Performance: The Power of Mood

Optimism plays an important role in performance. How we feel, our state of mind, is really important. Einstein and Edison were known for taking nap breaks, and both are said to have attributed their genius to the ability to slow down and reflect, to relax. Insight research supports this idea that quieting the mind and feeling inspired and uplifted stimulates creativity. It is re-energizing and is often overlooked in high-performance strategies.

When we overwork, we can actually reduce our likelihood of success. Even beyond this fact, we are more likely to "burn out" when our mood is negative or when we feel overwhelm. One very empowering mindset shift is to understand that you are not a victim to your moods.

We are able to shift our mood quite quickly once we learn how to take back the steering wheel of our mind. Since we are a four-part being - comprised of spirit, emotion, mental and physical aspects - it is very helpful to address all four areas within your performance improvement plan.

Here are some tips that will cover all four areas to varying degrees:

1. Nutrition: Eat healthy and include healthy supplements that can also raise your mood, such as DHA/EPA omega fatty acids.

2. Sleep: Most people do not get the necessary six to eight hours of sleep per night to avoid stress and slow down aging. This is one habit that you can accelerate simply by turning off the technology distractions earlier.

3. Exercise and hydration: Aerobic exercise improves brain functioning too, and since our brain and body is, by far, mostly water, make sure you stay hydrated; it's critical to well-being and stellar performance.

4. Meditation: This is crucial for creativity and clarity, and can even help you raise your confidence by becoming more aware of how to eliminate negative self-talk and deal more astutely with your emotion.

5. Healthy Relationship: Happy relationships can support a happier YOU.

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. ~Anonymous

Learning to self-manage your state of mind is essential to perform at your best. Learning how your brain optimally operates is a foundational principle to creating the mood that supports you at your best throughout the day and into the evening.

Mood is an expression of feeling. Emotional intelligence is smart from the heart, and is a concept whose time has finally arrived. 0What are you doing to self-manage your moods?

Valencia Ray, M.D. helps leaders and professionals to perform at their very best by reclaiming their true potential using The Art and Science of NeuroReInvention®. She sold her eye surgery medical business to take her purpose of restoring vision' to a whole new level. She now shows others how to expand the vision for their life and live with more purpose, passion and peace of mind. She is a speaker, consultant, author and executive coach.

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