Water is essential to all life. As humans, our bodies and minds are no different. The fact that water makes up 60%-70% of the adult body weight is huge! Being hydrated is obviously important to our health and wellbeing, but its importance is still not being stressed enough. Without realizing it, you could be suffering from the negative side effects that are easily brought on by dehydration that impacts our minds and bodies alike. Keep reading to find out just how important water is to our mental and physical health- plus tips to stay hydrated!!
We are All (Mostly) Water
It is eye-opening to learn how much our organs rely on water. In Hydration for Health’s helpful chart, which I placed below, you can see the break down of the water content of our different organs.
Dehydration impacts everything from how your organs are functioning to your mood. Because our brain is composed of 74.8% water, it makes sense that dehydration would impact its functioning greatly. Among the effects are fatigue, headaches, slower reaction times, irritability, and cognitive performance. Additionally, when dehydrated, your brain utilizes more energy to perform the same task as it would be hydrated. While we might be inclined to say these symptoms are caused by stress or mental illness, it could be a result of mild dehydration too!
Several studies found that it only takes 2% of dehydration to impair performances and function. While other studies found it takes only a 1% dehydration rate for the negative effects to begin. When our bodies are composed of so much water, we can easily be at least 1% dehydrated without realizing it. After learning this, hydration has become my first line of defense when I am feeling off. Tired? Water. Headache? Water. Upset? Water. Of course, water does not cure everything, but dehydration could be causing a lot of issues that you did not know!
How do I know if I am drinking enough water?
Use this hydration calculator from Hydration for Health! By just entering some of your information, you will receive their recommendation for your daily water intake. Another way to check your hydration level is with this urine color chart! Everyone’s hydration needs are different and depend on multiple factors such as weight, activity, diet, and genetics!
Tips on Staying Hydrated
1 | Start the morning with a glass of water!
After hours of no water intake, this is exactly what you need to nourish yourself in the morning! Drink water before anything else to help replenish and wake up your body. Because our brains are made up of 74.8% water and our muscles are made up of 75.6%, dehydration in the morning can easily cause headaches and muscle aches. I fill up my water bottle before bed and am sure to drink at least 16 ounces first thing in the morning (usually more)! After starting this morning water routine, I have found myself having fewer headaches in the morning and a general feeling of being ready for the day!
Related: Morning Routines! Benefits and How to Create A Positive Start Daily
2 | Invest in a reusable water bottle
In order to stay hydrated, you need access to water for you to drink! By having a reusable water bottle handy, you will never need to worry about staying hydrated when out and about. I always leave the house with my water bottle- even if I am going out to eat. There are water bottles with built-in filters 
3 | Keep track of your hydration throughout the day
To be sure you are drinking enough water, you must know how much water you are drinking. There are various ways to keep track: on your phone, through a hydration app, or in a journal to name a few. On my habit tracker, I have a space for “daily water intake” to help me stay on track (print your habit tracker here)! There are even smart water bottles!
Hydration is an essential part of our overall well being! I even keep some extra cute cups in my self-care kit and drink a big glass to calm myself! I hope my article inspires you to stay hydrated and make it part of your daily self-care! Please comment below and tell me what you think of my article on hydration and mental health! I would love to hear your hydration tips! If you know someone who could benefit from this article, please show you care and share the bear! Be sure to sign up for my emails and follow on social media to get the most of the positive world of Brightside Bear!
