Steve discusses the essential concept of stress - adaptation with Jamie Pringle, Rosie Mayes. We explore what a stimulus is and does and the factors that determine the effectiveness of a stimulus. We discuss the experiences and environments that mitigate any adaptive responses, exploring the concepts of individualisation and group responses from a physical and cognitive performance perspective and then broaden that application to work and business and the very concept of progression, the achievement of mastery.

Show Notes

An introduction to Hans Selye's seminal work on the systemic hormonal responses to stress and how the human body and mind responds under duress.

Positive and negative stressors and responses. No pain no gain…pushing into an area of discomfort or pain to allow development and adaptation.

Dr Mary Neville sprint adaptation and 12 leg biopsies!

Stress adaptations are complex to interpret. Adaptations occur as a result of a variety of interacting dynamics across our individual experiences. 

Do we adapt and improve without some form of stressor?

Fight or flight response, Walter Cannon

Does it always have to be a stressor? Appreciative enquiry, the reinforcement of the positives

Minimum effective dosing. What are the core pieces in your training that are giving you 80-90% of your adaptation both physically and mentally?

The subjective experience of enduring a stressor. Knowing yourself, others and the concept of time throughout the stress adaptation and recovery process.

The role of the coach and scientist enabling the athlete to know what is going on in their mind and body in a way that is helpful for them. Coach - Athlete relationship key.

Carol Dweck's, growth vs fixed mindsets and the stubbornness of self-efficacy.

Knowing your capabilities, boundaries and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

Variety is key in developing an adaptation. Monotony and familiarity can prevent or slow adaptation. Explore and find your own method.

Fail fast and learn quick. An environment to allow failure and learning important for creativity and innovation in sport and business.

Ability to perform under pressurised conditions develops and acclimatises your skillset, resulting in increased skill development.

No one's fitter at the end of a marathon! Failure and suppression of the system from which adaptation occurs

Learning and the state of flow. Being immersed, focused and recovery. Immersion, incubation and inspiration.

Discussion on the mind-body relationship and the role of feedback in adaptation, self-regulation and performance.

The business world is great at stressing but less so at recovering.

Moving the body can move the brain. Shifting from an idle physical and mental state into an active physical state can alter brain functioning (Forgetting and doorway research, https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.3758/PBR.17.6.900.pdf)

Becoming self-aware, understanding ourselves and how we operate in the world in order to create environments in which we can test, adapt and develop.

Put yourself in the shoes of the athlete as an applied sport scientist. Empathy, trust, credibility and an understanding of their sport crucial.

Striving for meaning and mastery in personal and professional pursuits.

As Yoda would preach - "we have to work intentionally with courage, effort, patience, persistence and reflection in order to fail, adapt and grow"

To follow the panellists on Twitter: @RosieMayes49 @JamiePringle

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