Do you want to help decrease your stress and improve your overall? Drink more water.

Water makes up a significant portion of our body composition, and staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Adults should aim to drink eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day. While water is the best option, some other options include:  herbal tea, decaffeinated coffee, and fruit-infused water (not juice). 

Reasons to stay hydrated include the following:

• Water is essential for many important bodily functions, including digestion, circulation, absorption of nutrients, and regulation of body temperature. Water helps transport nutrients and oxygen to cells, flush out waste products, and lubricate joints.
• Dehydration can impair cognitive function, including concentration, alertness, and short-term memory. Staying hydrated helps maintain mental clarity and focus.
• Saying hydrated can help lower your stress by:
  • Decreasing  physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and irritability, which can contribute to stress. Drinking water helps prevent dehydration and can alleviate these symptoms, making you feel more relaxed and less stressed.
  • Providing a brief break from stressful situations, allowing you to step back, take a deep breath, and rehydrate both your body and mind. This pause can trigger the relaxation response, helping to reduce feelings of stress and promote a sense of calm.
  • Engaging in mindful hydration practices, such as savoring each sip of water and paying attention to how your body feels as you drink, can help promote relaxation and mindfulness. Mindfulness techniques have been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
• Dehydration can lead to decreased endurance, strength, and coordination, which can impair athletic performance and increase the risk of injuries during exercise.
• Drinking enough water helps keep the skin hydrated and moisturized, reducing the risk of dryness, irritation, and premature aging.

Tips to getting enough water:

• What works for me is to drink sixteen ounces in the morning while I’m getting ready for the day. This way I can knock out two glasses of water early.
• Have a water bottle with you at work and while you are out.
• Set a reminder to drink water.
• Find a friend who wants to increase their water intake and check in with each other to make sure you meet your goals.
• Use an app to keep track of your daily water.

Overall, staying hydrated is essential for maintaining optimal health, performance, and well-being. It's important to drink water regularly throughout the day, especially during exercise, hot weather, or when experiencing illness or dehydration symptoms.