Breaking Stereotypes: Why Men Need Coaching for Health and Wellness Just as Much as Women
When people think of coaching, it’s often assumed that men choose it for career or work related issues, while women seek it for life and wellness. However, the reality is that both
men and women pursue coaching for similar reasons. One key difference is that men tend
to have shorter lifespans than women, partly because many neglect their health in favor of
providing for their families. Men often delay focusing on their well-being until health issues
arise, not realizing that prevention is the best medicine and that living a healthy lifestyle
should be a top priority.
Understanding Men’s Unique Approach to Health: Breaking Down Barriers in Wellness Coaching
Is there anything unique about coaching men in health and wellness? Not specifically, but
it’s important to recognize that men are distinct from women in how they approach their
health. While many men focus on career and professional goals, they often come to realize,
sometimes too late, that health is fundamental to achieving these objectives. Health isn’t
solely about the absence of illness; it encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and
psychosocial well-being. Unfortunately, societal norms often discourage men from
expressing their emotions or seeking help. From a young age, boys are taught to “be tough,”
suppress their feelings, and internalize pain. This conditioning can hinder their ability to
cope with stress and prioritize self-care, as showing vulnerability is wrongly perceived as a
sign of weakness.
Revolutionizing Men’s Health: The Comprehensive Benefits of Life and Wellness Coaching
Life and wellness coaching aims to reshape this mindset, highlighting the importance of
prioritizing health. It encompasses all facets of life, from emotional resilience to physical
fitness. For men, this means recognizing that wellness affects their overall happiness and
success. Happy men generally report feeling good even when faced with illness, while
those who are stressed and dissatisfied often feel unwell despite being physically healthy.
A wellness plan begins with acknowledging its importance and is sustained by the belief
that health is crucial to a fulfilling life, career success, and personal achievement.
Why Starting Wellness Goals Early is Key to Long-Term Health Success for Men
Typically, men seek medical and professional help in their forties or fifties, rarely in their
twenties or thirties. However, setting successful life and wellness goals should start early.
Just as financial advisors recommend saving for retirement early, the same principle
applies to health—it’s never too early to start planning for wellness. Realistic goal-setting is
essential, aligning with an individual’s capabilities and aspirations. As wellness coaches,
our role is to help men see that these goals are attainable and to guide them in creating a
path toward achieving them.
The Urgent Need to Prioritize Wellness Today
It’s interesting to note that while much medical research focuses on men’s health, many
men still delay seeking help until it is too late. Life and wellness are fundamental concepts
that are often overlooked until they are compromised by illness. To all men: prioritize your
health and wellness. Make them your primary, achievable goals today not tomorrow.
Author: Dr. Zeina Ghossoub
لمزيد من المقالات المشابهة لهذا توجه إلى: LIFE COACHING – Executive-Women