Oh, how I do love a simple free health hack (ignoring the water bill). The only effort required?
The walk to your sink, filling a glass with water, and drinking.
Done.
I particularly like studies like today’s one, where there’s clear actionable advice from the results.
It’s also helpful that they studied different doses, varying amounts of water, too.
That’s not always the case, like the advice to eat ‘6 servings of fermented vegetables a day.’ While helpful, we don’t yet know if, in the long run, 2 servings might deliver similar benefits.
And 2 servings is far easier than 6.
In this study, the researchers looked at the participants’ mood, energy, and memory after drinking water in the morning.
The participants were not allowed to drink any water or other fluids for 12 hours overnight (starting from 8 pm).
Then at 8:30am the following morning, the participants were given different amounts of water to drink.
And an hour and a half later, at 10am, they tested their mood, energy levels (fatigue), and memory.
The researchers found that by drinking:
One glass of water (200ml) - they were less thirsty, had more energy, and a better mood.
Two glasses of water (500ml) - had the added benefit of improving their working memory too, the kind you use for decision-making, problem-solving and staying focused.
Will a quick morning sip just do? Doesn’t seem so.
They found that the smallest amount of water (100ml) didn’t affect their mood or their cognitive performance either.
And not drinking any water at all? They were thirsty, tired and grumpy.
Build drinking water (or other fluids) into your morning routine in a way that works best for you.
You could:
keep a jug of water with a glass by your bed
drink a morning tea or coffee (they count as hydration)
drink a glass before and after you brush your teeth
set a morning alarm to drink water or other fluids
Cheers!
Chat soon, Emily xx
I'm so pleased that tea got a mention at the end! The first thing I do when I get up is make, and drink, a cup of tea. It doesn't matter what time it is or where I'm going, tea always comes first. And if I have to be out of the house early (not so usual now that I'm retired) I make sure I account for 30 to 45 mins for tea when I set my alarm.
I'm also avidly searching for a reliable teasmade so that I can sometimes lie in and still have tea. The best of both worlds!
Isn't this just depriving someone of something for a period of time and then the physical relief at having it again?