Performance expectations
I know many people with high expectations, high standards, and high business or career goals. They are intelligent people who strive for the optimum in most aspects of their lives. Yet when it comes to their lifestyles and diet, they don’t seem to get it for their own high performance.
Racehorse
Strangely, these very same people would, for instance, have a very different view if they had a racehorse! A racehorse is expensive, so it is viewed as precious.
The purpose of the animal is to run, win races and make money. This animal would be given optimum conditions and fuel; this goes without saying. Yet what is more precious than ourselves, more important than we win the race? Somehow, this fact has been lost.
The best
The horse would get enough exercise, not too much, as this would stress the animal. The horse would get massage or physio to keep it pain-free, relaxed and supple. Its living quarters would be comfortable, and the equipment and diet would be optimum for its health and performance.
Your business
To be fit for your business life, you must treat yourself like an expensive racehorse for optimum performance.
Most business people I see are tired, have aches and pains, headaches, sleeping problems, digestive problems and are irritable. Many have high cholesterol and erratic blood pressure problems. This is far from peak condition. People tell me it’s the stress and overwork, and to a degree, they are right. However, most of us have stress and too much to do; it’s a part of life.
Health
A healthy racehorse will gallop several circuits, which will not stress the animal. An unhealthy horse will be under a lot of stress and will struggle to take more time to cover the same distance. You can change things to cope better with the stresses of business, with more energy left over. Get that competitive edge.
Pain
If you are in pain, this is an important aspect to tackle immediately. Your body is wasting a lot of energy, as being in pain is extremely draining. There are many reasons you might be in pain; bad posture is typical due to being at a desk for long periods. Working with your computer, driving, frequent air travel and so on. Some people hold their phone between their shoulders and ear with their heads tilted the whole time! Your office chair may be unsuitable for you; invest in a good chair; remember the racehorse; no expense is spared. Massage on a regular basis is a good idea. Some companies send practitioners to your office if you don’t have time. A fully clothed seated massage during your lunch break to ease neck, shoulders and back aches.
Sleep
Your quality of sleep is extremely important for optimum performance in your business life. There could be a number of reasons why you don’t sleep as well as you should. You will not be refreshed and at your best.
a) the bed/mattress may not be suitable or big enough
b) the window covering may not be sufficient to keep all the light out. Or you live in a noisy place, disturbing your sleep. Get a window fitted that is triple-glazed (cheaper than moving). You will be surprised how much noise this cuts out.
c) overeating and drinking too late at night will interfere with sleep.
e) remove all caffeine from the late afternoon.
f) take some herbal supplements that will very gently and naturally aid in better sleep quality without making you feel drowsy in the morning.
g) leave a notepad and pen by your bedside. If you have any worries or things to remember, unburden them onto your notepad, so you can go back to sleep.
Brain performance
It is crucial that you feed yourself on a regular basis to maintain your blood sugar levels. Allowing your brain to function at optimum. When you eat, give yourself just a bit of time. You must stop eating on the run, while driving, or on the phone. Just take a few minutes to chew and allow your body to digest. This will help your whole system enormously.
Food choices
The foods you choose to eat have a draining effect or energizing effect. What sort of foods are you choosing? Most people choose the draining type but still expect to perform like a racehorse. This is a huge subject; fully explaining it would be another article. In a nutshell – choose foods that are as wholesome as possible. Try to cut down on sugar. Eat much more in the way of fruit and vegetables, more beans and lentils, plus meat, fish and poultry. Avoid ‘fast foods’. Think of yourself as important as that very expensive racehorse.
Brain foods – eat raw unsalted nuts like walnut nuts or almonds instead of your usual snacks.
Make time for breakfast; no excuses. When you wake up, your blood sugar levels are low; you need fuel. Don’t wait to grab some biscuits at the office later. Remember to stay away from sugar as much as possible. Read the labels on, for instance, your favourite breakfast cereals; many are too high in sugar.
Lastly and most importantly
Extremely important to your optimum brain performance and reduction of aches and pains is simple – water. I come across people who are busy and forget to drink water.
Or are hooked on caffeine and sugary sodas (which are diuretics). According to the research, most people are dehydrated to some degree. This is not helping your brain function or your energy levels. Start to cut down on caffeine – coffee, tea and sodas. Over time, caffeine drains the body of energy. Drink water, and eventually, you will reap the benefits.
Now you will have more energy and be fit in business to stay the course and beat the competition.
