If the answer is yes, listen up and let's have a conversation.
Is your job demanding so much of your time and energy that you cannot think straight?
Have family members told you that you are a work-a-holic?
Did your doctor have concerns about your long-term health?
After reading those statements, I know what you are thinking.
"Yes, but my job is so demanding and nothing you suggest will work"
"Being stressed is part of the grind and just need to deal with it"
"I have tried everything on the internet and social media but I'm still stressed out"
Reducing your stress levels sounds like a far-fetched reality unless you win the lottery, quit your job and retire.
Since that is unlikely to happen, you are probably wondering "That sounds great, but how?"
Raise your hand if you:
As a teacher, I have experienced an undue amount of stress in my brief career. Dealing with the never-ending expectations and lack of respect has knocked me down a few times.
At first, I thought it was normal. Later on, I realized that that level of stress was unjustified.
About five years ago, the stress and anxiety caused from the school I was working at almost ruined my health.
The long commute of bumper to bumper traffic started my day with stress. When I arrived to work, the anxiety caused me to feel like I could not breathe. I always felt overwhelmed with my teaching load and had to deal with disruptive student behavior without administrative support.
The stress trickled into other parts of my life.
My body was so tense that I made my gums bleed every time I brushed my teeth.
Whenever I spoke to my parents or my boyfriend (now husband), all I talked about was the stress I was experiencing at work.
They were worried that I was going to have a mental breakdown everyday. Fortunately, I was able to leave that position and found another teaching job.
If I worked there any longer, the chronic stress could have led to heart disease or hypertension that would have affected my health for the rest of my life and would have burdened my families members with my condition.
Throughout that ordeal, there was one thing I was doing that was helping me combat the stress.
I was exercising five times a week.
Before I started teaching at that school, I was doing pilates from YouTube on a consistent basis. Thankfully, I decided to continue that exercise routine.
The hour dedicated to the mat provided a temporary break from the stress and reminded me that I needed to take care of myself. Exercising also forced me to be more mindful of my diet and sleep since I needed to have the energy to workout.
Aside from using medication, taking care of yourself physically and mentally through a proper diet, regular exercise, developing resiliency and prioritizing what is most important can reduce your stress levels.
To reduce your current stress levels and maintain those levels long-term, we need to identify the source(s), treat your symptoms and prevent them from reaching dangerously high levels again.
If that sounds like a daunting and tedious process, it is. Although you can successfully make those lifestyle changes on your own, working with me, a certified health coach can save you time by eliminating the guess work and increase the likelihood of achieving your goals.
Clients that work with me will receive expert guidance for 12 weeks to collaborate, implement and maintain a stress management plan following my "Reclaim" method:
In conjunction with the "Reclaim" method, our transformation process has three components:
Essentially, working with me will provide you with a personalized stress management plan with the necessary information and support to help you succeed that you cannot get from Google or social media influencers.
Hi, I'm Sapphire, an ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified health coach and experienced music educator based in Long Island, NY.
In 2020, I launched my health and wellness blog strengthandstrings.com as a platform to share my wellness journey and tips with others.
Shortly after, I discovered the field of health coaching and decided to get certified. Based on my experiences as an educator, I made the decision to help others manage their stress through lifestyle changes through my coaching services.
My experiences with stress and burnout also inspired me to create my e-guide "Banish the Burnout."
A health coach helps guide individuals toward a healthier lifestyle through awareness and ability for change. They provide a support system, accountability and relevant information to assist clients with their wellness goals.
Health coaches do not prescribe or provide medical care. Rather, they work alongside specialists such as physicians, dietitians and psychologists to implement change.
I currently provide virtual 1:1 stress management coaching. Requests for services such as nutrition coaching and personal training will be referred to outside sources.
I am not your typical coach who is far removed from the realities of the workplace. I am a high school music teacher who encounters stressful situations on a daily basis both personally and through my students.
Through my knowledge and my personal experiences, I have a throrough understanding of how uncontrolled stress can negatively impact your life. I have personally experienced job-related stress and burnout that temporarly took over my life. As a pre-teen, I almost lost my mother to heart disease originating from job-related stress.
I have a health coaching certification from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified and a group fitness instructor (GXI) certification from the Athletics & Fitness Association of America (AFAA). Previously, I was a certified level 1 POP Pilates instructor.
Outside of the health field, I am a certified music teacher and have a Masters of Science degree in Music Education from CUNY Queens College. I received my Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Temple University.
A typical coaching session would be about 45 minutes. Occasionally, our session duration may be longer or shorter depending on your progress.
We would meet on a weekly basis virually through Zoom.
For best results, most clients need a minimum of 12 sessions, or weekly meetings for 3 months. After the initial 12 sessions, clients can choose to extend their coaching package.
The first session will focus on reviewing the client-coach partnership and your answers to the new client questionnaire that will be sent to you prior to our meeting.
Subsequent sessions will begin with a recap of your weekly check-in followed a discussion of questions or concerns related to your stress management process. To conclude, we will summarize the session and outline anything that needs to completed before the next meeting.
Here is a rough outline of the coaching process using the "Reclaim"method:
Individual timelines will vary for each client.
At this time, I am offering an individual, or 1:1 coaching package.
Payment plans are available.
Our 1:1 coaching package provides the full benefits of working with a health coach along with the materials described above.
Individual coaching is best for someone who would prefer to utilize the knowledge and support of a professional every step of the way.
I accept payments through PayPal.
No, not at this time.
If the Client desires to terminate the relationship prior to 3 months, at least 30 days advance notice is required for a full refund of remaining sessions?
It is time to conquer your stress once and for all. Stop procrastinating and let's get started!