Health Coaching for managers - Stress is a relatively negative word today. While we didn't have a word for it in the past, we have been dealing with it more intensively today and since the beginning of industrialization and increasing mobility up to the digital age of today. Today, when our times are characterized by pandemics, political uncertainties, supply bottlenecks, climate change and inflation. All of these issues have an impact on our well-being - and not to our advantage - as they mean that important basic needs such as the need for security and predictability are not being adequately met. The aim of this article is to clarify what triggers stress in your body and how coaching can help you deal with stress more effectively in your role and position.
Requirements of a manager
- Responsibility towards the company and its employees
- Balanced personality
- Appreciative communication
- High decision-making authority under pressure
- Dealing with resistance
- Role model and motivational function
- Dealing professionally with and under time pressure
- Fulfilling various expectations
- Setting the right priorities
- Attention and focus
In order to cope with all these demands and stresses and to survive in the long term, our body has developed a clever „self-coaching“ method that you have probably heard of: Flight or Fight VS Rest and Digest. In a health coaching session for Managers we analyze your individual stressors and find individual solutions together.
Fight or Flight VS Rest and Digest - Health coaching for managers
The parasympathetic nervous system or vagus nerve can be strong or weak. If it is strong, the body can recover well after stress and the heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and digestion are ideal.
There are studies that describe a positive correlation between a strong parasympathetic nervous system and positive emotions and health. You can also benefit from this in the context of health coaching for managers. A high parasympathetic nervous system is associated with increased serotonin and dopamine levels, as well as better interpersonal relationships. Managers can particularly benefit from this knowledge.
A weak vagus, on the other hand, is associated with inflammation, increased susceptibility to illness, negative emotions and even depression, heart attacks or strokes
(Steiner-Ehrenberger, 2019)a.
To do this, it is important for HRV coaching to understand how we can measure the strength of our parasympathetic nervous system. I would like to briefly discuss important medical terms that are often confused. Health coaching for managers is now a MUST in view of the immense stress levels.
Heart rate variability (HRV) as a subjective health characteristic in coaching
Pulseheartbeats, the effect of which is measured in the periphery as at the wrist
Heart rate (HR)Actual beats of the heart per minute
Heart rate variability (HRV): HRV is the difference in time between successive heartbeats.
Current consequences for the increased activation of the sympathetic nervous system due to a constantly high stress level in Germany have been worked out in a study by the Techniker Krankenkasse. Health coaching for managers is not just a trend.
According to the survey, „one in four [...] is frequently stressed. The main stressors are work, self-demands and fear for relatives.“
The conclusion of the study is:
„Stress affects the body and mind.“
Long periods of stress, in particular, drain your own resources. „In addition to physical complaints such as back pain, headaches and stomach problems, constant stress can also affect the psyche,“ says TK CEO Dr. Jens Baas. „The spectrum ranges from exhaustion to depression.“ According to the study, the majority of those who are frequently stressed suffer from exhaustion (80 percent), sleep disorders (52 percent), headaches and migraines (40 percent) or depression (34 percent). In the USA, 56 % now make use of health coaching for managers.
Would you like to benefit from the use of coaching in your company?
Arrange a free initial consultation now! Our experts will be happy to advise you.
The importance of heart rate variability for the parasympathetic nervous system
Vagal tone can be measured using heart rate variability (HRV) (see Geitel, 2016). If the HRV is high, the vagal tone is also high. This is shown by a slight increase in heart rate when breathing in and a decrease in heart rate when breathing out. HRV and the parasympathetic nervous system are directly related. Context
- A low HRV value can mean an imbalance of the sympathetic-parasympathetic nervous system, whereas a high value indicates a balance
- Reduced HRV can be a sign of reduced parasympathetic tone and can be associated with a variety of diseases
- The greater the variance in heart rate, the more prepared the body is to perform at a high level
It is important to know that the HRV:
- is different from person to person
- may vary from day to day
- varies considerably during the course of the day
- is not an absolute performance feature
We therefore recommend:
- measure the HRV values regularly and under the same conditions as far as possible (preferably daily)
- Compare your values over a period of at least 4 weeks
- Analyze trends
- try to increase HRV through targeted measures
- in the best case consult an expert
But how can you now demonstrably and measurably strengthen your parasympathetic nervous system? At the end of this blog post, I would like to give you a brief overview of the adjustments you can make on your own. Quasi in self-coaching. A little tip: start with the screw that is easiest for you and increase over time! Have you ever thought about health coaching for managers?
