How Meaning and Purpose Shape Fulfillment (Coaching Tips Inside)

Introduction: This article introduces the concepts of meaning and purpose, and explains the ways in which they contribute to inner peace and fulfillment. It also provides insight on ways to create meaning, and how to coach clients to identify opportunities to discover meaning, purpose, community, and belonging in their own lives.   Purpose and Meaning […]

Why Health Coaches and Clients Need to Know about The Mind Body Connection

What is the mind-body connection? The mind body connection refers to the relationship between the brain and the body – specifically, how mental and physical processes interact with each other. A recent study at The Washington University School of Medicine discovered the physical links in the brain that enable the mind body connection, called the […]

Moving Out 101 – Navigating the Transition to Independent Living (Tips Inside)

Introduction: Moving out is one of the quintessential markers of the transition to adulthood. The teen or young adult has reached a phase in their life where living at home is no longer sustainable. Whether it’s moving out for college, or for your first big job, or living in a new state, independent living is […]

Habits: What They Are, and How to Form (or Change) Them

Introduction: Every single person has habits that they’ve created, consciously or unconsciously. Those habits can be healthy and productive, like going to the gym in the morning, or setting the dishwasher at night. They can also be destructive to our health and wellbeing. This article breaks down the science behind habits; it provides tips on […]

Regulating Emotions 101: Why It’s Important and How to Do It

Introduction: Learning to identify and regulate emotions effectively is a hallmark of self-management. This article explains what emotions are, why emotional regulation is important, and shares effective strategies you can try to process and control your emotional responses. Emotions 101: Emotions are reactions that humans subjectively experience in response to stimuli like an event or […]

Alumni Spotlight Series – Margrita van der Hoek

Alumni Spotlight Series – Margrita van der Hoek Get to know our Youth Coaching Institute alumni community. This column will feature the stories from our network of 500+ youth coaches spread throughout the world. YCI alumnae are diverse, but they share a common commitment:  transforming the lives of adolescents and young adults. Read about their […]

Two Keys to Avoiding Adolescent Morning Meltdowns

Introduction: Mornings can be hard for anyone of any age, but especially for families with adolescents. Now that school is back in session, it’s time for the morning rush out of the door, which can cause a lot of stress for both the teen and caregiver. But with a few changes, mornings can become easeful […]

Two Exercises to Increase Self-Awareness (for Adolescents and Adults)

What is self-awareness? Self-awareness is the conscious knowledge of who we are and why we do what we do. Psychologists Shelley Duval and Robert Wicklund put it this way: “Self-awareness is the ability to focus on yourself and how your actions, thoughts, or emotions do or don’t align with your internal standards. If you’re highly […]