BLOG
Neurosweat
Do this one thing to perform more consistently
If you want to perform well, then you have to pay attention to how you prepare immediately before a performance. If you want to perform well consistently, then you should do the same thing before every performance.
The physiological sigh
This reduction in physiological stress is important because there is likely a relationship between physiological stress and emotional stress, although the exact neuro-mechanism has yet to be determined. When we consider stress management, we can either approach it in a top-down manner (by controlling cognition, which can then trickle down to the body’s stress response) or with a bottom-up approach (by controlling the physiological response, which then affects mental state). The “physiological sigh” is an example of a bottom-up stress management technique that can be used acutely to reduce stress or anxiety.
Finding center with mental anchors
We’ve all been caught up in life’s chaos (heck, this probably happens on the daily), so we intimately know how this feels. Our mind is scattered, all of our mental tabs are open, and we’re buzzing at an unsustainable speed. Although we may feel like we’re spinning out of control, we actually have quite a bit of agency over each moment. Instead of continuously getting carried away by the current of life and all its demands, we have ample opportunity to come back to center - that place of permanent inner stillness that allows us to reconnect to our purpose, clarify our path, and execute efficient and effective action steps. Mental anchors are short practices that quiet the mind, help us regain control, and allow us to focus on what’s important now.
Building resilience through movement
The good news is that resilience is not a trait that you either have or you don’t. It’s a mental skill that can be strengthened through practice and over time. Let’s look at the resilient brain and then explore how it can be fortified by doing something that most of us love - moving.
How to rewire your brain to focus on the good
Fact: We pay more attention to negative elements in our environment than positive ones. There’s a good reason for this. The negativity bias evolved to help us survive in harsh conditions. Unfortunately, in today’s world, our overemphasis and heightened focus on negative elements is detrimental to our health. The good news is we can take advantage of neuroplasticity and rewire our brain.
Neuroscience wearables: Do they actually enhance performance?
It has been argued that human athletic ability has plateaued, but that technology is pushing out the boundaries created by physiological limits. We’ve seen swimsuits move better through water, bikes become more aerodynamic, and running shoes get lighter. Now, neuroscience is getting in the game with the introduction of brain-boosting technology. In this article, I’ll discuss neuropriming and neurofeedback devices and offer my thoughts on whether or not the price tag is worth it.