Breathing is the most natural action we do. Conscious breathing practices can help us calm down, increase our energy levels, and even enter “the zone”—a state of optimal performance where we feel focused, present, and capable of our best work. This article explores the science of breathing to manage stress, elevate energy, and access peak performance.

Feeling energized is deeply rooted in the body’s cellular processes, especially the function of our mitochondria. Often called the “powerhouses” of cells, mitochondria generate the energy required for every action, from thinking and breathing to running and lifting.

For healthy peak performance, the idea of hormesis—where a little bit of stress benefits the body and brain—is a key concept. Hormesis occurs when small amounts of stress stimulate the body to grow stronger and adapt. This principle, sometimes called “mitohormesis” when applied to cellular health, highlights the importance of balance: a little stress can be beneficial, but too much can lead to burnout and fatigue.

Many of us feel overwhelmed, struggling to keep up with daily demands. This phenomenon, often termed the "human energy crisis," is driven by chronic stress, poor sleep, sedentary lifestyles, and unrelenting digital connectivity. Understanding the root of this crisis and how our cellular energy systems work can help us break free from fatigue and regain our energy.

Chronic stress drains our mental capacities, complicating everything from daily exercise to work concentration and interpersonal relationships.

I propose deliberately implementing recovery strategies and fostering an environment conducive to mental and physical well-being at home and at work.

As we near the end of 2023 I am considering so many things. But the one thing that keeps coming up are my friends and family. Those I love. I am blessed to be surrounded by my favourite people who elevate me and help me to thrive in my life.

Here is an idea that I have been exploring this year. Give Your Energy Away to Get More Back. How is it possible to get back more than you give away? If you give away money, you have less money. If you give away goods, you have fewer goods. If you give away time, you have reduced availability for other things.

Cold therapy has received a lot of attention over the past few years. Cold therapy is simply exposing your body to low temperatures, either through cold water immersion (cold tubs or ice baths), cryotherapy chambers (exposing yourself to freezing dry air for a few minutes), contrast therapy (alternating between hot and cold), or simply taking a cold shower.

Though body and mind are typically thought of as being separate, it’s helpful to consider them as a unit because they work together. For your mind to be engaged, your body needs to be energized. There is a growing body of research showing that physical activity improves brain function and facilitates learning, creativity and problem solving among other key functions. Even simple movements like walking get you physically energized and open up the possibility of creating beta wave activity in the brain, which is reflective of the brain state you need to be in if you have to work at a task or perform an action that requires your concentration.

In the #hustle culture of manic busyness, it can be hard to remember the basic facts about personal growth. Mentally and physically, human beings are built to adapt to stress, but it will not happen if we don’t take time to rest and recover. That’s when the growth occurs. We cannot grow, let alone heal, if we are constantly on the go.