Why is it important to keep yourself hydrated?
Keeping yourself hydrated may be one simple way to reduce anxiety in your life. Researchers have found a connection between anxiety and dehydration
To make sure you’re hydrated enough to prevent a decline in your mood, calculate how much water you should be drinking and keep track of how much you actually drink.
You can take water with you as you move through your day to make it easier to build that hydration habit.
Drinking plenty of water will help keep you in good physical and mental shape, which is why it’s important to make hydration part of your overall self-care commitment.
What are the signs you might be dehydrated?
Increased anxiety is one of many indications you’re not getting enough water. Here are some ways to tell if you’re dehydrated:
thirst
dry mouth
skin changes, including dryness or redness.
dark yellow urine
constipation
higher blood pressure
fast heart rate
sleepiness or fatigue
headache or nausea
Signs of dehydration in children
When it comes to children, there are a few indications that dehydration may be severe. If you notice these symptoms in a child in your care, seek medical attention right away:
fussiness
lethargy
dry diapers
crying without tears
What can you do to boost your water intake every day?
Keep water close. Taking your own water bottle with you to work, to the gym, or on errands is a steady reminder to drink up.
Set alarms. Using alarms to remind yourself to drink water is an easy way to keep up with daily intake, especially if you are working to develop the habit.
Monitor your intake. At key points throughout the day — may be just before mealtimes — check your hydration benchmarks. Waiting until the end of the day to evaluate your intake may not leave enough time to correct a water imbalance.
Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables. Up to 20 per cent of your daily water consumption could come through the foods you eat, so including fruits and vegetables that are high in water content could help keep you hydrated.
Aim to finish early. To avoid sleep-defeating bathroom trips, make sure you have met your water goals well before it’s time to go asleep.
Are there other connections between hydration and mood?
Yes. The amount of water you drink can influence other aspects of your mood besides anxiety. Multiple studies have found a link between drinking water and these mental health states:
Depression
Confusion
Fatigue