked in oil or with excess salt or sugar can fall within the unhealthy spectrum of foods.