Optimum Performance in Business

I know so many people who have high expectations, high standards, and high goals in their business or careers. They are intelligent people who strive for optimum in most aspects in their lives. Yet when it comes to their lifestyles and diet, somehow they seem to lose the plot, they just don't seem to get it. Strangely, these very same people would for instance have a very different view if they had a race horse! Firstly a race horse is expensive so it is viewed as precious, secondly the object of the animal is to run, win races and make money. So this animal would be given optimum conditions and optimum fuel, of course this goes without saying. Yet what is more precious than ourselves, more important than we win the race? Somehow, this has been lost.

Firstly, the horse would get enough exercise, not too much for that would stress the animal. The horse would get massage or physiotherapy to keep it pain-free, relaxed and supple. Its living quarters would be comfortable, the equipment would be the best, and as for its diet this would be optimum for its health and performance, only the best would do.

To be fit for competition in your business life you need to treat yourself like an expensive race horse for optimum performance, for that edge and quality of life.

Most business people we see are tired, have aches and pains, headaches, irritability, sleeping problems, digestive problems and often are over-weight, many have boarder line high cholesterol and erratic blood pressure problems. This is far from peak condition. Many people tell us it’s the stress and over work, and to a degree they are right, but only to a small degree. We all have stresses, it’s a part of life, and as for too much to do, there never seems enough time in the day, never.

A healthy race horse will gallop several circuits and this will not stress the animal at all. An unhealthy horse taken the same distance will be under a lot of stress, it will struggle taking more time to cover the same distance. You can change things so that you cope better with the stresses of business, with more energy left over. Get that a competitive edge.

We specialize in helping executives perform better, get a head in their field by helping them make a few changes some are outlined in this article.

Pain - If you are in pain this is an important aspect to tackle immediately. Being in pain is extremely draining and your body is wasting a lot of energy. There are many reasons why you might be in pain; bad posture is common, being at a desk for long periods, working with your computer, driving, frequent air travel and so on. Some people even hold their phone between their shoulder and ear with their head totally tilted the whole time! Maybe your office chair you have is totally unsuitable for you, invest in a good chair, remember the race horse, no expense would be spared to get the best equipment for it.

Pain could be due to tense muscles - also very common, tension around lower back or neck and shoulders. Look to get a good massage, reflexology or acupuncture on a regular basis. Tense muscles not only are uncomfortable or even painful draining energy they can impede the blood supply to the brain. There are even companies set up who will send practitioners to offices so you can have a fully clothed seated massage at work in your lunch break.

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, not a good start.

a) the bed/mattress is not suitable or big enough

b) the window covering may not be sufficient to keep all light out. Or you live in a noisy place and are disturbed, get a window fitted that is double or triple glazed. You will be surprised how much noise this cuts out.

c) eating too much too late at night, will interfere with sleep.

e) remove all caffeine.

f) take some herbal supplements, some that will very gently and naturally aid in a better quality of sleep without making you feel drowsy in the morning.

g) leave a note pad and pen by your bedside so any worries or things to remember unload onto the note pad, so you can go back to sleep.

It is extremely important that you feed yourself on a regular basis, no skipping meals; this will lower your blood sugar levels. Once you allow your blood sugar levels to become low your brain will be functioning under par. When you do eat something give yourself just a bit of time to eat - don't panic I am not talking of Italian style where several hours are needed for a meal. I mean from now on you must stop eating on the run or while driving or on the phone, just take a few minutes to chew and allow you body to digest. This will help your whole system enormously.

The foods you choose to eat have a draining affect or an energizing affect. What sort of foods are you choosing? This is a huge subject and too much to explain fully here but in a nut shell - choose foods that are as wholesome as possible. Whole wheat instead of white flour products, more whole grains like brown rice, absolutely no sugar (very draining of energy) much more in the way of fruit and vegetables, more beans and lentils plus meat, fish and poultry. Avoid the 'fast foods'. You will start to lose weight when you gradually start changing your diet and think of yourself as important as that very expensive race horse.
Brain foods - eat raw unsalted nuts like walnut nuts or almonds instead of your usual snacks.

Take some super supplements for your brain power to gain the winning edge. Buy powders that are described as green foods and/or red foods.

Make time for breakfast, no excuses. When you wake up your blood sugar levels are low, you need to eat, don't wait to grab some doughnuts at the office later in the morning or a couple of cookies. Remember stay away from sugar so read the labels on everything. Check out the labels on your favorite breakfast cereals many are too high in sugar.

Make a smoothie -

natural plain yogurt (add only at the end),
some green, red, and protein powder
Seeds like pumpkin, chai and flaxseeds
Plenty of fresh or/and frozen fruit

The other thing that is extremely important to your optimum brain function and reduction of aches and pains is simple - water. We come across people who are busy and forget to drink water or are hooked on caffeine and sugary sodas. This might sound simple enough but it’s not easy. According to the research most people are dehydrated to some degree or other, this is not helping your brain or your energy levels. Start to cut down on caffeine - coffee, tea and sodas. Caffeine interferes with blood sugar levels which has a destabilizing effect on the brain and your energy levels. Eventually caffeine drains the body of energy. Start to reduce your consumption of caffeine and start drinking water on a regular basis, this is very important.

Now you will have more energy and be fit in business to stay the course and beat the competition.