Health and wellness coaches play a pivotal role in guiding individuals to make sustainable and long-term changes to their health and quality of life. In order to make these changes, clients go through a process of self-discovery by assessing their health and wellness holistically. Not only do they reflect on their eating and exercise habits, but they learn that all areas of their lives, from their career to spirituality, are equally and often more important to address. Health coaches use a variety of assessment tools that help provide insight to their clients in these areas. While there are many assessments and/or wellness tools that health coaches use, the three I most often use are reflected below.

Health and Wellness
Self-Reflection Tools

The Wellness Wheel:

The Wellness Wheel was created by Dr. Bill Hettler, co-founder of the National Wellness Institute (NWI), in 1976. It was created based on the principle that individuals could live higher quality, healthier lives if they are mindful to balance various areas of their lives: the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and occupational parts of one’s life.

The Circle of Life:

The Circle of Life was created by Joshua Rosenthal, founder of the Integrative Institute of Nutrition (IIN). He created his own version of a wellness wheel that assesses 12 areas. Rosenthal explains that in our lives we have primary foods and secondary foods. Food is considered secondary according to Rosenthal, as our primary foods—including spirituality, creativity, finances, career, education, health, physical activity, home cooking, home environment, relationships, social life and joy—are what truly “feed” us. Rosenthal explains that this does not mean that food is not important, but “When primary food is balanced and satiating, your life feeds you, making what you eat secondary.” Primary foods are assessed on The Circle of Life and then an individual can create targeted goals.

My Purpose, My Whole Health:

My Purpose, My Whole Health was created by The Whole Health Institute, founded in 2019 by philanthropist Alice Walton. According to their website, their founding was “… driven by research revealing that the United States has the highest level of health care spending worldwide and relatively low rankings in overall health.” As a result of Walton’s devotion to building a holistic approach to health care, she has created a partnership with the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic and the Washington Regional Medical System. My Purpose, My Whole Health’s reflection tool includes a check-in on one’s physical well-being, mental/emotional well-being, spiritual well-being, and day-to-day life. Areas of self-care are assessed including the following: moving my body, surroundings, skills and abilities, food and drink, rest and recharge, my relationships, spirituality, the power of the mind and an optional section where an individual can create their own category of self-care to assess.

Assessing Your Own Wellness

Here is a chart that you can use to write in your own ratings of satisfaction on a scale of 0-10. A zero would mean that you are not satisfied at all and a 10 would mean you are completely satisfied. Then you can begin contemplating one to three areas you are ready to improve.

Rosh Hashanah is an optimal time of year to start taking an inventory of where you are presently and where you want to be. If you decide to start improving an area of your health, remember that small changes make a big difference! Be sure to congratulate yourself every step of the way. Wishing you much health and happiness wherever you may be on your own health journey.

Jill Friedbauer has been working in the field of health and wellness for 20 years. She is a national board certified health and wellness coach, licensed physical therapist, author of the book “Heal Your Soul, Heal Your Gut” and has a podcast, “Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Soul” on Spotify. Jill is available for one-on-one health coaching, family health coaching and speaking engagements. She is now working with Dr. Leat Kuzniar at Your Natural Path to Health Clinic. To book a free consultation, contact our office manager at 201-757-5558.