Warriors Wisdom
During our sleeping moments, recovery is enhanced as well. In fact, it is during our deep-sleep periods that human growth hormone (Hgh) is released in large amounts. This of course facilitates our ability to recover from an exhaustive bout of exercise through cellular synthesis of proteins necessary to adapt to a higher level of function.
Lastly, it has been shown that a mid-day nap can actually improve mental focus and productivity. So to summarize, sleep seems to be a major player in growth (see any teenager), physiological adaptation and improved mental awareness.
This leaves us with actual training associated with attention. First, it is recognized that attention can be both broad and narrow. An example of broad attention would be a rock climber at the base of a climb looking up at a possible route for ascent.
However, once the rock climbing begins, the focus becomes narrower as the climber seeks correct places for hand or foot holds. Many sports are involved in the cross between broad and narrow focus. Golfers for example will survey the fairway prior to driving the ball off the tee. It is during the act of driving that the focus is narrowed to the parameters of a golf ball.
These attention demands in both the broad form and narrow can be practiced. Simply sitting on a park bench and taking in all of the surroundings within your field of view will enhance your broad attention span. Then to periodically narrow that focus to a bee hovering above a flower, or a child on a swing or the details of a runner as she nears your bench all enhance the narrow focus of attention.
“Sleep is essential for high performance and mental sharpness.”
A relative of mine used to boast that he could subsist on 4 hours of sleep a night. Unfortunately he seemed to always be a bit of a grouch and intolerant of others. Perhaps with a few more hours his demeanor and tolerance level might have improved.
Sleep is essential for high performance and mental sharpness. Several military studies have confirmed that when sleep deprivation enters into the equation (as is the case during battle engagement), mental abilities to focus and make correct decisions are reduced.
Sleep is a complicated phenomenon that is continually studied and related to issues surrounding mental focus. In addition, recent studies show a definitive link between sleep disorders and obesity.
One theory associated with sleep deprivation is related to the condition of hyperactivity in children. It seems the reason the medication RitalinTM , a metabolic enhancer, actually calms children that are hyperactive is because the children are actually in a sleep deprived and chronically fatigued state.
Therefore the medication that actually speeds up metabolism, calms hyperactive children down by bringing them “up” from a fatigue state. Aside from the mental component that sleep facilitates, there are physiological aspects as well.
As with any other component of sport (i.e., strength, endurance, etc.) this type of attention practice enhances an athlete’s ability to switch from one to the other and back again. For it is this switching back and forth that may determine a correct or incorrect decision during a competitive period.
Thinking clearly is an important factor we bring to exercise and sport. We do this not just to win the competition, although that is always a benefit. But we also do this to maintain a level of safety in our endeavors.
I want to push the limits of my capabilities, but not to the detriment of those participating with me and not to the detriment of my life.
We take careful consideration in our training and recovery protocols to enhance our ability to perform. It is equally important to take note of mental clarity and focus during those same competitions.
Eat right, get plenty of rest, train accordingly and think clearly while you move.
B E
FITNESS
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