Water, water and more water!

The weather is improving here in London so keeping hydrated is key. As well as specific foods (see my article https://lisajosephlifecoaching.beehiiv.com/p/brain-food), drinking plenty of water will keep you feeling hydrated and feeling alert. Water is the best drink to have in order to improve our concentration and energy levels.

What are the health benefits of water hydration?

Drinking enough water each day is crucial for many reasons: to regulate body temperature, deliver nutrients to cells and keeping organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood.

How does water effect performance and brain function?

Water or the lack of water in your body can influence cognition. Dehydration in mild levels can disrupt your mood and the brain functioning. Mild dehydration can effect concentration, alertness and short-term memory.

Dehydration can also effect our performance on tasks such as short-term memory, perception and motor skills.

Water helps optimise concentration. You should aim to drink 6-8 cups of water per day for performing at optimal levels.

The brain functions best when adequately hydrated. Thinking is clearer and focus is better. In fact, I have started to begin my day drinking water first. I have become more alert and ready to attack my day with more vigour. Try it for yourself. Drink a large glass of water, before drinking your normal cup of coffee or tea.

Don't like plain water? You can have sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice or you could try adding a slice of lemon or lime or making fruit-infused water.

I have a bottle infuser which I like to use. This is a refreshing recipe which will give you that boost of energy to kick start your day. You need a handful of fresh sliced strawberries, a generous bunch of fresh basil leaves, a few slices of lemon and water to fill. Combine all ingredients into a infuser bottle. Pour water over the top and chill for at least three hours.

A study on women published in The Journal of Nutrition explored hydration status on brain function and found that “a loss of 1.4% of body weight in fluids during exercise caused a drop in concentration”.

Improves mood

A variety of factors affect our mood—and hydration is an important one. The study cited above, from The Journal of Nutrition, also found an association between mild fluid losses and mood disturbances.

Further research will look at reasons for the link. In the meantime, think of drinking water as something to be happy about as it really can ‘lift’ you.

Optimises physical performance

“Water helps regulate body temperature, blood pressure, and the efficient transport of nutrients and waste in working muscle. All are essential functions that affect physical performance”, reports the American Council on Exercise.

Lose just 2% of your body’s fluid, and you might start to experience fatigue, a feeling of greater exertion, and trouble regulating body temperature. Stay on your game and keep a water bottle handy.

We need to remember that when we exercise (https://lisajosephlifecoaching.beehiiv.com/p/energising-exercise) we should drink some more to replace the water we burn off during this.

Improve skin appearance

Water helps to hydrate the skin keeping it looking younger and in better condition. One small study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology did suggest a relationship between hydration and skin health.

“Specifically, researchers found that in individuals with low daily water consumption, that is, those who were dehydrated to begin with, increasing water intake had a positive effect on skin appearance and helped maintain skin hydration levels”.

Make water your main drink source to keep you grounded and in tip top performance!

Drinking plenty of water is just the start! Call me or send me a WhatsApp so I can keep you focused and motivated each and every day! I will ask you the guiding questions that will be your call to action now. Who are you at the core? What are your challenges? Relationships, getting back to work, new career ambitions? Set out your goals with me and live your best life!

Life is good,
Lisa

[email protected] 
+44 7958 342522

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