Positive Psychology 101: What Health Coaches Should Know

As health coaches, we strive to support our clients in their physical and mental wellness journey. But what if we could help them cultivate their best selves? Enhance their experience of life? This is where positive psychology comes in.

Positive psychology is an approach to mental health that focuses on building resilience, finding happiness, and cultivating positivity. Individuals who practice positive psychology are more likely to report higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being. This evidence-based approach can have numerous benefits for both mental and physical health.

The benefits of positive psychology are numerous and significant, which makes it a key tool in a health coach’s toolbox. Health coaches can use these principles to aid their clients as well as improve their own physical and mental well-being. Here are the basics of positive psychology.

What is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of identifying and cultivating individual strengths. By focusing on what individuals do well, they can build resilience and achieve positive outcomes. A key aspect of health coaching is supporting clients. Positive psychology fits well into this model as coaches regularly celebrate successes and highlight client strengths throughout their journey.

Additionally, positive emotions play a significant role in promoting well-being. Through positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and contentment, individuals build healthier and more fulfilling lives. This method helps to build resilience and optimism, which are important parts of coping with challenges and setbacks.

“Positive psychology helps to foster happiness and emotional wellness. It does this by helping people capitalize on their strengths, heighten their gratitude and awareness, connect to others, and develop the wisdom needed to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.” Harvard Health Publishing

The PERMA Model

Known as the “father of positive psychology,” Martin Seligman created the PERMA model (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment)  to outline the five essential components of living a balanced, fulfilled, and happy life. These components are a great way to add it to a health coaching practice.

• Positive Emotions
  • This is not “toxic positivity” or forcing positivity when it isn’t there. This component of positive psychology is about taking time to notice and fully enjoy positive emotions when they come. Live in the moment and try not to let frustrations of the past or worries about the future rule emotions.
• Engagement
  • Engagement is about being present with those around you and the task at hand. This feeling of engagement is enhanced when someone is doing something they love or are passionate about. It helps to create a state of flow, or focus, allowing them to stay in the moment.
• Relationships
  • People need relationships to thrive. Whether it is with family, friends, or even animals, humans don’t thrive in solidarity. Strong relationships that offer empathy, trust, vulnerability, and love will not only increase happiness but are vital to life.
• Meaning
  • By focusing on individual strengths and passions, people can find meaning and purpose in their lives. Those who have a sense of meaning in their lives are happier overall. This can be anything from helping others, creating art, or supporting an important cause.
• Accomplishment
  • Accomplishing a goal is a wonderful feeling. Being able to look back at the starting line and see how far a person has come is extremely satisfying. Setting small, achievable goals keeps people motivated and excited about the journey. When people succeed they thrive.

Benefits of Positive Psychology

Overall, the benefits of positive psychology can be found in all aspects of life. By practicing positive psychology principles, individuals can enhance their ability to appreciate and enjoy positive experiences, leading to greater overall life satisfaction. This practice helps individuals focus on the positive aspects of their lives and find real pleasure in doing the things they love.

Here are a few examples of how positive psychology can improve overall well-being:

• Improve relationships with family and friends.
• Increase overall positive emotions.
• Decrease risks of depression.
• Boost work performance and productivity.
• Raise overall life satisfaction.
• Promote mindfulness.
• Develop a clearer picture of future goals.

How Health Coaches Can Use Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is a valuable tool in being a successful health coach. Health coaching is about helping clients reach their health and wellness goals and make sustainable lifestyle behaviors, all of which can be aided by these techniques. Here are just a few ways health coaches can add this into their practice.

• Gratitude: Work with clients on practicing gratitude. Encourage gratitude exercises or regular journaling. Coach clients through what it means to acknowledge gratitude.
• Mindfulness: Adding mindfulness practices into a daily routine may seem a bit daunting to clients. Coaches can help clients find mindfulness techniques that can fit into a client’s lifestyle.
• Self-compassion: Clients may be too hard on themselves, especially if they aren’t meeting their goals as they thought. Encourage clients to practice self-compassion and forgiveness.
• Relationships: Building positive relationships is key to thriving. Health coaches support and encourage their clients, creating a safe and positive environment.

Positive psychology is a great way to help clients achieve their goals. Health coaches can leverage these principles to improve the overall well-being of their clients, mentally and physically. By focusing on strengths, nurturing positive emotions, practicing resilience and optimism, and finding meaning and purpose in life, coaches can help clients unlock their full potential and live fulfilling lives.

Learn more about the FMCA Health Coach Certification Program where our students learn how to implement positive psychology into their practice.