Today I want to emphasise the importance of the bottom of the pyramid. The daily habits and lifestyle.
What we do on a daily basis has a massive impact on our general health and our performance. What we eat from day to day, how many hours sleep we get and what fluids we consume over the course of a day.
If we can improve the quality of the foods we eat, we may lose body fat and increase muscle mass. This will help us run faster and perform better on the field.
If we can arrive at training or matches hydrated, we will run further and more intensely and push ourselves further. Mild dehydration can increase percieved exertion.
If we can increase length of sleep to 8 hours instead of 6, we can reduce our risk of injury, increase our concentration levels and reduce risk of eating poorly the following day. The benefits fo sleep are not truly known but they are multiple!
The general message is that what you do on a daily basis has a massive impact to your general well being and your likelyhood of performing at you best.
If you are used to getting 6 hours sleep, aim for 6 and a half or 7 hours.
If you have been eating a lot of chocolate and crisps, maybe eat nuts and fruit instead. Try to make sure you hydrate properly and arrive to all exercise sessions having consumed plenty of fluids.
Gradual improvement is the key! Become a master at the basics and everything else will fall into place.
