Staying physically and mentally on top of things throughout our workday, while also maintaining enough energy to have an enjoyable few hours before we go to sleep, can be surprisingly tricky.
Considering how many hours of our lives will be spent this way, it’s really important to dedicate some thought to optimising our health, both physically and mentally.
On that note, here are some of the main health-related reasons as to why hydration is so key to an optimised workday.
Improves cognitive function
One of the most important benefits of staying hydrated throughout the workday is the impact it will have on your cognitive function. Dehydration can have massively detrimental effects on your ability to focus, memory, and even on critical thinking.
Pretty much all jobs require all of these basic skills, and even if you work in one that doesn’t, it’s important to have these basic cognitive functions to fully live and enjoy your life outside of work.
Reduces fatigue
Being dehydrated can place a lot of unnecessary stress on the rest of your body. It causes a decrease in blood volume, for example, which makes your heart have to work a lot harder to keep your body going.
As a result, drinking sufficient water can have a tangible effect on your energy levels, reducing fatigue and avoiding the kinds of energy dips that you get from over-reliance on coffee or sugary drinks.
Healthy microbreaks
Whether you’re working from home or at the office, it’s really important to take short, 3 to 5-minute breaks regularly throughout the day. While it can be tempting to spend that time scrolling on Instagram or TikTok, that doesn’t really give your brain and eyes the rest they likely need.
Taking a few minutes to go and get a glass of water, drink it, and stare out the window for a few minutes can help you calm down a little, and get ready to lock back into the next task.
Limit snacking
A massive number of people find themselves snacking throughout the day when they’re stressed, bored, or otherwise looking for a distraction. While a bit of snacking can be fine, if you’re constantly at it, you can find that your metabolism and blood sugar regulation start to suffer.
Having a drink of water can provide a similar scratch to that itch, that need for a distraction, while also making you feel a little less hungry. Having a nice tabletop water dispenser, and a fun water bottle that’s easy to drink from, can also make this a lot easier.
Staying hydrated likely won’t be the answer to all your work-related problems, but it’s a great place to start. By regularly drinking small quantities of water, you can improve your cognitive function, reduce fatigue, integrate healthy micro breaks into your workday, and avoid turning to snacking too frequently.
Make it as easy as possible for you to get your hands on some tasty water, and you’re a lot more likely to be successful in your hydration goals.
