Sunday, 31 March 2013
Quote of the day.....
The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us, but those who win battles we know nothing about.”—Unknown
Thursday, 28 March 2013
Believe in bananas.....
A slightly obscure title for a blog post but it reminds me of some training that I have recently delivered on how to pass a particular exam.
When I am coaching the delegates on revision techniques and tips I talk to them about nutrition and how it can support them in keeping their energy levels consistently high which will in turn support them in learning what they need to learn.
I use the phrase "believe in bananas" as an umbrella term to cover all food that facilitates higher energy and learning.
Consuming the right food and drink is essential to our performance in any given task. The popular habit when people lack energy before, during or after taking on a challenging task is to reach for a sugar rich drink and a chocolate bar. These types of energy snacks have a placebo effect which will momentarily placate the lack of energy you are feeling, but the immediate sugar spike will soon wear off and you will be back to a state of lethargy where you are unable to perform at the level that you need.
Before you reach for that chocolate bar or can of energy drink, think about the natural alternatives available to you that cost less and last longer. If you feel a lack of energy or are hungry it could because you are dehydrated, so take some water on board and replenish. Remember the body is made up of a high percentage of water therefore it's essential.
When it comes to food, natural is best and bananas, almonds, oatcakes etc are a great source of natural energy. It's no coincidence that you see sports people eating bananas during their match/event as they provide a rich source of potassium, sugar and protein that gives you boost you need from a natural resource. Set yourself up for the day with a breakfast that gives you the energy you need.
Remember, you can be in control of sustained energy levels by being in control of what goes into your body which will positively impact on your ability to perform at the level required.
Have an awesome Easter.
When I am coaching the delegates on revision techniques and tips I talk to them about nutrition and how it can support them in keeping their energy levels consistently high which will in turn support them in learning what they need to learn.
I use the phrase "believe in bananas" as an umbrella term to cover all food that facilitates higher energy and learning.
Consuming the right food and drink is essential to our performance in any given task. The popular habit when people lack energy before, during or after taking on a challenging task is to reach for a sugar rich drink and a chocolate bar. These types of energy snacks have a placebo effect which will momentarily placate the lack of energy you are feeling, but the immediate sugar spike will soon wear off and you will be back to a state of lethargy where you are unable to perform at the level that you need.
Before you reach for that chocolate bar or can of energy drink, think about the natural alternatives available to you that cost less and last longer. If you feel a lack of energy or are hungry it could because you are dehydrated, so take some water on board and replenish. Remember the body is made up of a high percentage of water therefore it's essential.
When it comes to food, natural is best and bananas, almonds, oatcakes etc are a great source of natural energy. It's no coincidence that you see sports people eating bananas during their match/event as they provide a rich source of potassium, sugar and protein that gives you boost you need from a natural resource. Set yourself up for the day with a breakfast that gives you the energy you need.
Remember, you can be in control of sustained energy levels by being in control of what goes into your body which will positively impact on your ability to perform at the level required.
Have an awesome Easter.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Balanced exercise and rest......
I am a huge advocate of exercise as a means by which you can increase your energy, come up with new ideas and inspiration, relieve stress and anger, lose weight, feel empowered to take action and generally a fantastic way to increase the release of dopamine in your system.
However, there also needs to be a clear balance between exercise and rest so that you avoid burnout and unnecessary stress.
Be aware that if you get to the point where you are feeling guilty for not doing exercise even though you have been exercising regularly, then it's probably time that you actually take a rest as your workouts will be guilt motivated and less impactful then if you took a days rest, let your body recover and refocus your mind to thinking that your body will massively benefit from the repair time you are giving it.
To avoid burnout create balance!!
Keep focused on your goals and take action everyday!
However, there also needs to be a clear balance between exercise and rest so that you avoid burnout and unnecessary stress.
Be aware that if you get to the point where you are feeling guilty for not doing exercise even though you have been exercising regularly, then it's probably time that you actually take a rest as your workouts will be guilt motivated and less impactful then if you took a days rest, let your body recover and refocus your mind to thinking that your body will massively benefit from the repair time you are giving it.
