High-stress leadership roles, especially in tech, can lead to burnout due to the constant cognitive load. A former military officer shares insights on overcoming this challenge through reconnecting with nature, specifically swimming in the ocean. Scientific studies indicate that spending time in nature reduces negative thought patterns and lowers cortisol levels, leading to improved mood and cognitive performance. The military, understanding the need for recovery, incorporates nature-related activities into its training to boost performance and prevent burnout.
"...there's a moment, just as you step into the water, when the cold hits you like a shock to the system. It demands your attention and forces you to be present."
"Leadership fatigue is real. The long hours, constant decision-making and high stakes create an unrelenting cognitive load. That's when fatigue turns into failure."
"Turns out, there's real science behind this. A 2015 study from Stanford found that time spent in nature - even just 90 minutes - reduces activity in the brain's subgenual prefrontal cortex, the region associated with repetitive negative thought patterns."
"The military has long understood the importance of recovery, with elite units like the Navy SEALs incorporating activities like swimming, meditation and unstructured outdoor time into their training to prevent burnout."
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