The reality for most high achievers however is that eventually the cognitive load and physical strain from relying too much on adrenaline to live in a constant state of "fight or flight" takes its toll, and in many cases this can lead to burnout, and other cortisol induced lifestyle diseases.

Here are three ways in which a high-stress high-achieving performer can make immediate small changes to decrease their chances of burnout and increase their access to flow states:

 Reduce overall exposure to screens

Yes, for many of us screens are a necessity for our businesses, however did you know that they are also the leading flow blocker? Flow is achieved following a period of struggle with a problem or challenge, yet for many of us, as soon as things get tough, we pick up our phones or turn on the television at the end of a hard day. Being aware of these two habits can help change the way your brain and body learn to use struggle effectively to achieve flow states, and can also help you recover to new higher levels of normal after a period of high effort or "cognitive load".

 Add active recovery into your day instead of passive recovery 
Active recovery literally gives your brain a rest, and the brain is not only at the heart of your ability to enter flow, it's also the control center for managing stress hormones. Choosing activities such as a nap, going for a walk, sitting in nature or simply box breathing with eyes closed for even five minutes every few hours will completely change your energy levels and cognitive performance endurance.

  Separate strategy from execution 
Becoming the manager of your own time sounds like a fairytale for many, and yet owning your calendar and your time is a game of inches that can be won. The human brain has as much of a fascination with novelty or "task switching" as it does with saying yes to anyone who asks for help. The greatest ability to get work done and in doing so, to help others comes from setting up a strategic plan for what gets done when, and then simply carrying it out. There will always be instances when something has to be shuffled, but if the base case for the way your time is managed is according to a strategic plan mapped out weekly, or nightly for the following day, chances of hitting your priorities remains much higher than if no plan exists.

 The risks and rates of burnout are higher than they have ever been, as is the access to digital communications and devices. These tools remain incredible forces for change for the good if we can be sure to also attend to the needs of the bodies and brains who are using them.