How coaching can help you manage stress

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress seems to be one of the commonest words in the English language. And it’s heard more and more often – in the workplace, in the home, on the roads … But what is it?

It’s more than just pressure. Pressure can be a good thing – something to motivate and challenge us. Stress could be seen as negative pressure – pressure that drags you down and makes you achieve less.

So is stress simply a description of excessive pressure, for example at work or in the family? No! Stress occurs when two things happen – you believe the situation you face is too demanding, and you don’t believe that you have the skills to cope with it.

HOW COACHING CAN HELP YOU MANAGE STRESS

Your physical and mental health will improve, leading to a stronger immune system, greater ability to relax and improved productivity and relationships. Most important of all – you will be given the tools to become your own coach, so that you can take control of your life in a stress-free way.

Together with your coach you can work out a stress management plan. This will be forward looking and goal-oriented, taking into account all aspects of your life – your thinking skills, exercise, diet, social life and work-life balance. There may be an emphasis on anger management, or assertiveness, or relaxation techniques, depending on your personal triggers and stress responses.