It’s no secret that drinking plenty of water throughout the day is good for you. It has plenty of physical benefits that range from aiding digestion, weight loss and bad breath, to boosting our immune systems.

Our bodies are actually made up of about 60% water, and our blood is around 90% water. This is essential, as our vascular systems deliver essential nutrients to our brains and other organs. But did you know that staying adequately hydrated can also do wonders for your mental health? Below, we delve into how water can not only help you stay hydrated, but can also go a long way in helping you maintain your mental wellness.

Decreased Risk of Depression

While depression and anxiety are both conditions that should be treated with the help of medical professionals, studies have shown that drinking enough water can help decrease the risk of either one occurring in adults. One study of 3300 people showed that those who drank more water daily showed lowered risk of depression and anxiety, while those with a lower water intake were reported to have increased their risk.

However, drinking water cannot eliminate patients’ mental health conditions, and if you or a friend or family member are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, consult a medical practitioner to find the right treatment plan.

Reduced Risk of Panic Attacks

According to some studies, sufficient hydration can help reduce the risk of panic attacks too. This is because panic attacks tend to have physical triggers, one of which could be dehydration. It could easily expose you to symptoms that can trigger the onset of panic attacks, including headaches and increased heart rates. While staying hydrated will never eliminate panic attacks, it does have the potential to lessen the frequency of them as potential triggers may be eliminated.

Improved Concentration

When we’re dehydrated, we may find it difficult to concentrate. This is because dehydration can lead to headaches and fatigue, both of which have the potential to negatively affect our concentration. Furthermore, dehydration can also affect our sense of awareness and our fine motor skills, so making sure our brains stay properly hydrated helps lead to higher levels of productivity in the long run.

Fewer Mood Swings

If you’re prone to mood swings, drinking sufficient water could help you control them. Research has shown that even mild dehydration could alter a person’s mood, their energy levels, and their ability to think clearly. Not only can dehydration have a negative effect on our daily activities, but it could lead us to develop difficulty in completing mental tasks involving vigilance and working memory. This could lead to frustration and further complications, including difficulties in controlling our moods and the way we feel.

Hydration Makes You Happier

When we drink water, we simply just feel better, much like when we play Mac pokies. Sufficient hydration is one of the keys to a happy life. When we’re dehydrated, we tend to feel tired, groggy, stressed and even irritable. However, some of these symptoms can be greatly reduced by simply increasing our daily water intake.