Everyone talks about that morning cup of coffee as a way to jumpstart the day and be productive but what about the rest of the workday? Any grogginess you may feel right before lunch or mid-afternoon is most likely due to a lack of hydration.
We’ve discussed the health benefits of staying hydrated before. Hydration impacts physical performance, significantly affects brain function and can even help control weight, just to name a few. So when you’re not drinking enough fluids and staying hydrated, it may affect your ability to be productive and get everything done over the course of your workday.
Whether you’re working from home or at the office, staying productive can be difficult, and we need all the help that we can get. Keep reading to learn how hydration impacts productivity and what you can do to experience the benefits.
Boosts Brain Function
Evidence shows mild dehydration can affect your mood, memory and brain performance. Headaches, lower concentration and a degraded mood are a few common symptoms. Environmental factors like temperature can also cause your hydration levels to dip early on in the day, contributing to these side effects.
For a job that keeps you sedentary for most of the day, aim to drink at least one or two glasses of water per hour to stay hydrated. Consider boosting your intake if your job requires you to be on your feet or you’re working in warmer temperatures.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Staying hydrated helps balance blood volume and blood pressure to reduce feelings of being lightheaded or dizzy. So coordinate water breaks with a few moments to get up and stretch or take a quick walk, particularly if you’re sitting at a desk for the majority of your day. This makes it easier to remember to fill up your water bottle and lower blood pressure with exercise.
Fights Fatigue During the Day
Another symptom of dehydration is fatigue. When you’re feeling sleepy, productivity often declines. Relying on caffeinated or sugary drinks to keep your energy levels going can lead to crashes later on in the day.
Instead, double up on your water intake by consistently drinking water and reaching for a piece of fruit or other hydrating snacks. Foods rich in nutrients, compared to chips and other salty snacks, will boost your brainpower and keep you more productive.
Eliminates Toxins from the Body
An additional benefit of drinking water is that it rids your body of toxins and keeps your immune system healthy. This is particularly important as we enter cold and flu season.
Consistently intaking fluids keep the body properly hydrated and functioning at its optimal capacity. Pair that with a balanced diet and plenty of sleep, you'll be able to maintain optimal health and keep your body’s functions in good working order. Nothing impacts productivity faster than being out with a cold.
Aids in Digestion
Lunch is usually a lighter meal of the day, but poor digestion can cause you to feel sluggish, leading to an afternoon slump. Drinking water with your meal allows your body better to absorb your food’s nutrients and aid in digestion. Rather than feeling weighed down, you’ll feel more energized to tackle the afternoon when you’ve had plenty of water to accompany your meal.
Hydration Made Simple
Looking for a way to make hydration as easy as possible?
At NAYAD, we offer a range of eco-friendly and reusable drinkware that makes drinking an adequate amount of water simple and convenient. Our stainless steel tumblers, mugs and water bottles are BPA-free and feature vacuum insulation to ensure your water is crisp and cold with every sip. Explore our collections to find the right system for you and give your productivity levels a boost.