My recent read, “The Microstress Effect: How Little Things Pile Up and Create Big Problems and What to Do About It” by Rob Cross & Karen Dillon, struck a chord with me, especially considering our roles as coaches. It prompted me to reflect on the subtle ways microstress seeps into our clients’ lives—and our own. I would love to share some insights and revelations from reading the book and some of my experiences, hoping they resonate with you or spark further curiosity in you, too.
The concept of micro-stress is familiar to us; we see its manifestations in our daily coaching sessions. Clients come to us, often weighed down by what they perceive as ‘just a bad day’ or ‘a little offbeat moment.’ One client described a day that spiralled from the get-go, thanks to a flood of urgent emails, a missed train, and a coffee spill over crucial meeting notes. Another shared a brief interaction that wouldn’t typically merit a second thought—a dismissive remark from a colleague that unexpectedly lingered in their mind, colouring their perception of the day.
These stories are powerful reminders of the stealthy, cumulative impact of microstress. It’s the little things, those we often brush aside, that can collectively impose a significant toll on our well-being. As coaches, we’re in a prime position to help illuminate these subtle stressors for our clients, guiding them toward recognising and mitigating their impacts.
Reading about microstress has made me ponder the tiny pebbles we all carry in our shoes—the ones we ignore until they start to hurt. I have found this metaphor particularly effective in conversations with clients. It’s not just about identifying these pebbles; it’s about figuring out how to shake them out effectively and prevent them from sneaking back in.
One of the book’s most actionable insights is that removing even a few negative interactions from our daily lives can have a transformative effect. We can explore this topic during our coaching sessions. Spotting these negative patterns and thinking of ways to lessen or stop them can significantly lower our clients’ stress and boost their happiness.
Creating a “multi-dimensional” life to combat daily stress clicked with me. It is crucial to consider different aspects of our lives to maintain balance and reduce stress levels. Encouraging clients to enjoy various activities can help them handle stress better and make their lives more joyful and satisfying. This idea is at the core of resilience: it’s not just about recovering from stress but about having a wide range of experiences in life.
Reflecting on micro stress has highlighted that managing these daily stressors isn’t just about stress reduction; it’s about improving overall life. As coaches, we have the tools to help our clients navigate these challenges, from identifying and understanding daily stressors to adopting strategies for mindful living.
This exploration of microstress has deepened my understanding of the subtle yet significant impact of daily life’s nuances on well-being. As coaches, embracing this perspective can enrich our practice. It offers new avenues for growth, resilience, and understanding for both us and our clients.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nilima is a Certified Leadership and Executive Coach specialising in Positive Psychology and Emotional Intelligence. Her unique blend of corporate experience and subject-matter expertise in psychology, leadership development, and organisational change enables her to provide tailored coaching strategies. These strategies focus on key areas like leadership development and organisational change interventions. With over two decades of experience leading high-impact ventures and teams, her coaching techniques offer balanced solutions to improve team and individual performance. Nilima’s approach is rooted in Positive Strength Psychology, equipping people to utilise their inherent strengths, thus boosting their professional effectiveness and personal satisfaction.