Today I'd like to bring up a topic that is rarely associated with #situationalawareness, but one that is extremely important to it. Let's talk about #fitness.
Wait, Pete. What DOES fitness have to do with SA? I'm glad you asked. First, you have to understand that situational awareness is a performance-based activity. The key there is ACTIVE. It can be both mentally and physically taxing--and that's for as long as everything goes well. Second, realize that stress and heart rate are intimately inter-connected. As your stress level increases, so does your heart rate. As your heart rate increases, so does your stress level. To tie it all together, we'll refer back to Lt. Col. Dave Grossman's Unified Stress and Performance Model.
In the model, it is noted that increased heart rate sees increased performance--that's a good thing. However, right about 175 bpm, you see performance plummet--that's a bad thing. So, if your heart goes too fast, it will negatively affect performance-based activities (i.e. SA). Poor fitness is a sure way to see a rapid increase in heart rate in relation to minimal physical output. Couple that with the introduction of stress, which also raises heart rate, and you have a recipe for disaster.
A great way to increase your performance time is to reduce your body's reaction to stress and physical exertion. In other words, introduce stress to your #training routines (a whole other subject), and increase your level of fitness. Both of those can increase your confidence going into a situation (which will also improve your mindset--see one of my first installments), which will compound your overall stress reduction and performance improvement.
To learn more about stress, SA, and how they can help you #commandyourspace, contact us at pete.w@defensiveapplicationstraininggroup.com.
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