As spring gets closer, we know summer's coming soon. That means it's time to drink lots of water! With each passing hour, the impending heat of summer serves as a gentle reminder to give the most essential electrolytes and ions to replenish our bodies. This vital practice isn't confined to any particular season but becomes particularly crucial during the scorching days of summer.
But, in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to forget the simplest yet most essential element of our well-being – water. We all know staying hydrated is crucial for physical health, but did you know dehydration can also mess with your mind?
Absolutely!
In this blog, we'll dive into the surprising ways the state of dehydration can influence your mental state. We will also learn why investing in eco-friendly water bottles, such as a range of eco-friendly insulated water bottles is not just good for the planet, but for your mind too.
Let’s start the hydration then…
The Brain's H2O Connection
Let's start with the basic bio-science.
Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and this vital fluid plays a crucial role in nearly every bodily function - brain function, organ working, and even bowel movement. Your brain is actually like a big sponge, containing around 73% of water. So, it shouldn't be surprising that even mild dehydration, losing just 2% of your body's water. can start impacting your brainpower.
When we become dehydrated, even mildly so, our brain cells lose efficiency in performing tasks and this leads to symptoms like:
- Foggy Thinking- Think of your brain cells like tiny balloons. And when you get dehydrated, they shrink a bit, making it harder for them to communicate with each other. They become powerless with each passing time. This can lead to feeling foggy, forgetful, and struggling to focus, concentrate, or grasp new things.
- Mood Swings: Dehydration can mess with your brain's chemistry, and it can happen to all, men, women, children, all. Drinking less water affects chemicals like serotonin and dopamine that influence mood. This leads to irritability, low energy, headaches, and even feelings of anxiety or depression.
- Short-Circuiting Memory: Your brain relies on water to send electrical signals that process information and form memories. When you drink water in an appropriate amount, your neurons can work as they should and can communicate properly for you to act on time. When you drink less and become dehydrated, this system of signals gets disrupted, causing difficulties with short-term memory, recalling names, or remembering tasks.
- Decision Fatigue: Dehydration can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in the body, including sodium and potassium, which are essential for proper nerve function. The imbalance in electrolyte levels contributes to compromised nerve signaling in the brain, leading to cognitive fog and impaired decision-making. Even mild dehydration can make your brain work harder, leading to mental fatigue. This can make it harder for you to make even simple decisions and leave you feeling drained and unmotivated.
- Feeling Lethargic: Whether you're studying for an exam, getting ready for an international conference or summit, playing sports, or tackling a work presentation, dehydration can put your brain to a stop. It can slow down reaction times, impair coordination, and affect cognitive performance.
The overall science behind this is pretty simple – less water means less oxygen and nutrients to the brain, hindering its ability to function optimally.
The Stress Connection
Dehydration doesn't just affect cognitive function - it can also aggravate stress levels. It can disrupt the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. When these hormones are imbalanced, you can feel anxiety, nervousness, and agitation.
The exacerbated feelings of anxiety and tension make our daily lives even more challenging. And the good news is, you can easily reverse the process by drinking water from eco-friendly custom water bottles. Let’s make drinking and staying hydrated fun and interesting.
Hydrated Body Sleeps Better
Just like a wilted plant perks up with a splash of water, our brains respond quite similarly to hydration. When you quench your thirst from a marathon or after a long day in the office, you enjoy a lemonade, your brain feels extremely happy and relaxed and, more alert, and focused. And it also promotes better sleep.
Unfortunately, only 21% of US adults drink the recommended level of water in their whole day as per a study in 2019 by JAMA Internal Medicine. So, the next time you're feeling down, instead of reaching for a sugary snack or caffeine fix, try reaching for your eco-friendly insulated water bottles, each filled with magnetizing tastes such as plain water, lemonade, orange juice, or maybe a smoothie.
Signs of Dehydration to Watch Out For
If you are confident that you drink an adequate amount of water daily, then think again. Recognizing the signs of dehydration is crucial for maintaining optimal mental wellness and brain function.
- Feeling lethargic and sleepy all day long, making it harder to stay alert and focused.
- Getting constant headaches and migraines.
- Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can affect mood, leading to increased feelings of irritability and anxiety.
- Dryness in the mouth and lips is a classic sign of dehydration.
- Dark yellow or amber-colored urine is a sign that you need to drink more fluids to balance body ions.
Tips For Staying Hydrated & Mentally Sharp Always
Now that you’ve understood the grave impact dehydration can have on your brain, it is time to explore some practical tips for staying hydrated and mentally sharp for better performance and life:
- Carry an Eco-Friendly Water Bottles: Not just any eco-friendly but investing in Investing in a range of eco-friendly insulated water bottles can encourage you to drink more water throughout the day. Opt for a reusable, BPA-free bottle that you can refill wherever you go.
- Set Hydration Goals: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the USA recommends a daily water intake of 3.7 liters for adult men and 2.7 liters for adult women. Are you drinking enough?
- Track your progress using a water-tracking app or journal. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water; instead, sip it regularly in your eco-friendly custom water bottle.
- Infuse Your Water: Does plain water bore you? Try infusing it with fruits or herbs for added flavor just like flavored tea. You can add lemon, cucumber, and mint as refreshing options and make your hydration game more enjoyable.
- Eat Hydrating Foods: Fruits and vegetables have high water content and can contribute to your overall fluid intake. Watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries are excellent choices.
- Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol as they can have dehydrating effects.
- Take Breaks, Sip & Stretch: If you work at a desk or in front of a screen, take regular breaks to stretch your legs and hydrate. This improves circulation to the brain.
Conclusion - Choose the Right Bottle & Bring the Fun of Hydration
Now that we understand the importance and ways of staying hydrated for our mental wellness, let's talk about the eco-friendly options available in our store. Eco-friendly water bottles, such as eco-friendly insulated water bottles and custom-made water bottles, not only help reduce single-use plastic waste but also keep your water cool and refreshing throughout the day. Plus, Supper Sparrow’s customizable options add a personal and fun touch to your hydration routine. They’re perfect for everyone – adults, kids and opas!
And remember - next time when you're feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, reach for your trusty eco-friendly water bottle and drink your way to a happier, healthier you.
