Calm Power: Switching from Adrenaline to Oxygen-Based Energy

Editorial Team
Oct 26
4 min read

Have you ever felt that surge of energy when under pressure, only to crash shortly afterwards?

This is adrenaline-based energy at work. But what if you could access a form of energy that is steady, sustainable, and powerful without the stress? That’s the essence of Calm Power.

What’s the Difference Between Adrenaline and Oxygen Energy?

Let’s break it down simply.

Adrenaline-Based Energy is your “get it done” mode — fast, focused, and slightly on edge. Brilliant for deadlines, but exhausting when it’s constant.

Oxygen-Based Energy is calm, creative, and restorative. It’s where your best decisions and most original ideas come from.

The secret isn’t picking one over the other — it’s learning to switch between them consciously depending on what the moment calls for.

Why does adrenaline-based energy drain us?

When we face stress, our bodies release adrenaline, triggering the classic “fight or flight” response. Heart rate rises, breathing accelerates, and muscles tense up. In short bursts, this is life-saving.

But prolonged reliance can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and long-term health risks.

According to research published in Frontiers in Psychology, chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, immune function, and cognitive performance.

Adrenaline energy gives you speed and power—but at a cost.

How does oxygen-based energy restore balance?

Oxygen-based energy comes from aerobic metabolism, the body’s process of converting nutrients into energy using oxygen.

This system is slower but far more sustainable. It supports long-term mental clarity, physical endurance, and emotional stability.

Research from Harvard Medical School shows that techniques enhancing oxygen intake, like deep breathing, yoga, and moderate aerobic exercise, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and recovery.

In other words, oxygen-based energy is Calmfidence energy: calm, steady, and enduring.

Calmfidence: Harnessing Calm Power for Sustainable Energy

What is Calm Power Energy?

Neuroscientist Dr Andrew Huberman of Stanford University emphasises the power of controlled breathing to modulate the autonomic nervous system. Slow, diaphragmatic breathing increases heart rate variability, a marker of resilience, while reducing anxiety and stress.

Dr James Blumenthal, a behavioural cardiologist, adds that consistent aerobic activity not only improves cardiovascular health but also boosts mental performance by increasing oxygen delivery to the brain.

Together, these insights show that Calm Power is not passive—it’s a deliberate, science-backed choice.

Switching from Adrenaline to Oxygen-Based Calm Power Energy with PROHSPER

Unfortunately most of us run on adrenaline energy far too long. It feels productive, even addictive, but over time it drains focus, creativity, and calm.

Here’s how to downshift from the high-alert, caffeine-fuelled mode to a steadier, calmer state, without losing your edge.

The PROHSPER Framework gives you eight simple entry points.

P – Positive Mindset: How can I reframe pressure into perspective?

Catch yourself when stress takes over. A quick reframe — “I choose this challenge” instead of “I can’t cope” — calms the nervous system instantly.

R – Relationships: Who can help me reset through connection?

Stress isolates. Step out of your head and into connection — a chat with a colleague, a walk, or a two-minute check-in with someone who gets you.

O – Outcomes & Productivity: What really matters right now?

When you’re reactive, pause. Focus on fewer, more meaningful actions instead of ticking off endless tasks.

H – Health & Longevity: Am I breathing or just rushing?

Breathe. Stretch. Hydrate. These aren’t luxuries — they’re leadership tools. A few deep breaths oxygenate your brain and restore focus.

S – Strengths: What feels natural and effortless to me right now?

Shifting into tasks that use your natural strengths helps rebalance your energy quickly.

P – Purpose: Why am I doing this in the first place?

Reconnect with your ‘why’. Purpose softens the pulse and turns pressure into meaning.

E – Energy & Vitality: How can I reset my rhythm right now?

Add small rituals to your day — light movement, scent cues, calming playlists, or simply pausing to look outside.

R – Resilience: How can I process and release stress?

Five minutes of journalling or mindfulness goes a long way. Integration — not intensity — builds sustainable resilience.

When Should You Switch Back into Adrenaline Mode?

Once you’ve recharged, there will be times when you need that sharper edge again — big meetings, pitches, deadlines. The key is to switch consciously, not habitually.

Try this before a high-stakes moment:

Two minutes of brisk movement or breathwork.
Visualise the outcome you want.
Play energising music or use a refreshing scent like citrus or peppermint.

You’re not trying to eliminate adrenaline — you’re mastering to lead it.

What’s the Calmfidence Approach to Optimal Performance?

Optimal performance isn’t about staying “on” all the time — it’s about rhythm.

When you learn to move between adrenaline and oxygen-based energy consciously, you unlock focus, creativity, and calm resilience — all at once.

Because real success isn’t about working harder. It’s about leading yourself better.

So before your next big call or deadline, pause for a moment and ask yourself:

“Am I operating from adrenaline — or oxygen?”

Then choose your next move with Calmfidence.

About PROHSPER

It’s time to prioritise you. The PROHSPER framework offer a blueprint for holistic success, empowering you to align your entrepreneurial goals with your personal wellbeing.

If you are done with analysis, understanding and rationalisations, but still struggle with self-discipline, relationships, productivity, or any other area of your life, consider this your invitation to explore deeper.

Become an observer of Yourself and start noticing your triggers and repeated unwanted patterns.

Whether it’s your mindset, energy, resilience, or sense of purpose, understanding your strengths and opportunities for growth will guide you toward clarity.

Discover where you stand in each dimension of PROHSPER and personalised insights and actionable strategies to help you thrive in the year ahead.

Take the FREE PROHSPER assessment and reflect on areas of your life that might need your attention.

After all, the greatest investment you can make is in your holistic wellbeing.