Magazine: Wellbeing and self-care for coaches: A summer of rest and self-renewal

Summer is a season synonymous with relaxation, rejuvenation, and renewal. For coaches, who spend the majority of the year fostering growth in others, the summer months serve as a natural pause, allowing us to slow down, recharge and focus more on our wellbeing.

As activities slow down, we can explore and experiment with a wide range of activities and self-care practices, which we can then be incorporated into our self-care plan for the coming months. Coaching requires significant emotional, mental, and physical energy. The pressures are many, including managing time; demands from clients, sponsors and other colleagues; developing and sustaining our coaching practice; impact of working online and digital and/or cognitive overload.

Many of us have a professional development plan that may include continues professional development, such as training, events, books and podcasts we want to engage with, supervision, and reflective practice. Usually the focus is on improving our coaching competencies and skills; some of us may also include interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. However, some key factors of our development may be overlooked: our wellbeing and our ability to create and sustain self-care routines that keep us well enough to practice to the best of our ability. Wellbeing is crucial for the development of intrapersonal skills, such as critical thinking, reflexivity, confidence, motivation, being patient, being able to understand and manage our emotions, to name just a few.

Over time, without adequate rest and self-care, this can lead to burnout, stress, and a loss of enthusiasm for the work we do. Intentional rest and self-renewal can be instrumental in sustaining effectiveness and passion in our coaching practice. If you feel well and energised, it is likely that you’ll be more empathetic, patient, and emotionally available for clients.

Ideas for a summer of self-care experimentation and relaxation

Schedule downtime

Take advantage of these slow months to plan more downtime. Block out periods in your calendar for rest and relaxation. Even if the world doesn’t slow down, perhaps you can use your time differently and prioritise self-care and wellbeing.

Disconnect

The constant connectivity that comes with modern life can be draining. Limit your use of digital devices and social media. Stepping away from emails, social media, and other online activities can help your mind switch off, relax and reconnect with yourself and the physical world around you.

Prioritise meaningful connections

Use the summer to deepen connections with family and friends. Spending quality time with loved ones can provide emotional support, joy, and a sense of belonging, all of which are vital for your mental health. Whether it's a family holiday, a weekend getaway, or simple gatherings, these moments are invaluable.

Get creative

Creative pursuits are also a powerful way to relax, express yourself, and rejuvenate your mind and spirit. Engage in activities you might not have time for during the busier months, such as painting, writing, gardening, or playing a musical instrument. These creative outlets can provide a significant mental and emotional lift.

Move more

Whether it’s hiking, swimming, yoga, or simply taking long walks, physical movement helps to clear the mind, reduce stress, and boost overall wellbeing. Choose activities that you enjoy and that allow you to connect with nature, enhancing the restorative effects.

Engage in self-reflection

Use your reflective practices such as journaling, meditation, or mindful walking to process your experiences, gain insights, and foster a sense of inner peace. Regular self-reflection can also lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of your coaching practice.

Rest and relax 

Make time for physical rest and activities that relax your body and mind. Rest helps in rebalancing your emotions, preventing burnout, and keeping your emotional health.

Use your summer experience and learning to create a sustainable self-care routine to support you throughout the year. Consider engaging with a fellow coach, peer support groups and supervision to help you maintain your focus on self-care. As a coach, your wellbeing is the foundation of your ability to serve and support others effectively. So, take this summer as an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in the joys of rest and self-renewal. Your future self - and your clients - will thank you for it.

Dr Ana Paula Nacif

Dr Ana Paula Nacif is an experienced executive and group coach, consultant and facilitator, who works with a range of clients in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Ana has extensive experience in coaching for leadership, wellbeing, inclusion and career transition. Ana is an ICF Professional Certified Coach. She provides an ICF-accredited training in group coaching as well as coaching supervision for those working with groups. Her latest book, Coaching for wellbeing: a guide for practitioners, published by McGraw-Hill Education in 2023, brings together theory, research and practice, providing coaches and other professionals with knowledge and tools to support the wellbeing of their clients in a range of settings. 

Website: https://quantumleap.uk.com/