Jul 19, 2017
Summary & Ideas for Action
Pilar Gerasimo, journalist, social explorer, podcaster and
self-proclaimed healthy deviant, talks about the leadership
benefits of good health. She explains the effects of the
ultradian rhythm with periods of intense focus separated
by periods of relaxation. She also cites recent research on
high-intensity performers, how they recharge, and offers her
favorite revolutionary ways to better health.
Key Takeaways
[4:04] A healthy deviant is above-average health, and making
deliberate, healthy choices while sidestepping unhealthy
norms.
[6:10] Pilar notes research that good health supports leadership
success. Healthy, happy people are more capable leaders, and more
able to manage stress and challenges. It takes a significant amount
of resilience to be a good leader, when stress climbs.
[9:58] A major source of stress is having negative experiences,
or unresolved conflicts, or friction with other people. Job
satisfaction relates directly relationships with peers, and with
bosses. Stress adds to your reactivity, which decreases
ability to lead and manage teams.
[11:15] Early philosophers and scientists used their time to
observe how things are and how they work. In spite of progress in
technology, things have not really changed since then. What works
for people, still works. What degrades quality of life, or presence
with other people, is still true. A return to the philosophies of
old is a refreshing break from sensational ‘listicles,’ and
soundbites lacking substance.
[14:30] Pilar recently published a podcast episode of The
Living Experiment, on attractiveness. She discusses the
factors that contribute to attractiveness, and how attractiveness
relates to promotability. Attractiveness is, in part, a reflection
of health. Stress degrades health and attractiveness.
[20:41] Pilar discusses the 101 Revolutionary Ways to be
Healthy. Some favorites: #5 Repossess your health; #9 Safeguard
your juju; Don’t let yourself get run down, depressed, negative, or
reactive; #68, and #89 slow down, and pace yourself. As people are
rushing, they can lose sight of the fact that rushing is
physiologically and mentally toxic.
[27:06] After about 90 to 120 minutes of focused effort without
a break, the neurological systems start to degrade, mistakes
happen, accidents happen, creativity, productivity, and capacity
break down, along with the immune response, and you are unable to
use new information until you rest.
[29:25] Ultradian rhythm breaks of 5, 10, or 20 minutes are
recommended every 90 to 120 minutes. This keeps our focus fresh and
inflammation down. This can be a walk, a nap, or other shift to
low-focus activity. You produce energy resource adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) during your break. You get an immediate pay-off.
Come back to your project, and you see a solution
quickly. You get more done.
Website: PilarGerasimo.com
Podcast: LivingExperiment.com
Website: TheHealthyDeviant.com
Facebook: Pilar
Gerasimo
Pinterest: PilarGerasimo
Instagram: @PGerasimo
Twitter: @PGerasimo
LinkedIn: Pilar Gerasimo