Boost Your Water Intake, Boost Your Mood
Most of us know how important water is to our survival; our bodies are made up of over 70% water and it is important to keep those reserves replenished so our body can maintain its processes. Research has shown that our brains are 75% water and dehydration causes our brains to shrink, leading to an array of negative neurological and psychological effects. According to two recent studies from the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory, even mild dehydration can have negative consequences on your mood, ability to think clearly, and energy level.
If dehydration or lack of energy has been messing with your mood, Optimum Water Solutions can find the best way to support you and your staff reach their hydration goals! Whether your office or business is big or small we have the right size for your staff. Visit our website for more info and get a 7-day free trial!
Dehydration and Mood
If you find yourself often feeling irritated, nervous, or sluggish, you may be dehydrated. Dehydration affects our thoughts and feelings by slowing our circulation, which lowers blood flow, meaning less oxygen travels to your brain and it is not able to function properly. When the neurons in our brains that detect dehydration signal the mood-regulating parts of our brains that we are experiencing dehydration, our brain’s dopamine and serotonin balances are thrown off and this can have disastrous effects on mood.
Additionally, researchers have studied that there are associations between dehydration and mood, most commonly manifesting in feelings of decreased alertness, fatigue, and tension. Not exactly the best result for a working organization. This can lead to increased fatigue and sleepiness, as well as lower vigor and alertness levels and increased confusion. However, the subjects of this study reported an immediate increase in alertness and happiness when they were provided water.
Overall, the study found that dehydration led to a measurable increase in “total mood disturbance.” Mild dehydration resulted in headaches, difficulty concentrating, and perceived difficulty in completing tasks; participants who were not properly hydrated after exercise scored lower on mood assessments. “Even mild dehydration that can occur during the course of our ordinary daily activities can degrade how we are feeling,” reported Harris Lieberman, one of the studies’ co-authors and a research psychologist with the Military Nutrition Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine. “…these adverse mood changes may limit the motivation required to engage in even moderate aerobic exercise. Mild dehydration may also interfere with other daily activities, even when there is no physical demand component present.”
Drink More Water to Boost Your Mood
The good news is that current research findings indicate that cognitive abilities and mood states are positively affected by water consumption. Studies have found a significant connection between increased hydration and reports of vigor, alertness, and arousal. Reported mood ratings showed a significant increase in study after study when participants were given water. They found an immediate positive effect of water consumption on mood in adults. The more water participants consumed, the better their moods were. When water intake increased, tension, depression, and confusion scores went down. So best suggestion? Drink some, Clearly. Pure. Water.
