Stand up and be energised

Delivering blood to our brains is one of those automatic internal processes that most of us seldom consider. Blood circulation is vital for our survival. Blood transports oxygen, fuel and nutrients to all organs of the body, including the brain; in fact, the brain uses approximately 20% of available oxygen for normal function, making tight regulation of blood flow and oxygen delivery not only critical for survival but also for our daily performance.

Our circulatory system includes our heart, veins and arteries. Their job is to circulate blood throughout our body. The heart is a muscle and needs to be strong while our arteries and veins should be pliable and without obstructions for us to maintain optimum health.

It has long been thought that sitting for long periods is unhealthy as it reduces blood flow to the brain (cerebral blood flow); add to that sitting with legs crossed, arms folded and maybe a slightly hunched back can find us struggling to concentrate and even, maybe, falling asleep.

There is now some research to support this; a study in  the Journal of Applied Physiology (American Psychological Society) shows that Regular walking breaks prevent the decline in cerebral blood flow associated with prolonged sitting and a study published by the Oxford University Press journal “Brain,” shows that standing up activates cerebral circulation.

There are many long-term ways of ensuring good circulation; eating well, regular exercise, good sleep, not smoking, drinking water regularly, etc. However, staying fired up and focussed on a daily basis is not always easy.

Here are some simple ideas to ensure that your brain is well irrigated and well oxygenated to get you through your day and keep you fully energised and focused during those difficult moments.

Stand Up

Stand up on both feet or just one foot. If you can’t go for a walk, at least stand up. Again, this is easy to do, even during a difficult (and often long) meeting.

Stretch

Stretch during the day. Stretching improves overall circulation, and also prevents stiffness in the joints and muscles. If you are sitting for long periods set aside a few minutes every hour to stretch your body.

Walk

Take short walks throughout the day. You do not need to go for a ten-mile run at lunch time, even a walk of three to five minutes will have a positive effect on your blood’s circulation. If you work at a desk, schedule short walks; rather than sending an email to someone in the next office, go and see them and when doing so, take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Breathe

Breathe through your nose. Engage your diaphragm, in your abdominal area. This is also called “belly breathing.” Breathing deeply moves the air and oxygen down into the lower areas of the lungs where most of the circulation of blood is. This is easy to do, even in a meeting room.

Fresh air

If you know you are going to have a difficult meeting; take the long route to the meeting room – and, if possible, go outside and breathe some fresh air.

None of the above are difficult to do, even, and maybe more especially, at work. They will however all contribute to your increased efficiency and your increased effectiveness.

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If you would like to benefit from my thirty years of designing & delivering customised, personal, team and leadership development interventions (programmes, courses, workshops, off-sites, seminars, coaching, …………….) at all organisational levels; do not hesitate to contact me.

Bob Larcher

Accredited Insights Discovery Practitioner

Accredited Master Trainer for MTQ48

Accredited Practitioner of the Institute for Outdoor Learning

Key words: #energy #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #boblarcher