You’re all in extraordinary positions: go-getters; professional “artisans”; gifted; and talented. Every day you strive to embrace something new, leaving mediocrity, let’s just say…to the mediocre! In this extraordinary position you should be able to define: how you act; how you respond; how you interact; how you lead…Yet, there’s 1 sticking point that prevents your “flow”…Stress!

Stress can either be an enabler or disabler and only you can decide this. Optimal stress is a cure all for everything in life, as it keeps you performing at your peak and empowers you to take concrete steps forward. On the flip side of the coin, overthinking and excess stress (physical, physiological or mental) triggers a bunch of hormones which lowers your immune system and keeps you from maximizing your performance.

So what can you do?

Part genetic, part environmental, the way you respond to a situation is absolutely in your grasp. We are all wired differently and our responses might not always be ideal, yet our “connections” can be re-wired, as our brains are malleable. The next time that you feel like dressing someone down or responding to a situation with volatility, remember this: excess stress is a “contaminant”- repetitive (chronic) stress can cause sickness and chronic disease.

Take a chill pill:

Watch your reactions, it might just be the difference between rashes, the flu, high blood pressure, heart disease…and a healthier life with a number of years added on to boot.

Action steps:

• Address the root causes for your stress. You know what the triggers are. If you don’t, it’s about time that you do.
• Allow yourself! Stress is cumulative. To break the cycle, decompress with 15 minutes of classical music, which stimulates all areas of your brain. Don’t be so regimented, “turn off” for 15-30 minutes during the day, as your life is an endurance event. A designated break will have you function more productively.
• Sitting is a “pain in the butt”. A stagnant body equates to a stagnant mind. Get out of your chair, be ridiculous, in front of your peers and dance, move…stimulate stagnant joints and blood.
• Most importantly, watch how you respond to an adverse situation. You need to become more aware of your reactions by learning to respond: Process before you react, so you can respond. You are extraordinary as you have the ability to manipulate the way you respond and re-wire the way you function.

Optimize your stress and you enhance your performance. It’s your life, go out there and get it…and never look back.

Remember, it’s all about a Healthier, Longer Life and it’s yours for the taking.