Water and Your Wellbeing

Published on by poppyrevans

It is suggested that we aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, this amounts to around 1.2 to 1.5 litres. So why is it so important that we drink water and how does it affect our wellbeing?

I can be the first one to admit that I definitely don’t drink enough water. I try to bring it into my daily routine, but it’s very easy to forget. This is why I think it is important to remind ourselves of the benefits of drinking water and how it can impact our overall wellbeing.

Brain functioning and energy levels

Drinking water keeps you hydrated, so when you’re not drinking enough of it, it can negatively impact your productivity and general mood. Studies have shown that fluid loss (which can occur during everyday activities) impacts:

  • Mood
  • Concentration
  • Memory
  • Frequency of headaches
  • Anxiety and tiredness levels

I can tell that I’ve not been drinking enough water when I have difficulties concentrating on work. Similarly, whenever I feel a headache coming on, I immediately go and drink a pint of water.

A headache is one of the most common symptoms of dehydration and for some, this frequently results in migraines. Studies have even suggested that drinking water can reduce headache frequency in people that suffer with them.

Water and your mental health

Research has shown that there is a connection between drinking enough water and having good mental health. Being dehydrated may well increase your risk of depression and anxiety.

According to Healthline, a study in 2018 showed that drinking more water lowered the risk of anxiety and depression. The connection between dehydration and depression was stronger, but results showed that anxiety levels were higher in those that weren’t drinking enough water.

When I struggled with anxiety and panic attacks a few years back, I took a look at what I was putting into my body. When buying a snack, the first thing I would go for was a chocolate bar and a Lucozade sport, or a fizzy drink. I made a conscious decision to change this and started buying water and fruit instead. I think that this was one of the most important steps I took in fixing my mental health.

Looking after your skin

Skin is the largest organ in your body, it only makes sense to keep it hydrated. Drinking enough water is a natural way to get the glowing and healthy skin that we’re all looking for.

If you are someone that suffers with spots or acne, then it is super important that you’re drinking enough water! Spots are caused by toxins clogging up your pores. Drinking more water keeps your skin hydrated and therefore minimises clogging.

Furthermore, keeping your skin hydrated helps to maintain its elasticity. Drinking large amounts of water decreases scars, wrinkles, and soft lines, meaning that signs of aging are lessened. As you get older, it will be more difficult for your body to retain water, making it crucial to ensure you are drinking enough of it now.

I like to picture my skin as a piece of fruit – once they are dehydrated, they become coarse and wrinkly. Who wants to be a shrivelled-up raisin? Not me!

Weight loss

There are so many reasons why drinking water aids weight loss! I think this section is in need of some bullet points:

  • It is a natural appetite suppressant – often we think we are hungry, when really it is likely that we need some water. Similarly, water takes up space in our stomach, leading to reducing hunger and leaves you feeling full.
  • Water increases calorie burning – this can be during exercise or resting. Drinking cold water further enhances this as the body uses up energy/calories by heating up the water to digest it.
  • Aids digestion and helps to remove waste from the body – drinking water helps to filter your kidneys and minimises constipation, keeping everything down there flowing smoothly.
  • Reduces calorie intake – as water has no calories, drinking just water rather than all the other drinks out there means that you are minimising your overall calorie intake.
  • You need water to burn fat – without drinking water, your body is unable to break down fats and carbohydrates. In fact, drinking plenty of water increases your metabolism.
  • Working out – it is imperative that we drink water before, during and after our workouts. It helps the lungs, heart and other organs to function, and also helps muscles, joints and connective tissues to move correctly.

Drinking water when you’re ill

It is crucial that you are drinking enough water when you’re sick. First of all, sweating, fevers and running noses all increase body fluid loss, which may well lead to dehydration. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water relieves congestion and loosens the mucus in your nose, pushing you towards a speedy recovery. Similarly, staying hydrated helps the body’s overall functioning and means that it is better equipped to defends itself against illness.

There are many more benefits of drinking water, but these are the ones that I feel are most influential on our overall health and wellbeing. I do hope that this has spurred you to want to drink more water, because it is honestly so important for us! Now don’t mind me, I’m off to grab a glass of water!

Image credit: Camille Brodard via Unsplash

Leave a comment