How can keeping hydrated help relieve stress?

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The more tired you feel, the more prone you are to stress.

As you’ve probably experienced, when you haven’t drunk enough water, your energy levels are lower and the more tired you feel.

The human body is approximately 70% water.

The effect that water has on our brains is probably best understood when we understand that our brains are made up of approximately 85% water. Clearly then, when we are not hydrated properly enough, we can experience anything from mild headaches and fatigue to seizures, which can be a symptom of severe hydration.

PhysicalThere is, in fact, a chemical reason why you get more stressed, as when you’re even mildly dehydrated cortisol levels in the body increase. Cortisol production is triggered by the stress response. And one way to balance these chemicals in your brain? Drink more water.

So if you’re looking for a simple way to unwind from your stress-filled life, try drinking a glass of water – it will help you to cope better with stressful situations.

If you are not a water drinker carry a bottle around with you, and try taking a few sips every 15 minutes. If you drink a lot of fizzy drinks try swapping it for fizzy water.

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Neil Shah, Chief De-stressing Officer, The Stress Management Society