Leadership and Your Health

Everyone knows there are health benefits to drinking adequate amounts of water on a daily basis. Our bodies are roughly 2/3 water, and every cell requires hydration in order to work properly.  Metabolism, kidney function, body temperature, and nutrient absorption are just a few of the areas greatly affected by water intake.  But does drinking water really affect our leadership performance? Here are three ways water can directly impact you as a leader:

1.     A Clear Head

Our brains are nearly 90% water, and thus require proper hydration to function well.  Drinking enough water every day not only helps avoid headaches and migraines, but can help increase alertness and concentration.  Even mild dehydration can negatively impact your mood and ability to think.  Drinking more water is an easy way to help yourself be a little more focused and cheerful in tense or trying leadership situations.

2.     Increased Energy

Water helps relieve fatigue increasing blood volume in your body. Dehydration results in lower blood volume which requires your heart to work harder to pump oxygenated blood around your body, and can leave you feeling sluggish and tired. Leading your HOSA chapter takes commitment and long hours – adequate hydration can help you give your all to leading your team.

3.     Smells Like Success

Another symptom of dehydration is bad breath – water keeps your mouth moist and washes away food and bacteria that cause unpleasant odors. We all know what it’s like to be distracted by bad breath when someone is talking to us.  As leaders, we want people to be focusing on our words – not the way our breath smells.

Experts recommend drinking anywhere from 8-10 cups (64-80oz) of water daily, depending on weight and activity level.  So grab a water bottle, drink up, and LEAD ON!