Anyone used a life coach?

[Tomorrowsanotherday1]

Hi hoping you can offer words of advice please. I feel like 2020 has wiped me out mentally and my energy top for many reasons - small children at home during lockdown and working from home in a demanding job has mentally scarred me and DH I think. Living in a high Covid rate area knowing many people who have lost loved ones and the general worry Coronavirus brings having elderly relatives. It's been lockdown after lockdown here so mixing with others has been limited which has impacted my mental health I think.

I know we've been very lucky to keep our jobs during this time and I'm devastated for those I know who haven't.

It's made me realise a few things - I really don't like my current job and my motivation levels are low for many things. My kids keep me going but I think without them I'd sit on the sofa a-lot. I go to the gym now and again but nothing to the extent of previous habits.

I can't focus like I used to, have started to lose my self confidence. I want to be fitter, more motivated and positive as truly that's how I usually am but I can feel myself sinking into a bit of depression and want to snap out of it.

I feel like I need someone to pep talk me and help me get the old me back.

Anyone else feel this way after such a hideous year? Any ideas where to start?

I feel like sorting my job, exercise habits, moods, snacking and motivation just all feels too much.

Would a life coach help? Any ideas how to turn this around?

Thanks so much for MN words of wisdom!

I used a life coach for a couple of sessions and, unfortunately, my own personal experience was pretty rubbish. It was not only a waste of time, she said some slightly odd judgemental things. Anyway, I'm sure there are decent ones out there, but definitely do research!

In terms of how you're feeling, I don't think you're alone with feeling ground down by this year. I ended up having a bit of a breakdown/burnout myself and ended up having to speak to GP.

Perhaps you can work on 1 habit (e.g. the fitness one) and use that to build momentum? I use a quarterly planner to help me with my goals.

I honestly don't think a life coach could help you any more than reading up about things online, watching videos on YouTube or reading self help books.

I wish you good luck with your changes! You can do it!

I've done life coaching and found it surprisingly helpful. I'm a naturally reflective person so wasn't sure if I'd get much more value but I really did. Don't go for just anyone who calls themselves a life coach though (it's not a protected title), i would go for someone who has actually done a diploma in coaching. Making judgements about people (like the previous poster's unfortunate experience) is exactly what coaching is NOT about.