With an interest in discovering the secret of maintaining top energy and efficiency in sports competition or in daily work, a performance psychologist made a study of competitors in professional tennis matches. After a study of thousands of hours of matches he still could not identify anything that seemed to provide unusual endurance. Then he began studying what the players did between points and made an interesting discovery.
The top players had a noticeable way of becoming totally relaxed while preparing themselves for the next play. This brief mental and physical break seemed to result in a slight lowering of the heart rate, and the ability of these players to be totally focused on the next challenge. That is what kept the champions on top.
An effort was then made to relate this discovery to regular work patterns. The most successful pattern consisted of vigorous concentrated work followed by quick snatches of relaxation in which a recovery and refocus took place.
Of course the period of relaxation could be different for a housewife than an office worker or one who is waiting on an unpredictable stream of customers. However, the principle of concentration and relaxation seemed to apply equally well to all types of work.
Without a program of natural recovery in place, the body undergoes a long-term weakening of physical endurance and a rise in impatience, and even insensitivity to others.
The break and relax system actually enables you to become conditioned and to develop your emotional flexibility so you can handle a range of emotions and have emotional resilience.
People who are clear about who they are and what they are trying to accomplish seem to be full of energy when they renew themselves with short breaks.
The simple idea of managing your energy while managing your time seems to be the key to lasting productivity. So just say to yourself regularly, “give me a break.”
The top players had a noticeable way of becoming totally relaxed while preparing themselves for the next play. This brief mental and physical break seemed to result in a slight lowering of the heart rate, and the ability of these players to be totally focused on the next challenge. That is what kept the champions on top.
An effort was then made to relate this discovery to regular work patterns. The most successful pattern consisted of vigorous concentrated work followed by quick snatches of relaxation in which a recovery and refocus took place.
Of course the period of relaxation could be different for a housewife than an office worker or one who is waiting on an unpredictable stream of customers. However, the principle of concentration and relaxation seemed to apply equally well to all types of work.
Without a program of natural recovery in place, the body undergoes a long-term weakening of physical endurance and a rise in impatience, and even insensitivity to others.
The break and relax system actually enables you to become conditioned and to develop your emotional flexibility so you can handle a range of emotions and have emotional resilience.
People who are clear about who they are and what they are trying to accomplish seem to be full of energy when they renew themselves with short breaks.
The simple idea of managing your energy while managing your time seems to be the key to lasting productivity. So just say to yourself regularly, “give me a break.”
-Arthur S. Anderson
Monday's Workout:
Monday's Workout:
8 Rounds of
Level 20 on Stairmaster 1 min
15 Ring Push-Ups
15 Knees to Elbows
21-15-9
Weighted Dips (45#) +
Cable Flys (70#)
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