To avoid burnout create balance!!
Keep focused on your goals and take action everyday!
Monday, 25 March 2013
Managing stress......
No matter how focused and positive you are there will always be a certain amount stress that you will experience in your life. Human beings have the ability to deal with different degrees of stress depending on how they have set themselves up to deal with it.
If we wait for when stress happens we may well be caught on the back foot and not as effective at dealing with it, so it pays to be prepared for the strain that it can bring. I am not saying that you should expect stress to appear as I believe in what you think about you bring about, but preparation is key.
You can take certain steps to get yourself into a stronger position by focusing one what you can do to activate the mind, body and spirit.
What do you do to keep you mind active and in the right positive place? What literature do you read? What audio do you listen to? What do you visually have around you to remind you of your own influence in your life?
How frequently do you exercise, whether it be mild, light or hardcore? What do you put into your body? How balanced is your diet?
What do you do to quiet your mind? How do you keep in touch with the spiritual part of your body?
These are questions you can ask and take action on when you are planning to be successful and in a position of strength when presented with challenging times.
Keep focused and keep positive.
If we wait for when stress happens we may well be caught on the back foot and not as effective at dealing with it, so it pays to be prepared for the strain that it can bring. I am not saying that you should expect stress to appear as I believe in what you think about you bring about, but preparation is key.
You can take certain steps to get yourself into a stronger position by focusing one what you can do to activate the mind, body and spirit.
What do you do to keep you mind active and in the right positive place? What literature do you read? What audio do you listen to? What do you visually have around you to remind you of your own influence in your life?
How frequently do you exercise, whether it be mild, light or hardcore? What do you put into your body? How balanced is your diet?
What do you do to quiet your mind? How do you keep in touch with the spiritual part of your body?
These are questions you can ask and take action on when you are planning to be successful and in a position of strength when presented with challenging times.
Keep focused and keep positive.
Quote of the day......
Character - the willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life - is the source from which self respect springs.
- Joan Didion
- Joan Didion
Thursday, 21 March 2013
A kind word......
Never underestimate the impact that a kind word or positive affirmation can have on someone. Twice this week people have asked me for advice on positivity and direction which makes me feel fantastic.
People close to you will relish a positive word or two and remember when you say it, it could arrive at the most opportune moment and make them feel outstanding.
People close to you will relish a positive word or two and remember when you say it, it could arrive at the most opportune moment and make them feel outstanding.
Quote of the day.....
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
- Mark Twain
- Mark Twain
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Quote of the day
"I must be willing to give what I am in order to become what I will be" - Albert Einstein
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Focusing your mind......
It is a challenge sometimes when your mind seems to be on other things rather than the task in hand, even though you know that you may have a deadline to meet and other critical work to do as well.
The most effective way for me to be able to focus my mind is by stripping back my task list and re prioritise what needs to be done so that I feel more in control. I make sure I place personal timelines on all the work that I need to do, which are well in advance of the actual deadline itself.
Sometimes the simple reorganisation of your task list can free up your mind to refocus your energy on the most important things, even when the task list may well contain the same tasks as they did before.
Once you have re-prioritised there is a renewed sense of control and now you can simply get focused on taking action.
Alternatively, another way of giving your self the kick start, is exercise and get your blood flowing and therefore your energy levels will increase. Exercise will increase your energy, creativity and concentration levels, not deplete them as some people would suggest.
Remember, energy flows where attention goes.........
The most effective way for me to be able to focus my mind is by stripping back my task list and re prioritise what needs to be done so that I feel more in control. I make sure I place personal timelines on all the work that I need to do, which are well in advance of the actual deadline itself.
Sometimes the simple reorganisation of your task list can free up your mind to refocus your energy on the most important things, even when the task list may well contain the same tasks as they did before.
Once you have re-prioritised there is a renewed sense of control and now you can simply get focused on taking action.
Alternatively, another way of giving your self the kick start, is exercise and get your blood flowing and therefore your energy levels will increase. Exercise will increase your energy, creativity and concentration levels, not deplete them as some people would suggest.
Remember, energy flows where attention goes.........
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