The 6 Coaching Doctors:
Sleep
- Regular bedtimes
- Short walk before going to bed
- No meal at least 1 hour before
Movement
- Basic endurance training (GA 1 and GA 2) as a foundation
- Selection according to motivation and interest
- Training according to objectives
- best in the forest with good air (terpenoids)
Nutrition
- Recognize the difference between appetite and hunger
- Regulated meal times
- Panchakarma cures, alkaline fasting etc.
Breathing
- Various exercises based on scientific findings
- preferably regularly in the morning or evening on an empty stomach
Meditation
- is recommended before and after breathing exercises
- Can also be integrated into short breaks
- best under guidance
- Customizable according to objectives
Exposure to cold
- Gradually increase the scope and intensity, starting with cold calf showers etc.
- Correct breathing during exposure is essential
- also recommended on an empty stomach
- For intensive exposures such as ice swimming, always have a partner with you who is not in the water
- Cryo sauna as a great alternative to ice bathing, as it is less mentally demanding
For sustainable implementation, a peer group can certainly help you or professional coaching, in which you are informed, supported and accompanied. This will ensure that you are in the best hands and can quickly get back on track in the event of lack of energy, exhaustion, migraines, low motivation or focus problems. Let's talk about health coaching for managers speak, in person or online. Have you ever thought about a personal Business Coach thought about?
Targeted development of leadership skills
Modern leadership requires more than professional excellence. In an increasingly complex and dynamic working environment, managers need a wide range of skills: emotional intelligence, strong communication skills, the ability to make decisions under uncertainty and the ability to inspire and develop diverse teams. Coaching provides the ideal framework for systematically building and refining these skills.
Self-reflection is a central aspect of management development. Through targeted coaching, you will learn to recognize your own behavioural patterns, use your strengths strategically and proactively tackle areas of development. This also includes dealing with challenging situations such as team conflicts, change processes or the tension between day-to-day operations and strategic leadership.
The combination of individual coaching sessions and practical application in day-to-day management is particularly effective. Your coach supports you in trying out new behaviors and reflecting on their impact. This creates a sustainable development process that goes far beyond coaching alone and has a positive impact on your entire organization.
Read also: Coaching costs & fee, Attitude in coaching, Coaching in management
What is health coaching for managers and how can it help them?
Executive health coaching is a specialized form of coaching that focuses on improving the health and well-being of executives. Through coaching, executives can learn to improve their lifestyle and develop healthy habits to increase their performance and productivity. Health coaching can also help reduce stress and burnout and empower executives to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
What topics can be covered in health coaching for managers?
Health coaching for managers can cover various topics such as nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management. Topics such as mental health, self-care and burn-out prevention can also be covered in coaching. The topics are individually tailored to the client's needs and goals.
How do you choose the right health coach for managers?
When selecting an executive health coach, it is important to choose a coach who has in-depth knowledge and experience in health and well-being and specializes in executive coaching. A good coach should be able to understand the client's specific needs and challenges and develop appropriate strategies and plans to address them. It is also important that the coach has a positive attitude, can build trust and respect and is focused on the client's individual needs and goals. Before selecting an executive health coach, it is advisable to check references and experiences of other clients and arrange a get-to-know-you meeting to ensure that the chemistry between coach and client is right.
How does coaching improve my leadership skills?
Coaching strengthens your self-reflection, communication skills and decision-making competence. You develop an authentic leadership style and learn to motivate teams more effectively and resolve conflicts constructively.
What does executive coaching cost?
Executive coaching in Germany typically costs between 200 and 500 euros per session. Executive coaching for C-level positions can be higher. Many companies cover the costs as a personnel development measure.
How often should management coaching take place?
We recommend sessions every 2 to 4 weeks. This leaves enough time for implementation and reflection between sessions. The frequency is individually adapted to your needs.
What topics are covered in executive coaching?
Typical topics include communication, delegation, conflict management, self-management, change management, work-life balance and developing a leadership vision for your own team.
Would you like to benefit from the use of coaching in your company?
Arrange a free initial consultation now! Our experts will be happy to advise you.
About the author
Tim S. Tabrizi is the founder and managing director of Ihr Coaching Institut (Frankfurt). Certified Executive Coach (ICF, DBVC) with over 15 years of experience. 35 coaches throughout Germany. LinkedIn profile | Your coaching institute on LinkedIn | Author page →
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