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Mental Health and Hydration: The Ultimate Duo

You’ve heard it before, “Make sure to drink your water”, “Water is so good for you.”

Yes, yes, yes.

But, why? And also, how is it good for you?

When it comes to drinking water, there can be a lot of misinformation and fear mongering.

“Only drink when you’re thirsty.”

“If you only drink when you’re thirsty, you’re dehydrated.”

“Drink a gallon of water a day.”

It can be exhausting to know why drinking water is so important – especially when it’s such a basic (and sometimes very annoying) task. But, the truth is, drinking water is beneficial for reason’s besides just staying hydrated. It can be an effective tool in helping to alleviate many of the mental health issues we suffer from today.

Before changing your diet in any way, we always recommend speaking to a doctor or healthcare physician first, but in this blog, we’ll be going over all the mental health benefits of drinking water.

(And also, how you can get those benefits without actually drinking any water at all!) Sound confusing? You’ll have to read to find out!

Mental Health Benefits of Drinking Water

You may be thinking that the only health benefits you can get from water is for physical health, but we’re here to tell you that’s false!

Water can keep you regular, help with circulation, and lessen the chance of muscle fatigue, but it’s actually plays a huge factor in keeping your mental health in check, too!

Here are our favorite mental health benefits of drinking water!

Boosts Energy

Water helps boost your body’s circulation, sending extra oxygen to your muscles, cells, organs, and brain! The benefit of this? Increased energy! Often times, when you’re feeling tired or having mood shifts, it might just be because your body needs that extra oxygen!

Aids in Weight Loss

If you’re looking to lose a couple of extra pounds or improve your lifestyle with new and improved workout routine, staying hydrated and drinking lots of water is your answer. Water will naturally help alleviate muscle weakness and keep you from feeling hunger boredom.

Try this ACAC Tip! Try adding strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi to your water for a delicious, summery change to plain water.

Decreases Brain Fog

You may not know this, but your brain is made up of 73% water! Yes, it’s true. Because of this, it obviously needs large amounts of hydration daily to continue operating at its full potential. Water also helps with circulation, delivering more oxygen to your organs which can help to eliminate brain fog or lethargy that is common when your body is dehydrated.

Alleviates Body Stress

When your body feels dehydrated, often time the first place you’ll notice it is in your mental wellbeing. Headaches, lethargy, mood swings, depression, and anxiety are all common symptoms of dehydration and can often times clear after eating hydrating foods or drinking a glass of water.

We also want to reiterate that drinking water is not a cure all, but it is a cheap and available option that can definitely help if you’re feeling a bit off around your period or after a workout!

Improves Complexion

While this benefit isn’t strictly mental per say, it does correlate with how you feel about yourself – a big component of mental health.

When your skin is plump, clear, and hydrated, you often feel a lot better about yourself, leading to less depression, anxiety, or self-conscious thoughts. As skin is your largest organ, it’s important to keep it hydrated so it stays looking its best!

Best Ways to Stay Hydrated (Without Drinking Water)

If after all these benefits, you’re still thinking, “but water is gross,” well, we have the answer for you.

Getting hydration doesn’t actually have to come from drinking water. While that is a fast delivery medium, you can also get tons of water from these delicious foods:

  • Watermelon (hey, it’s in the name)
  • Kiwi
  • Cucumber
  • Tomatoes
  • Celery
  • Oranges
  • Peppers
  • Mushrooms

Become the Best You at ACAC!

At ACAC, we already know you are the best you! We’re just here to give you the tools to show it off!

With expert-led personal training, fun and supportive fitness classes, and amazing post-workout recovery options, we’re here to provide you with everything you’ll need in one place to become the person of your dreams!

Head in to any one of our locations today and try a free 3-day trial! If you love us, Join ACAC and let’s be amazing together!

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