Nana was right..

How to use our physiology to improve our performance!

Physiology underpins our daily lives, dictating everything we do. Our quest for optimal performance is an eternal journey that starts with understanding physiology and its impact on our daily routine. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most important ways to use physiology to improve your daily performance!

When I began working in this field, I had a conversation with my grandma (or Nonna) as I call her. The conversation went something like this. “Belinda, so tell me what do you do now?” My reply, in a way that I thought would be the easiest for her to understand was, “Nonna I help people perform at their best. I help them to get clear on what they want for their life (personally and professionally), I help them use their days to be more productive and I help them maintain their energy”. She said, “can’t you just tell them to eat healthy, go for a walk and do some exercise?”. I laughed, but in a way, she was kind of right.

Psychology versus Physiology:

Our psychology is the way we think and feel about ourselves, other people, and the world around us. It includes our beliefs, attitudes, emotions, and behaviours. Our psychology affects how we perceive and interact with the world, and it can also impact our physical health.

When we talk about our physiology, we are referring to the way our bodies are designed and how they function. This includes things like our nervous system, our muscles, and our organs. All these systems work together to keep us alive and allow us to move, think, and feel.

Our journey toward our optimal performance starts with understanding how our psychology and physiology work, and how it can be used to improve our daily lives.

Today I want to chat about the ways in which we can use our physiology, as I think sometimes this part doesn’t get the acknowledgement that it deserves and just like our psychology, it plays a vital role in our well-being and in our ability to perform at our best.

4 Quick Wins for Improving our Physiology:

• Pay attention to your psychology: We are constantly told that if we can master our mindset, we can master our life. And yes, although that is true, we also need to pay attention to what we are telling ourselves and where that information comes from. We need to take a step back and realise that before we can master our physiology, we need to master how we process the information that we are receiving, and then we need to interpret the meaning that we give to that information. What effect will we allow that information to have on us?
• Get enough sleep: You will see this come up many times in my writing and there is a reason for that. Sleep is super important. It is vital for our bodies to recover from the day and prepare for the next one. So what’s enough sleep? For most individuals its 7-9 hours per night.
• Stay hydrated: Another important way to use physiology to improve your daily performance is by staying hydrated. Our bodies are made up of mostly water, so it is no surprise that proper hydration is essential for optimal functioning. Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day and avoid sugary drinks as they can lead to dehydration. What’s optimal here – 3-5 litres.
• Move your body: Finally, another great way to use physiology to your advantage is by moving your body regularly. Exercise is not only good for our physical health, but it also has numerous benefits for our mental health. A regular exercise routine can help improve our mood, cognitive function, and energy levels. So, get up and move around for at least 30 minutes every day!

Self Discovery:

Ask yourself this question multiple times a day – What is my current level of mental and physical energy? Rate yourself from 1-10.
If 10 is a vibrant and energised version of yourself, what level are you at?
Rate yourself at least 3 times per day. It’s amazing when you are aware of what you are feeling how your body wants to combat that feeling.
Feel there is room to improve? Start the change today. I would love to chat.