Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s the Foundation of Coaching

Hi, I’m Meghann Bentley holistic wellness coach, pharmacy technician, and firm believer that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on this journey, both as a coach and as a human being, is that self-care isn’t optional. It's essential. In fact, it’s the bedrock of everything I offer in my work with clients. When I show up rested, nourished, and grounded, I can hold space for others to thrive. But when I neglect my own well-being? It becomes much harder to help others do the same.

That’s why I chose to focus on self-care for my final coaching module. It’s more than bubble baths and yoga—although those have their place. Real self-care includes setting boundaries, recognizing burnout early, and integrating support from professional networks and evidence-based practices.

 The Science Behind the Practice

Burnout among wellness professionals is real. Research shows that without consistent self-care, health coaches and caregivers experience higher levels of emotional exhaustion and diminished personal accomplishment (Lynch & Schwartz, 2021). That’s not just bad for the coach—it impacts the client’s experience and outcomes, too.

Self-care isn't just a luxury; it's a professional responsibility.

Through models like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and professional organizations like NBHWC, we’re reminded that supporting others begins with sustainable habits for ourselves. These organizations don’t just credential us, they offer guidance, training, and community to keep us healthy, ethical, and effective.

 My Holistic Self-Care Philosophy

Self-care, to me, is holistic—it’s about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. My practice includes:

•  Regular walks outdoors to reconnect with nature

•  Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life

•  Mindfulness practices that anchor me in the present

•  Leaning into my network for mentorship and supervision

• Continuing education through NBHWC and other professional resources

These are the same tools I encourage my clients to develop in their own way. Because coaching isn’t about me being the expert about creating a partnership where both people grow and evolve.

 A Note to Fellow Coaches (and Clients, Too)

If you’re reading this as a fellow coach—don’t forget to give yourself permission to rest, to say no, and to reach out when you need help.

And if you’re a client, know that your coach is walking their own path of growth, too. A coach who models self-care brings empathy, presence, and resilience to every session.

That’s the kind of coach I strive to be.

With gratitude and care,

Meghann Bentley

References:

Lynch, L., & Schwartz, K. (2021). Burnout in health and wellness coaching: A call for self-care strategies. Journal of Wellness Coaching, 13(1), 21–32.

Myers, J. E., & Sweeney, T. J. (2005). The Wheel of Wellness Counseling for Wellness: A holistic model for treatment planning. Journal of Counseling & Development, 83(2), 251–260.

National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). (2024). Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics. https://nbhwc.org

QPR Institute. (n.d.). QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention. https://qprinstitute.com