How do you take care of yourself while coaching?

1 Set boundaries

One of the most important aspects of self-care is setting healthy boundaries with your clients, your schedule, and your expectations. You need to respect your own time, energy, and limits, and communicate them clearly to others. Don't overcommit, overwork, or overextend yourself. Learn to say no when you need to, and delegate or outsource tasks that are not essential. You also need to protect your personal and professional space, and avoid blurring the lines between them. For example, you can create a separate phone number, email address, and workspace for your coaching business, and avoid checking them outside your working hours.

2 Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings, without judging or reacting to them. It can help you reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation. You can practice mindfulness in various ways, such as meditation, breathing exercises, journaling, or simply paying attention to what you are doing in the moment. You can also incorporate mindfulness into your coaching sessions, by listening actively, asking open-ended questions, and acknowledging your client's emotions.

3 Seek support

As a life coach, you may feel isolated, overwhelmed, or underappreciated at times. You may also face ethical dilemmas, difficult clients, or personal issues that affect your coaching performance. That's why you need to seek support from others who understand your challenges and can offer you guidance, feedback, or encouragement. You can join a coaching network, a peer group, or a mentorship program, where you can share your experiences, learn from others, and find new opportunities. You can also seek professional help, such as therapy, coaching, or supervision, if you need more specialized or confidential assistance.

5 Have fun

Finally, don't forget to have fun and enjoy your life outside coaching. You need to balance your work with your hobbies, passions, and relationships. You need to do things that make you happy, relaxed, and fulfilled. You need to celebrate your achievements, appreciate your strengths, and reward yourself for your efforts. You also need to laugh, play, and be creative, and not take yourself too seriously. By having fun, you can recharge your batteries, boost your mood, and bring more joy and enthusiasm to your coaching.