Water for Emotional Wellness

by Dane Harter

We all know water is essential for wellness, but did you know that hydration can even affect your mood?

Recent studies show that drinking two to six cups of water within the first hour of waking up may alleviate anger and fatigue and increase calmness, satisfaction and other positive emotions.

Sleeping is, after all, an extended period of time without water intake, and in the morning you’re in short supply. Studies indicate that mild levels of dehydration can produce disruptions in mood and cognitive functioning. Ensuring you get adequate water intake is important to emotional wellness. 

“If you aren’t able to drink a lot of water in the morning,” said Ohio State Director of Health Promotion and Wellness Megan Amaya, PhD, CHES, NBC-HWC, “be sure to hydrate yourself throughout the day. Aim for 64 ounces of fluids and watch for signs of dehydration.” 

You can also hydrate with water-rich foods such as watermelon, strawberries, oranges, herbal teas, fruit juices and broth-based soups. Coffee lovers may be glad to know that while coffee has been considered dehydrating in the past, a recent study of 50 coffee drinkers showed that moderate coffee use did not cause dehydration and had similar hydrating qualities to water.