Stress is something that happens when certain pressures exceed our perceived ability to cope with them.

The effect that stress has on our health, well being, functioning and relationships is immense. It is now overtaken the common cold as the major reason for people being abscent from their job.

Research carried out to the effects of stress on individuals has discovered that it may be responsible for a range of conditions including: 

• Heart attacks/strokes
• Cancer
• Anxiety and depression
• Obesity
• Nervous breakdowns
• Ulcers and diabetes
• Irritable bowel syndrome  

The coaching programme I offer focuses on the following key topics that have an effect on stress: Psychological, Behavioural and Physical health.

Psycholgical:

Here are some examples of thinking errors that contribute to stress:

• Focusing on the negative, discounting the positive
• Mind reading, thinking people arwe thinking negatively of us
• Labelling ourselves as failures
• Fortune telling, predicting the worst case senario
• Cause and effect, not taking responsibility and blaming others for events that have occured  

Behavioural:

• Assertiveness coaching, having the right to say no and respect yourself
• Time management, managing your time effectively
• Procrastination, wasting time and so putting off what needs to be done
• Social support, acts as a good machanism against stress  

Physical:

Regular exercise and good nutritional habits are very effective in dealing with the physiological effects of stress 

• Fitness coaching, a bespoke exercise programme designed specifically for your needs
• Nutritional coaching, for a healthy balanced diet and how to achieve this in today's busy lifestyle
• Weight management coaching, to achieve a healthy weight  

Relaxation techniques:

These techniques which include meditation, visual imagery  and progressive muscle relaxation have been proven to have a wide range of benefits for stress management which include: 

• A reduction in our heart rate
• A reduction in our breathing rate
• A relaxation of muscle tension
• A reduction in blood pressure
• Boosts our immune system
• Helps us to feel calmer and more in control
• A release of tension all over the body
• Helps our thinking to be clearer  

By taking action and deciding to do something about stress and the very damaging effect it can have on our lives can support us to live more happier, calmer and enjoyable lives encluding those that are closest to us.