How I Fell Back in Love with Coaching (And Finally Broke My Stress Cycle)

I have had a difficult few weeks recently. It wasn’t due to anything major or catastrophic, but rather a combination of small, compounding stresses that slowly piled up.

Perhaps this scenario sounds familiar to you: you have a minor incident to deal with, so you don't sleep properly. The next day, you drink more coffee to compensate, which means you don't sleep well again. Because you are exhausted, you reach for a sweet treat and completely forget to drink water.

Then, because you are tired and lacking focus, you get behind on basic chores like the laundry. To catch up, you grab a "healthy" energy drink to give you a boost. But since your adrenals are already taxed from the relentless pace of 21st century living, the caffeine just makes you feel more anxious and stressed out.

Finally, you share with a friend that you are struggling. They mean well, but they suggest you "make a plan to get more organized." Instantly, you feel judged, which stresses you out even further, and the cycle continues.

That was exactly my week.

The Power of Unconditional Positive Regard

While I was stuck in this rut, I was reviewing the new NBHWC (National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching) core competencies module in our Lifestyle Medicine Works AI platform.

The topic I was reviewing was Demonstrating Unconditional Positive Regard, a foundational concept in coaching. The practice question in the module read:

A client expresses frustration about repeatedly 'failing' to stick to a morning routine. Which of the following responses demonstrates unconditional positive regard?

The correct answer was:

"It's completely understandable to feel frustrated. I appreciate you sharing this with me, and your commitment to trying again shows real perseverance."

Breaking the Fight or Flight Loop

In that exact moment, just by witnessing an example of unconditional positive regard, something shifted.

Reading those words allowed me to finally forgive myself for not being "enough" this week. Giving myself that grace immediately pulled my nervous system out of its fight or flight response. Because I was no longer operating from a place of stress and survival, I was able to make better choices. I drank some water, hydrated my body, and almost instantly started feeling much better.

It is incredibly easy to underestimate the profound impact of being truly listened to and validated, even when that validation comes from ourselves.

Ready to Learn the Art of Health Coaching?

When we stop judging and start holding space for empathy, real transformation happens. That is why I believe Health Coaching has such a vital role to play in modern healthcare and personal wellness.

If you are passionate about helping people break their own stress cycles and want to master powerful tools like unconditional positive regard, enrollment for our next cohort is open.

Click here to join the next group for the Root Cause Health Coaching Certification

By Emma Patricio

CEO, Lifestyle Prescriptions University