Optimizing into a Parasympathetic Flow State

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The body is wired to naturally return to a state of homeostasis after experiencing stress.
It is important to be able to shift to a balanced state of homeostasis even during moments of stress.
Optimizing into a parasympathetic state can help achieve a sense of flow.
The sympathetic nervous system is associated with fight or flight response.
The parasympathetic nervous system promotes openness, engagement, awareness, and receptiveness to the needs of the moment.
Being in control allows for the ability to accelerate or decelerate as needed.

Internationally renowned health and performance psychologist Dr. Leah Lagos discusses the concept of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and how you can improve your mental and physical health by using signals from your body to gain control over stress. She’s also joined on this episode by Head Coach of Boston Celtics, Joe Mazzulla, who has worked with Dr. Lagos on HRV training. He discusses how he uses techniques taught by Dr. Lagos to help him manage his HRV and lower stress levels during his first season as an NBA head coach in 2022.

Dr. Lagos has served as a Clinical and Performance Psychologist in private practice for the past 14 years. She consults a global hedge fund as well as elite performers in entertainment, business, and sport. Dr. Lagos is the author of Heart Breath Mind: Conquer Stress, Build Resilience, and Perform at Your Peak.

Mazzulla took over as the interim head coach of the Boston Celtics in September 2022 and was officially named the team’s head coach in February 2023. In his first full season on the job, he led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference semifinals and was named one of three finalists for the NBA Coach of the Year.

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