Simple daily habits can make all the difference to our mental and physical health. Taking it step by step – rather than attempting to overhaul our routines in drastic ways – is widely acknowledged to be the secret to maintaining good habits, so if things are feeling overwhelming today, start with something small, like drinking water first thing when you wake up.
Why you should drink water upon waking
Dr Emily Leeming, author of Genius Gut, outlined the benefits of drinking 500ml (or two glasses) of water every morning on her Substack, Second Brain. Referencing a study that saw researchers analyse participants’ mood, energy and memory after drinking water in the morning, Dr Leeming highlighted drinking water – or other fluids – during your morning routine as a free and easy way to improve your wellbeing on many levels.
The study, which was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2020, sought to investigate the impact of water supplementation on cognitive performance and mood by essentially dehydrating the participants (who were young adults) for 12 hours overnight. Upon waking – at 8am – they were given different amounts of water to drink, and then they were tested.
The findings showed that drinking 200ml of water – a glass – was enough to reduce thirst, anger, fatigue and poor mood. Drink two glasses, and you help to improve your working memory, too. “This is the kind you use for decision making, problem solving and staying focused,” adds Dr Leeming. “Those who didn’t drink any water at all were thirsty, tired and grumpy.”
Since water is a “basic element of the human body, composing 60 to 70 per cent of our body weight, it is crucial for every system and metabolic activity” points out Jianfen Zhang, one of the study’s authors. Ensuring adequate hydration after eight hours of sleep is essentially giving our cells what they need to work effectively.
Tips on how to rehydrate first thing
“I recommend keeping a jug of water with a glass by your bed, or making sure you drink before and after you brush your teeth,” says Dr Leeming, adding that tea and coffee – without added sugars and syrups – also count as hydration too.
Originally published in Vogue.co.uk
