Prototype Performance and Recover Series Part 5: Taking Breaks and Oscillations

Prototype Performance and Recovery Series: Part 5

“The Power of Taking Breaks and Deliberate Oscillations”

In the fast-paced world of fitness training and business, maintaining peak performance requires more than just hard work and dedication. It involves strategic recovery and mental oscillations to ensure sustained energy, focus, and productivity. This blog post explores the science and practice of taking breaks and deliberate oscillations, drawing on insights from experts like Andrew Huberman, Jim Loehr, and Adam Grant. We’ll also highlight how the performance and recovery tools at Prototype Training Systems can be integrated into these practices to enhance overall well-being.

The Science Behind Taking Breaks

Mental Oscillations and Productivity Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University, emphasizes the importance of mental oscillations—regularly switching between periods of intense focus and deliberate breaks. Huberman explains that the brain’s ability to maintain focus is limited and that cognitive performance can decline significantly without regular breaks. He suggests that taking short, frequent breaks can help reset the brain and maintain high levels of productivity and creativity.

Research Findings:

• Microsoft’s Human Factors Lab: Research by Microsoft’s Human Factors Lab found that taking breaks helps reset the brain, reducing cognitive fatigue and improving overall productivity. The study used EEG devices to monitor brain activity and found that people who took breaks between meetings showed lower levels of stress and higher engagement levels (Microsoft Work Trend Index) .

Our client Tim using our Normatec recovery sleeves in between work meetings

The Importance of Oscillation Jim Loehr, a renowned performance psychologist, has long advocated for the concept of oscillation—alternating between periods of stress and recovery to maintain high performance. In his book “The Power of Full Engagement,” Loehr explains that oscillation is crucial for sustaining energy and avoiding burnout. By integrating recovery periods into our routines, we can recharge physically and mentally, leading to improved performance in all areas of life.

The Role of Performance and Recovery Tools

At Prototype Training Systems, we offer a range of performance and recovery tools designed to facilitate these mental and physical oscillations. Tools such as infrared saunas, cold plunges, and red light therapy can be used to create effective recovery protocols that enhance overall well-being.

Recommended Protocols

1. Stress Reduction

• Infrared Sauna:
  • Temperature: 100-130°F (38-54°C)
  • Duration: 20-30 minutes
  • Frequency: 3-4 times per week
  • Timing: Use after a stressful meeting or training session to promote relaxation and mental recovery.
• Cold Plunge:
  • Temperature: 50-59°F (10-15°C)
  • Duration: 5-10 minutes
  • Frequency: 2-3 times per week
  • Timing: After intense physical or mental activity to reduce inflammation and enhance mental clarity.

2. Muscle Soreness and Recovery

• Infrared Sauna:
  • Temperature: 110-150°F (43-65°C)
  • Duration: 20-30 minutes
  • Frequency: After intense exercise sessions
  • Timing: Post-exercise to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery.
• Cold Plunge:
  • Temperature: 50-59°F (10-15°C)
  • Duration: 10-15 minutes
  • Frequency: After intense exercise sessions
  • Timing: Post-exercise to reduce muscle soreness and promote faster recovery.

3. Energy Boost

• Infrared Sauna:
  • Temperature: 100-130°F (38-54°C)
  • Duration: 15-20 minutes
  • Frequency: Daily or as needed
  • Timing: Morning or pre-exercise to enhance alertness and energy levels.
• Cold Plunge:
  • Temperature: 50-59°F (10-15°C)
  • Duration: 3-5 minutes
  • Frequency: Daily or as needed
  • Timing: Morning or pre-exercise to enhance alertness and energy levels.

Even the New England Patriots are taking deliberate breaks as “mental resets”

Integrating Breaks and Oscillations into Your Routine

Deliberate Breaks: Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, advocates for the importance of taking deliberate breaks to maintain productivity and creativity. Grant suggests that short breaks during work can prevent burnout and keep your mind fresh.

Practical Tips:

1. Schedule Breaks: Integrate short breaks (5-10 minutes) every hour during work or training sessions.
2. Active Recovery: Use your break to engage in light physical activity, such as stretching or walking, to promote blood flow and reduce mental fatigue.
3. Use Recovery Tools: Take advantage of the infrared sauna or cold plunge during breaks to enhance recovery and mental clarity.

Practical Applications at Prototype Training Systems

Example 1: Post-Meeting Stress Relief After a stressful meeting, take a 20-30 minute session in the infrared sauna at 100-130°F to relax and reset your mind. This can help reduce stress levels and prepare you for the next task with renewed focus.

Example 2: Post-Training Recovery Following an intense training session, use the cold plunge for 5-10 minutes at 49-59°F to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. This protocol helps speed up recovery, allowing you to return to training feeling refreshed and ready.

Example 3: Midday Energy Boost If you’re feeling sluggish in the middle of the day, a quick 3-5 minute cold plunge at 50-59°F can boost your alertness and energy levels. Alternatively, a 15-20 minute session in the infrared sauna at 100-130°F can also help enhance your focus and vitality.

Conclusion

The integration of deliberate breaks and mental oscillations into your daily routine can significantly enhance your performance and overall well-being. By utilizing the performance and recovery tools at Prototype Training Systems, such as infrared saunas and cold plunges, you can create effective recovery protocols that support sustained energy, focus, and productivity. Embrace the power of oscillation to achieve full engagement and peak performance in all areas of your life.

References

• Microsoft Work Trend Index
• Loehr, J., & Schwartz, T. (2003). The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal . Free Press.
• Huberman, A. G. (2021). The Huberman Lab Podcast . Various episodes discussing mental focus and recovery.
• Grant, A. (2013). Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success . Penguin Books.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can optimize your physical and mental fitness, enhancing your overall quality of life.