Being able to stay at a high level of performance on a continuing basis is difficult for the majority of the population. It’s important to have the right mindset in order to stay at a high level of living day in and day out. There are certain mental techniques that you can use.

1. Make sure you are keeping yourself fit. Get out and exercise. This will enable you to deal with both mental and physical stress that may come your way.

2. Eat high quality foods. By eating right and healthy, your body will get the proper nutrients for physical and mental health.

3. Do deep breathing. Our blood supply needs constant oxygen that will energize our bodies and minds. This will insure that our bodies get the energy it needs and keep our lungs healthy too.

4. Do mental training. Meditation and self-hypnosis as well as visualization help to calm a stressed mind and to develop focus and awareness. The more you’re able to train your mind on a regular basis, the easier it will be to access that calm state whenever you need it.

5. Stay optimistic. Having a positive mindset is important for continued high level performance. Being around positive people will help you too.

6. Have positive goals. Having goals that you can stay focused on will help you stay focused on the task at hand and provide a target to aim for.

7. Do some extreme self-care. Taking care of you first is important for recovery. You’ve done some of it in the other steps. It’s important to take some down time. This recovery period will help raise your performance level when you are taking action.

© 2011 by Bob Choat

About the Author: Bob Choat, MS, CH.t., CTNLP, NASM-CPT does Peak Performance Coaching & Training and also works as personal trainer in Southern California. His training in hypnosis, psychology, and fitness enables him to best help in both mind and body towards complete fitness. He has a Masters in Psychology and degrees in business and leadership. He also completed leadership training from Rapport Leadership International and the U.S. Marines. www.HypnoMindPower.com

1. Drink plenty of water. Keeping hydrated will help you avoid fatigue. If
you are outdoors, keep a water bottle with you.

2. Stay active. Movement increases energy and will help you feel mentally
alert. Check with your physician first, and then use a form of exercise that
is safe and enjoyable for you.

3. Play and relax. Do something each day that is fun for you. It will give
you a boost of mental energy.
Keep a “favorite things” list so you’ll always have ideas for ways to enjoy
a spare moment. Visit a neighbor or call a friend, and definitely stay
around positive people who make you feel energetic.

4. Declutter your environment. Clutter produces stress, and stress. Take
that stack of magazines you haven’t touched for six months, and throw it
out. Also, do all those little things you’ve been putting off. They all add
up to stress, and their elimination will provide a greater sense of energy
and well-being.

5. Feed your body well. Food is your body’s fuel.
Eating small balanced meals more often (e.g., every four or five hours) will
provide your body with good nutrition and energy. Eat plenty of vegetables,
fruits, and grains of a type that your body tolerates.

6. Get plenty of sleep. Although the amount of sleep needed will vary with
each person, a good rule of thumb is to go to sleep at the same time each
evening and wake up at the same time each morning. Make the room you sleep
in the most relaxing and peaceful room in your home.

7. Express your emotions. Emotions are simply “energy in motion.” Bottling
up emotions brings feelings of fatigue as you block the energy flow. If you
are frustrated with another person, discuss it right away instead of letting
it burn inside. Writing is another great way of expressing emotions. Keep a
daily journal of your thoughts, experiences, and feelings.