Written by: Shayla Moguel-Coronel
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.
You have probably been told to drink water as a solution to a current issue. Do you have a headache? Drink water. Is your stomach upset? Drink water. Are you falling asleep in class? Drink water!
This inorganic chemical compound provides many benefits to the human body as it is essential to almost every bodily function. Among these functions, we should consider how drinking water can also affect our overall mental health, starting with the brain.
The crown jewel of the human body, the brain, is essential for interpreting our senses, body movement and behavior. Considering that the brain is made up of 80% water, we should make sure that we are drinking enough water to keep our brain up and running.
Studies show that when we are 1 percent dehydrated, we experience a 5 percent decrease in our cognitive functioning. Our cognitive functioning refers to several mental abilities, including learning, thinking, reasoning and memory. In turn, these abilities affect our judgment and decision-making. By staying hydrated, we are in a great position to have better judgment and make better decisions that can positively affect our mood.
The brain is also involved in hormone production. When fully functioning, the brain will produce hormones in response to stimuli. Among these hormones, there are four hormones that promote happiness: serotonin, endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin. These are better known as the “feel-good” hormones.
These hormones help the brain understand, evaluate and communicate your experiences. When the brain is supplied with the necessary hydration, it is better able to efficiently produce these hormones, thus contributing to our emotional stability and ability to experience good moods.
In itself, drinking water is a form of self-care and mindfulness. You might find yourself drinking water after a stressful activity, such as giving a speech in class, or after your turn on the basketball court. You might also drink water while having an at-home spa day or while you are conversing with your roommates. The act of drinking water allows us to take a moment to slow down and enjoy our environment, alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety.
A 2018 study published in World Journal of Psychiatry concluded that greater water drinking was associated with decreased risk of anxiety and depression in adults.
It is a common struggle to figure out exactly the amount of water we should be drinking. According to the Mayo Clinic, this amount of water depends on many factors, including the state of our current health, where we live and our activity levels.
While it is highly suggested that you talk with your doctor or dietitian to help you determine the amount of water necessary for you, there are several ways in which you can increase your water intake. You can drink a glass of water with each meal and between meals, before, during or after exercise, and whenever you feel thirsty.
The simple act of staying hydrated can make great contributions to our mental health and overall well-being. From improving our cognition to mood regulation, drinking water plays a big role in supporting the functions of our brain and body. While you may prefer Dasani over Deer Park, or Aquafina over Great Value, be sure to prioritize your daily intake of water. Let’s raise a glass (of water) to hydration and mental
