Holistic strategies

for optimal
performance
Dr. Eva Gibson, Dept. of Psychological Sciences & Counseling
What comes to mind when you
think of performance?

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 What emotions
come to mind?

Why?

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 Stress may lead to…

Anxiety Headaches Weight gain (or

Depression loss)
Heart disease
Digestive problems Memory and
Sleep problems
concentration
impairment

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Health components

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 And tables to compare data
Traits Experiences

Positive
Psychology

Relationships Institutions

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 How can we attend to our physical health?

> Physical exercise

- The Foy (individual workouts, group classes,
Zoom sessions)
- walks at home or on campus
- GET UP!
> Fuel up
- eat well
- drink adequate amounts of water
- get enough sleep
How are we fostering
relationships?
Find your village
Be INTENTIONAL!
Strive for balance
Develop healthy
boundaries
Help each other grow

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 Mental health
The ability to cope with stress involves the use of
coping strategies.

What strategies have you found to be helpful?

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 Self-awareness & self-care

> Engage in reflective practices > Say “no”

> Plug into your source > Try something new
> Turn off > Give yourself
> Do some mental “spring cleaning” grace
> Find a healthy hobby > Think it through
> Stage the area > Advocate for what
> Use your leave you deserve
> Seek counseling
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.
 Did you know that
practicing gratitude
everyday can have a
significant benefit to our
wellbeing?

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 Potential Internal Gratitude Activities
Keep a gratitude journal

Create a gratitude collage

Gratitude Garden App (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gratitude-garden/id1101115763)

Subscribe to empowering podcasts (http://www.celestethetherapist.com/index.html#/)

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 Potential External Gratitude Activities
Send a letter (to someone you know, nursing home resident,
veteran, etc.) https://www.operationgratitude.com/express-your-thanks-virtual/write-letters-virtual/

Perform an act of love (chore, volunteer, send monetary

support) for a loved one or stranger

DIY personalized gratitude jars

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Celebrate yourself

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 Strengths
Creativity Zest Humility
Curiosity Love Prudence
Judgment Kindness Self-regulation
Love of Learning Social Intelligence Appreciation of
beauty/excellence
Perspective Teamwork Gratitude
Bravery Fairness Hope
Perseverance Leadership Humor
Honesty Forgiveness Spirituality

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1. How do I use this strength already?

2. In what areas of my life do I use this
strength?
3. What other areas in my life could I use it
more?
4. What are other ways I could use this
strength?
How might these
questions impact
performance?

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3 Good Things
1. Why did this good thing
happen and what does it mean
to you?
2. What lessons have you learned
from reflecting on this good
thing?
3. How did you or others
contribute to this good thing
happening?
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How might these
questions impact
performance?

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What changes are
you committed to
make to optimize
your performance?
Thank You!
gibsone@apsu.edu

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