Tony dropped his phone with an audible thud and let out an exasperated sigh as the message read, “Sorry–I have to quit. Life has just become too stressful.” Until Tony read it again a moment later.

Tony Arreola, PN2-MHC, SSRC has been coaching for nearly two decades, garnering many success stories, body transformations and loyal clients along the way. Yet despite all his experience and education, certain clients were falling through the cracks.

They gave up, cancelled their coaching or simply stopped trying altogether.

After much reflection, Tony realized the similarities among these clients.

Stress. Its Buried beneath every polite “I can’t…” message was an ocean of anxiety and stress.

But once Tony addressed the source of his issues, something miraculous occurred:

His clients started behaving differently. They displayed more grit, grace, and gains even when things turned south.

We consulted several Certified Sleep, Stress Management, and Recovery Coaches at Penn State who shared similar stories, offering their insights.

Here are four strategies that will help clients recognize if stress is impeding them, and if so, provide assistance in order to persevere and feel better.