How Drinking Water May Help Depression And Anxiety

If you suffer from depression and anxiety, you may want to pay attention to what and how much you are drinking throughout the day. You may not be drinking enough water and instead may be drinking other beverages that may add to the feelings of depression and anxiety. If you are not already drinking enough water, I recommend increasing your water intake over the next few weeks to see if you feel any improvement of your symptoms. Just be sure not to drink plain water from the tap as there may be chemicals in the water that may not be good for you. While water may not be a cure, it might help to relieve some of the feelings associated with depression and anxiety. Here are some ways that water might be helpful.

INCREASES ENERGY

Drinking enough water daily may increase your energy level and flush toxins out of your body. Water can also help to relieve constipation, which may make a person feel sluggish if they are unable to move their bowels frequently. Depression may cause a lack of motivation and interest in some people. It may also make you feel fatigued, lethargic and weighed down. When your energy levels are higher, you may feel more motivation to do things. By increasing your water intake, you might also increase your energy and therefore you may feel more motivated to engage in an activity.

BETTER SLEEP

If you are having trouble sleeping, it may be due to anxiety, stress or depression. Staying hydrated with water throughout the day may help you to sleep better. If you consume beverages with caffeine or other stimulants, you may find that you have trouble sleeping. Being dehydrated may also interfere with sleep. By drinking enough water daily, you may find that you are able to sleep better, which can also help your mood and energy level.

HANDLING STRESS

One of the main reasons for drinking water is to stay hydrated. You may find that you are able to handle stress better when your body is hydrated. Dehydration may cause feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Also, if you drink enough water throughout the day, it may help you feel more alert and focused, which could lead to more positive feelings. Drinking water can help your brain to function better and more efficiently, which could help to fight off some of the feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.

REPLACE OTHER BEVERAGES WITH WATER

Some people like to drink coffee in the morning, soda for lunch and then another sugary drink for dinner. By consuming all that sugar, a person might be adding to the feelings of depression and anxiety. Also, most coffees and sodas contain caffeine. While caffeine may increase your energy level, it might cause feelings of anxiety in some people. Drinking water might not seem all that appealing as it does not really have much of a taste. However, if you replace most of your beverages with water, you might notice a decrease in the symptoms of your anxiety and increase in your mood overall.

WATER IS THERAPEUTIC

Other forms of water may be therapeutic. Listening to the sound of the ocean or a trickling water fountain, swimming in a pool or taking a warm bath can help relieve some of the symptoms of depression and anxiety. If water can be used externally for therapeutic reasons, then it may be true that taking water internally can have the same effects. Try to drink the equivalent of at least six glasses of water throughout the day and see if your mood and feelings of anxiety improve. Be careful not to go overboard and drink an excessive amount of water as this could lead to an electrolyte imbalance.