We already know how important it is for our bodies to have water. The Texas Heart Institute says that blood is about 80% of water, which carries oxygen to different parts of our body. Drinking water can provide great mental health benefits in our mood and outlook on life.
Water Decreases the Risk of Anxiety and Depression
A study by the World Journal of Psychiatry says that people who drank more water every day reduced their risk of depression and anxiety. Individuals with the lowest level of water consumption doubled their risk of depression and anxiety. Drinking more water can help you feel more relaxed, whether or not you have anxiety and depression.
Water Reduces Panic Attacks
Panic attacks tend to have physical triggers when we are dealing with high anxiety, like dehydration. If you are prone to panic attacks, you can become easily panicked to the point where you feel like you are dying if you are not drinking enough water. Dehydration can expose you to symptoms that trigger panic attacks, like headaches and increased heart rate. Even though being hydrated does not get rid of panic attacks, it can help make you less prone to them.
Water Helps Control Your Mood Swings
A bad mood can indicate our body’s thirst. A study by the University of Connecticut proved that even mild dehydration can change a person’s mood, energy levels, and ability to think clearly. Not only could you have trouble controlling your moods, but you may have difficulties with your working memory, as well. Tension and anxiety can also be symptoms of dehydration.
Water Helps You Concentrate
The University of California, Davis said that dehydration can affect your motor skills and awareness. When the brain is fully hydrated, nutrients and toxins will be exchanged more frequently and help you be more alert and better concentrate. Everything will move in the body more smoothly. A hydrated brain can allow you to be more creative, think more clearly, and make decisions faster.
Water Helps You Be Happy
Drinking plenty of water is one of the keys to living a happy life. Being dehydrated can lead to feeling tired, stressed, and foggy. These symptoms can be reduced if you keep drinking water. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says that men should have 15.5 cups of water a day. The more water you drink a day, the happier you can feel, physically and mentally.
We take for granted the little things in life that can bring us an improved mood, like drinking water. We all need water to live, not just to nourish our body’s physical needs, but our emotional ones, too. That is why it is important not to wait until we are thirsty to drink water. A glass of water can make a world of difference in your mental health symptoms. At Alta Loma, located in Georgetown, Texas, you can learn all about improving your mood through healthy methods. We are dedicated to providing you with the tools you need to fit your psychiatric needs, such as a residency up to 24 months, individualized therapy, therapeutic recreational activities, comprehensive care coordination, and more. We understand how difficult it may be to control your mood. We are here to help you. To learn more, contact us today.