The Science Behind Hydration and Performance at Work
Do you know you can enhance your performance with just one simple thing—water? Yes, you heard it right. A proper water intake can do wonders and boost your productivity at work. You might underestimate the impact of an extra few glasses of water until you test it for yourself. The hydration apps are really effective in building long lasting hydration habits.
When you are well hydrated, you will notice a difference in your mental clarity, focus, and energy levels. In this blog, we will understand the amazing relationship between hydration and work performance.
You can maximise your performance in every area of your life by being proactive and recognising the significance of mindful hydration practices.
So grab a glass of water and come along on this exploration of the life-changing potential of hydration.
How does hydration affect performance?
You might use a cup of coffee or tea to kickstart your day, but what about the whole day? It is very common that you feel dizzy before lunch or midday. One of the prime reasons for that would be a lack of water in the body. The body is not able to perform its main functions if it is dehydrated.Let’s understand some ways in which hydration impacts work performance:
Energy Levels
Dehydration leads to a significant decrease in energy levels. Dehydration impairs your body’s capacity to control body temperature, which causes an elevated heart rate, reduced blood volume, and slowed sweating.
Cognitive Function
Dehydration also impacts cognitive abilities. According to studies, even mild dehydration—as little as 1% to 2% of body weight lost through fluid—can impair cognitive function and cause problems with short-term memory, focus, and alertness.
Decision Making
Dehydration can cause one to make decisions more slowly, which is a dangerous thing in any workplace. Important decisions should not be put off; doing so could result in missed deadlines, decreased productivity, or poor choices.
Fatigue
You will notice this various times: when you drink less water, you will feel tired and sluggish. Your body has to work harder to carry out essential tasks when you’re dehydrated, which makes you feel exhausted and less energetic.
Mood and Irritability
Dehydration negatively impacts the mood and feelings. Even mild dehydration causes heightened feelings of tension, anxiety, and irritability, which can lead to delayed actions and wrong decisions.
How does hydration work in the body?
There is a scientific process that goes behind hydration in the body. Hydration performs the function of refuelling the fluids lost through sweat, exhaling, and waste elimination. It involves water intake, distribution throughout the body, and the excretion of excess water and waste products. The normal range of body water for adult women varies between 45% and 60%. For men, the ideal body water percentage fluctuates between 50% and 65% of the total body. Here is the process of hydration in the body-
Water Intake or Consumption
The first step is to consume drinking fluids and foods that contain water. Water is essential for various bodily functions, including regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, removing waste, and maintaining the balance of electrolytes.Absorption
Water is mostly absorbed in the small intestine after you ingest fluids. The water is subsequently delivered to the body’s tissues and organs via the bloodstream.
Distribution
After absorption, water is distributed throughout the body, and it enters cells to perform important cellular functions. It maintains the fluid balance in various bodily compartments, including intracellular fluid (inside cells) and extracellular fluid (outside cells).Regulation
The body regulates water balance through a complex system involving hormones such as antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and aldosterone, which help regulate fluid levels by controlling urine production and reabsorption of water in the kidneys.
Excretion
Urine is the main way that waste materials and excess water are expelled, but sweat, breathing, and faeces are also ways that they are expelled. The kidneys are essential for eliminating waste from the body and preserving the proper ratio of water and electrolytes.
How do I keep myself hydrated at work?
Regular Reminders
You can stay hydrated even if you are stuck in a jam packed schedule with regular reminders from the WaterMinder app. It will remind you at constant intervals and ensure that you stay hydrated and energetic.
Reusable Bottles and Water Stations
You can keep a reusable water bottle at your desk that will constantly remind you to drink water. Also, employers can ensure that there are water stations in the office that are easily accessible to employees.
Track your water Intake
You can track your water intake, analyse it, and set personal goals with the amazing features of the WaterMinder app. It calculates the ideal water intake according to age, weight, height, etc. and keeps you focused on the hydration journey. Download the app here.On a performing note
Water is the basis for maintaining peak performance, workplace safety, and brain health. If we ignore this small but important detail, we might be jeopardising our safety, well-being, and productivity. Remain hydrated, exercise caution, and perform well at work.
WaterMinder
Track your daily water intake and achieve your hydration goals with a simple tap! Download App
