The Peak Performance Insider: How To Kill Stress With Constructive Hobbies, The Japanese Superfood You Need To Start Eating, And My Observations On Alcohol
Estimated read time: 5 minutes
Everyone knows me as “the fitness guy” but my first love was actually the piano.
I’ve been playing since I was 8 years old and still practice almost every day.
When I was young I hated reading music so I rarely practiced what I was supposed to.
But I just kept playing and now, almost 30 years later, it’s my favorite form of escape.
Which leads us right into our first topic.
So without any further ado…
The Peak Performance Insider:
1. How to kill stress with constructive hobbies
Constructive hobbies, like playing piano, are potent stress-reducers.
They’re fun, help us relax, and promote mental health and well-being.
Studies highlight the significant positive effects hobbies have on stress reduction and mood improvement.
Constructive hobbies are a therapeutic escape from the pressures of everyday life.
Plus they improve our focus, make us more creative, and help us feel accomplished.
So make time for the things you love each day because there is no magical moment in the future when you’ll be done with everything else.
What You Can Do: Pick up a hobby that makes you happy, whether it’s drawing, reading, gardening, or practicing a new instrument.
2. The Japanese superfood you need more of
Gobo, or Japanese burdock root, is a staple Japanese superfood.
It’s known for its earthy flavor, high mineral content, and a number of other health benefits.
It’s commonly prepared in soups, stews, or in tea, and offers a unique way to support overall health.
Studies show that burdock root contains powerful antioxidants, which protect your cells against free radicals that may cause heart disease and cancer.
It’s also high in fiber, which improves digestion and promotes blood sugar regulation.
What You Can Do: Include burdock root in your diet, even if only once a week.
3. My observations on alcohol
I have never met anyone who stopped drinking alcohol and didn’t look better, feel better, sleep better, perform better, and spend less money.
Maybe it’s a coincidence.
Or maybe it’s an uncomfortable truth.
Does alcohol help people relax and become more social? Yes.
Does it help others escape the pressures of everyday life? Definitely.
But does it help people look better, sleep better, perform better, or spend less money? Nope.
I drank because all of my friends were doing it and it was the easiest way to meet women in my 20s.
But it ruined my sleep and I absolutely hated feeling hungover.
Plus I like having deep, meaningful conversations and alcohol never really made that possible.
What I ultimately realized is that people often do things that are in our worst interest now because they were in our best interest at some point in the past.
I enjoyed drinking in college and throughout my twenties.
In fact if I could go back I’d do it all over again.
But now that I’m married and have four kids, alcohol doesn’t serve me the same way that it used to.
No hangovers means more energy, better focus, and better health.
No bar banter means deeper connections and realer relationships.
And no alcohol just means a better me.
I hope these observations help you embrace new practices for a healthier and happier you.
Stay curious and have a great weekend!
What You Can Do: If you drink, ask yourself the following questions.
- Why do I drink?
- What results do I get from it?
- Are those results fulfilling?
- Do those results align with my values and long term goals?
I hope this helps!
Client Spotlight – Lenny, 60 | Tokyo, Japan | RoRo Transport
Lenny is a managing director who continued gaining weight and having low energy despite regular exercise.
His biggest struggle was not knowing what to eat in order to lose weight and sustain energy.
In 3 months he lost 13 pounds and had more energy than ever.
Our strategy:
- Reduced processed foods, refined sugar, and alcohol intake
- Increased whole food and water consumption
- Tracked calories and macros using MyFitnessPal
By working together Lenny was able to lose weight, improve performance on and off the soccer field, and learn the skills necessary to achieve new goals.
Food For Thought This Weekend
Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.– Abraham Lincoln
Discipline is the art of prioritizing long-term goals over instant gratification.
It’s about making decisions today that your future self will thank you for.
And it’s the cornerstone of meaningful habits and achievements.
So remember, motivation is what gets you started but discipline is what keeps you going.
– Menya
When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help:
1. Download my free health and fitness guide. When you’re ready to unlock peak performance, this is where you should start. It’s the same framework for success that I use with all of my clients. It also contains 6 habits of highly successful fitness people.
2. Are you an entrepreneur or busy professional who wants to get lean, boost energy, and feel fantastic? Apply for private one-on-one coaching here.
3. Promote yourself to like-minded subscribers by sponsoring this newsletter. Contact me for details.
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