Imagine this: It’s been a long day, and you’re feeling a bit down. However, you take a sip of cool, refreshing water, and suddenly, you start feeling better. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. A new survey suggests that staying hydrated might just be the key to unlocking more joy in your daily life.
The poll of 2,000 American adults, conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by True Lemon, reveals that the average person experiences 57 “little things” that bring them happiness each week — that’s about eight per day. And what’s one simple way to boost your mood? According to 36 percent of respondents, drinking enough water. It turns out that the benefits of staying hydrated go beyond just quenching your thirst.
The survey divided participants based on how many glasses of water they drink daily and found some interesting correlations with happiness. Among those who drank 10 or more glasses a day, 80 percent said it was vital to find joy in the small things, compared to just 48 percent of those who drank less than one glass. Moreover, 46 percent of the most hydrated folks reported being very happy, while only 22 percent of the least hydrated group could say the same. When it comes to outlook, 71 percent of those who drank seven or more glasses daily considered themselves “glass half full” types, compared to 38 percent of those who had less than a glass.
On the flip side, not getting enough H2O can lead to some severe physical and emotional symptoms. Dehydration can cause low energy (35 percent), headaches (29 percent), and muscle cramps (23 percent), as well as low mood (39 percent), irritability (34 percent), frustration (28 percent), and anxiety (27 percent). So, what’s stopping people from staying hydrated? Well, 43 percent of respondents said that plain water just tastes boring. In fact, half of those who drank less than a glass a day strongly agreed with this sentiment, compared to only 11 percent of those who downed 7-9 glasses.
To make water more appealing, 61 percent of participants reported using additives like drink mixes and powders. This was especially popular among the most hydrated group, with 61 percent of those drinking 10+ glasses daily using add-ins, compared to 41 percent of the least hydrated group. Other strategies for staying on top of hydration included carrying a water bottle everywhere (39 percent), drinking water first thing in the morning (39 percent), and setting daily water intake goals (25 percent). Of course, drinking water isn’t the only way to find happiness in the everyday.
Respondents also reported boosting their mood by eating enough to avoid getting “hangry” (31 percent) and taking walks (30 percent). But with the myriad benefits of proper hydration – for both body and mind – it’s clear that keeping your water intake up should be a top priority. So the next time you’re feeling a bit lackluster, try reaching for your water bottle instead of that afternoon coffee or sugary snack. Your mood (and your body) just might thank you. And who knows? With all those extra moments of joy, you might even start seeing your glass as half full.