Self-coaching for wellbeing: Questions to ask yourself

What could the benefits of self-coaching on health and wellbeing be? Well, it depends! It is really difficult to generalise how a self-coaching approach may help you as it depends on the topic, your goals and what you will choose to do - however there may be some general themes that can be useful.

Coaching involves listening and asking questions, and an effective coach builds presence and trust with the client. For a self-coaching approach, a focus on some potentially useful questions for reflection and a way to bring you into the moment, open, curious and aware of your feelings and thoughts can provide useful space for reflection.

Self-coaching can bring clarity

Take a few moments to reflect on these questions. Write them down or record your answers.

When thinking about my health and wellbeing:

• What would I like to happen next?
• What is the most important thing for me to do now?
• What will make the biggest difference?
• What will be different if I make this change?

Self-coaching can bring awareness and possibilities

Here are some questions that might help you identify options and bring new possibilities.

When thinking about improving my health and wellbeing:

• What is the very first step?
• Think of someone you respect. How might they look at this situation?
• What are your strengths that might help?
• What would be useful now?

Self-coaching can support action

Some further questions to consider:

• What will I do differently from today?
• How will I hold myself accountable?
• What have I learnt from reflecting on these questions?
• Where can I find the support I wish to have?

However, having the questions for effective self-coaching might not be the whole story. Finding a state of mind where you feel able to be open and reflective may help you get more from the exercise.

Before answering the questions, you might find it useful to take a moment to settle your attention. Practise taking 10 breaths, with each count being a cycle of breathing in and then out. See what happens when you practise bringing the mind to the breath as you count. If your mind wanders, which it will probably do more than a few times, just keep bringing it back to the breath. Then try 20 breaths, or even five; see what works for you and whether it helps you approach the questions with a little more attention and curiosity.

Self-coaching can be useful for reflection around everyday wellbeing, habits and priorities, but it isn't a substitute for medical or mental-health support where this is needed.

A self-coaching practice can therefore combine reflection, curiosity and mindful attention, helping you consider what matters to you and what you might want to do next.