Why Relaxation Wins: Performance Lessons from Dr. Greg Wells

What does Olympic success have in common with health and wellbeing? According to Dr. Greg Wells, a leading keynote speaker on peak performance, the key lies in relaxation.

In one striking example in his keynotes, Dr. Wells shows his audience a photograph of two rowers he coached ahead of the Olympics– both previous world record holders – and asked to predict which would win at the Olympics.

• One athlete’s grip on the oar was tight, his face tense with effort.
• The other’s grip was loose – one finger even lifted slightly – and his face was so relaxed that his tongue was sticking out.

Dr. Wells predicted that the relaxed athlete would win. At the Olympics, the relaxed rower went on to claim silver, while the tense competitor finished seventh.

Dr. Wells’ observation isn’t just about rowing – it’s a principle that applies to every area of life and work. Stress is often mistaken for focus, but in reality, constant tension drains energy and reduces performance.

In fact, 70% of deaths in the Western world are linked to stress-related illnesses. Chronic stress affects both physical and mental health, leading to burnout, cardiovascular problems, and other preventable conditions.

By learning to relax, you not only perform better in high-pressure moments but also improve your long-term health and wellbeing.

Relaxation is just one part of Dr. Wells’ performance philosophy. As a physiologist and author, he often talks about the “four pillars” of peak performance:

1. Sleep: Quality rest helps your brain and body recover, leading to better decision-making, memory, and focus.
2. Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet supports energy levels and overall health, fuelling both physical and mental performance.
3. Movement: Regular activity boosts creativity, sharpens thinking, and reduces stress.
4. Thinking: Techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing help shift your mind from stress to flow, just like the relaxed rower in his story.

• Check in with your stress levels: Are you “gripping the oar too tightly” in your daily life?
• Prioritise rest: Aim for at least 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Practice micro-relaxation: Take 5 minutes a day to breathe deeply or stretch – a small pause can reset your mind and body.
• Eat for performance: Swap processed foods for whole, nutrient-dense meals to fuel your energy and focus.

Dr. Wells combines science-backed research with practical strategies to help people and teams perform at their best without burning out. Whether he’s discussing the science of sleep, the power of nutrition, or the importance of mindset, his talks leave audiences inspired and equipped with actionable tools for better living.

Want to inspire your team to achieve peak performance?
Book Dr. Greg Wells for an engaging keynote on health, wellbeing, and sustainable success.