If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or out of sync in your life, you’ve probably considered getting support. But with so many types of coaches available, knowing which one to choose can feel just as confusing as the problem you’re trying to solve.
Two of the most popular forms of support are life coaching and wellness coaching. While they may sound similar and do share some common ground, they focus on different aspects of your growth and well-being.
So, how do you know which one you need? Or if you might benefit from both?
What Is Life Coaching?
Life coaching focuses on helping you gain clarity, set meaningful goals, and take intentional action to create the life you want. It’s about personal growth, purpose, and mindset.
A life coach helps you:
- Identify what’s holding you back (e.g., limiting beliefs, fear, indecision)
- Set clear, values-aligned goals
- Navigate transitions (career changes, relationships, identity shifts)
- Build confidence and resilience
- Improve decision-making and life balance
Key focus areas:
Career clarity, personal development, mindset work, relationships, and goal achievement.
A life coach won’t tell you what to do but they will challenge your assumptions, help you see new possibilities, and hold you accountable to your own vision.
What Is Wellness Coaching?
Wellness coaching, on the other hand, centers around your holistic well-being—body, mind, and lifestyle. It’s especially useful if you’re looking to improve your health, energy, and daily habits.
A wellness coach helps you:
- Improve nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management
- Create sustainable routines that support your health
- Build habits that improve your emotional and physical energy
- Navigate burnout or chronic stress
- Develop a better relationship with your body and self-care
Key focus areas:
Energy levels, health habits, stress reduction, emotional regulation, and lifestyle balance.
Wellness coaching isn’t about strict rules or quick fixes; it’s about empowering you to make small, sustainable changes that support long-term vitality.
Life Coaching vs. Wellness Coaching: What’s the Difference?
| Category | Life Coaching | Wellness Coaching |
| Primary Focus | Personal growth, mindset, goals | Health, energy, daily habits |
| Key Goals | Fulfillment, purpose, confidence | Balance, well-being, stress relief |
| Tools Used | Vision planning, mindset shifts, goal setting | Habit tracking, lifestyle design, emotional regulation |
| Common Clients | People navigating change or seeking clarity | People feeling burnt out, fatigued, or out of alignment |
| Core Question | “What kind of life do I want to create?” | “How can I feel better and take better care of myself?” |
Where They Overlap
Despite their different focuses, life coaching and wellness coaching often overlap in practice, because your mental, emotional, and physical health are deeply connected.
For example:
- A life coach may help you uncover how poor boundaries are keeping you stuck in burnout.
- A wellness coach may help you realize that low energy is rooted in perfectionism and people-pleasing.
Both types of coaches:
- Help you build awareness
- Empower you to make aligned choices
- Support long-term, sustainable transformation
- Offer accountability and structured guidance
Many coaches are trained in both areas and integrate tools from both disciplines based on your needs.
Do You Need One—or Both?
Here’s how to decide what kind of coaching support is right for you:
You may benefit most from life coaching if:
- You feel lost or directionless and need clarity.
- You’re facing a big life transition or decision.
- You’re seeking personal growth, confidence, or mindset shifts.
- You have goals you want to pursue but feel stuck or afraid.
You may benefit most from wellness coaching if:
- You’re struggling with energy, stress, or health routines.
- You want to improve your habits without burnout.
- You’re feeling disconnected from your body or well-being.
- You need help creating a balanced lifestyle that supports you.
You might benefit from both if:
- You’re feeling stuck and run-down.
- You know your mindset affects your energy and vice versa.
- You want to create a life that feels good and works well.
- You’re ready to align both your inner growth and daily habits.
The Bottom Line: It’s Not Either-Or—It’s What You Need Right Now
Both life coaching and wellness coaching can be incredibly transformative. The most important thing is to start where you need the most support right now. You can always grow from there.
If you’re unsure, many coaches offer discovery calls to help you explore what kind of guidance will serve you best. And if you’re drawn to both paths, look for a coach who integrates life and wellness coaching into a holistic approach.
Remember, you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. You just need the willingness to grow and the right support to help you along the way.
Curious which kind of coaching is the best fit for your next step?
Reach out for a clarity session and explore how Loa Mayi’s life coaching, wellness coaching, or a combination of both can support your goals and well-being.
