Maximising Productivity: Strategies for Staying Hydrated at Work

During the summer months in Australia, temperatures can reach incredibly high levels; as a result, employees who do not drink enough water while on the job can suffer from dehydration.

Hydration is essential for health and well-being. However, many individuals do not consume enough fluids throughout the day. This is especially true if they are preoccupied with work-related duties.

Although the amount of water required daily varies from person to person, consuming at least eight cups per day is recommended. ^[1]

You should also encourage your employees to consume enough fluids while on the job for numerous reasons. This article explores the benefits and motivations for keeping optimal hydration levels at work.

Importance of staying hydrated at work

Hydration impacts both the body and the brain’s function. A sufficient amount of water in the brain preserves memory, clarity of thought, and motivation. In addition, it significantly improves your problem-solving abilities by increasing brain function.

So, adequate water consumption is one of the most critical factors influencing your work performance.

A well-hydrated body can operate actively and efficiently, whereas dehydration can cause you to lose concentration and become lethargic. In addition, owing to a lack of water in the brain, brain activity is impaired, resulting in diminished performance.

Before discussing the benefits of hydration in the workplace, let’s discuss the importance of water for the brain.

Fact: “About 73% of the adult brain is composed of water.”

As more than half of our brain is composed of water, it is a necessary food for us. The optimal functioning of our brain depends on water. When the brain is dehydrated, concentration and memory are impaired. Moreover, a dry mind can result in mental weariness, headaches, and sleeplessness.

How much Water Should you Consume Per Day?

The water required to maintain hydration depends on a person’s physical size and activity level. However, several experts concur that consuming half of one’s body weight in ounces will alleviate the symptoms of dehydration, resulting in increased energy, heightened alertness, less feeling of hunger, and a sped-up healing process.

For example: If you weigh 150 pounds, you should consume 75 fluid ounces daily, or around nine eight-ounce glasses.

Tips to Staying Hydrated at Work

Hydration is crucial to your health and well-being, and you must replenish fluids lost during the day. Nonetheless, some individuals struggle to maintain adequate water intake, particularly in the fall and winter, when the prospect of drinking water makes them feel cold.

Create a recurring reminder on your phone or calendar. Do whatever it takes to make everyday water consumption a habit. Use the following strategies to stay hydrated and healthy regardless of the season:

Flavoring Water

One effective method of encouraging oneself to consume more water is incorporating flavorings into it since it makes it more enjoyable and motivates you to drink more water. Some simple ways to enhance the flavor of water and boost your consumption include:

·  Put a lemon or lime wedge to water in a glass.

·  Use caffeine-free herbal tea while preparing iced tea.

·  Cucumbers or oranges can improve the flavor.

·  Use ice cubes made from frozen fruit.

·  Another recommendation is to always carry a water bottle with you. Reusable water bottles save time and money and are better for the environment than single-use plastic bottles.

Follow a Healthy Diet

Water-dense meals and a diet rich in fibrous vegetables and fruit are among the most effective means of promoting hydration.

Learn the Symptoms of Dehydration

Mild dehydration is easy to detect, allowing you to rehydrate well before you become severely dehydrated. Thus, educate yourself on the symptoms of dehydration so you can identify them and restore your hydration levels.

Effective Strategies for Managing Excessive Sweating

Sweating is the body’s natural cooling mechanism. As you become hot, your sweat glands exude moisture from your body to cool it down. Sweat moisturises the skin and maintains the body’s electrolyte balance.

Your sweat consists primarily of salt and water. Therefore, heavy sweating might result in dehydration due to water loss. If you want to sweat less, these tips and tricks could help!

Choose Breathable Attire

To avoid sweating, you should maintain a cool body temperature. Choose loose-fitting, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabric.