Being a redhead presents some unique challenges, especially when you are a lover of the sun and the heat like myself. Given my experiences from spending time in the Middle East years ago, I have developed an affinity for sunny climates. However, my skin colour throws in an interesting twist, challenging even the effectiveness of Factor 50 sunblock. Through my experiences, I’ve debunked the myth that two applications of factor 50 sunblock do not equate to factor 100 protection (much to my amusement and dismay!).

While this tale might sound like an amusing anecdote about my adventures with the sun, it serves as an apt reminder of the importance of self-care, a topic that holds tremendous relevance in our lives, more so in the context of coaching. The principle that stands out here is the necessity of hydration, an aspect of self-care that often gets overlooked.

When the temperature rises, it’s critical that we pay closer attention to our fluid intake. The NHS recommends 6-8 glasses of water per day, counting water, lower-fat milk, and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee. However, under certain medical conditions or during physical exercise, our bodies might require an even higher intake of fluids.

Now, you might wonder, why the emphasis on hydration in a coaching-related blog. Here’s the crux of the matter – hydration levels significantly impact our cognitive abilities.

Dehydration, even in mild forms, can trigger a myriad of negative effects on cognitive performance. It can impair cognitive functions, memory, mood, concentration, and reaction times. By interfering with cognitive performance, dehydration can lead to lower productivity and reduced focus. It’s quite the domino effect, isn’t it?

As coaches, our clients engage us with the expectation of enhancing their performance. Our goal is to guide them towards achieving their desired outcomes, and it’s here that the importance of hydration gains heightened relevance.

To help clients perform at their peak, we need to consider all factors that might affect their cognitive abilities, and hydration is a crucial one. It’s about paying attention to the finer details that can significantly impact their performance. Imagine the transformative potential of a well-hydrated brain in your coaching sessions – the improved focus, the sharper memory, and the heightened mood. It’s a game-changer.

We need to ensure that our clients understand the influence of hydration on their cognitive abilities. Sharing this knowledge with them not only helps them improve their performance in coaching sessions but also enhances their overall well-being.

Furthermore, as coaches, we need to practice what we preach. How can we guide our clients towards optimal performance if we are not at our best? Dehydration’s impact on us as coaches can affect the quality of our coaching. It’s essential that we maintain our hydration levels to ensure that we are fully present, focused, and equipped to facilitate transformational coaching experiences.

As we delve deeper into the topic of hydration and cognitive performance, we begin to realise that it’s not just about drinking enough water. It’s about understanding how our bodies work and how our physical well-being influences our cognitive functions. It’s about making conscious choices that contribute to our overall health and the effectiveness of our cognitive abilities.

It’s about recognising that something as simple as drinking water can be a powerful tool in enhancing our coaching outcomes. So, the next time you prepare for a coaching session, remember to hydrate.

Encourage your clients to do the same. The results might surprise you.