Can coaching really reduce stress?

A research study by Norwegian company, CoachConnect, in association with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, found that coaching reduced stress by an average of 18% over a three-month period, with some of the participants experiencing a reduction of up to 47%.

William Arruda, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur agrees, saying that ‘many tools and techniques of professional coaching are scientifically proven to reduce stress.’ As well as tackling it directly, it can also reduce stress indirectly by helping you improve your performance and reach your personal goals.

The process of coaching is unbiased and takes place in an environment of space, reflection and clarity. It helps you understand why you feel the way you do, and to process those feelings safely and without judgement. You’re then able to change those habits and behaviours that might contribute towards you becoming stressed. 

With personal coaching, there’s a focus on developing emotional resilience and improving the skills that naturally reduce stress. Learning how to prioritise and manage your time more efficiently, for example, can help you feel more in control, as can setting and achieving short-term goals. 

An effective coping strategy could be the difference between an event being perceived as insurmountable or something we’re able to face head on. Because often, it’s not the change itself that’s stressful, but our reaction to it.