Being back at the office has many positive aspects. It is wonderful to see our colleagues again and get back to the work we enjoy. However, as we settle in to work in our offices, for many of us the kitchen is further away! It takes more effort to get up and go to the water fountain at the end of the corridor or to make a hot drink in the kitchen. As we go through the day, we can forget we need to drink water. Hence, our fluid intake during working hours may decrease significantly.
Water is the body's principal chemical component and makes up about 2/3rds of total body weight. Every cell, tissue, and organ in the body needs water to work properly. The body depends on water to survive. This means that drinking enough water during the day is crucial if we want to feel our best and perform at the highest level.
What are the benefits?
If you drink enough water, you will feel more alert at your desk and at home, and have better digestion and clearer, brighter skin. It can also help reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol and can have a positive effect on congestion caused by allergies, alleviating the symptoms and improving how you feel. It also helps slow down weight gain and aids the repair of joints and cartilage.
Furthermore, water can improve your performance at work. Hydration levels influence our brains and concentration suffer if the body becomes dehydrated. Drinking enough water can improve concentration and mood and can reduce the frequency of headaches.
Signs of insufficient water intake
Dry mouth
Dry skin
Excessive thirst
Joint pain
Decrease in muscle mass
Fatigue and lethargy
Digestive problems
How much is “enough”?
How do we know if we are drinking enough water? This can be a difficult question to answer. Studies show varying recommended amounts; individual water intake depends on many factors, including health, level of activity, and location. You have probably heard the advice to drink eight glasses of water a day. That is easy to remember and is a good goal for people who have an average level of activity. You can also employ the advice of a study in the U.S., which determined that an adequate total daily fluid intake is about 3.7 litres a day for men and 2.7 litres a day for women.
These recommendations cover water, other beverages like tea, milk, and juice and foods with high water content (watermelon and spinach are almost 100% water by weight). Most healthy people can stay hydrated by drinking water and other fluids whenever they feel thirsty. Some people require fewer than eight glasses a day; others may need more. Remember to always listen to your body and drink according to its needs!
Tips to drink more water:
Carry a reusable water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
Freeze some freezer-safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.
Have water on the table during meals.
Follow every cup of coffee with a glass of water
Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can improve taste and help you drink more water than you usually do.
Drink a glass of water after every bathroom break
Set a reminder on your phone to take a drink
Use an app to track your water intake like Drink Water Reminder-N-Tracker or Aloe Bud