Whatever we do in our daily lives, whether it’s work, rest, or play, it's easy to forget the importance of drinking regularly to stay hydrated. But while we often hear about the physical effects of dehydration, what we don’t hear so much about is its impact on mental health. So, can dehydration cause anxiety? And if so, what’s the connection?

Understanding dehydration and anxiety

Dehydration kicks in when the body loses more fluid than it takes on to work effectively, leading to an imbalance in essential electrolytes. When you're dehydrated, normal electrolyte levels become confused, disrupting the communication between nerve cells and affecting how we function.

Electrolyte imbalances caused by dehydration can interfere with the body’s production of serotonin, which can potentially increase anxiety symptoms. While most people know mild physical symptoms, like thirst, dry mouth, and fatigue, and severe symptoms, including kidney or brain damage, dehydration can also affect your mental well-being.

Anxiety is a complex mental health condition identified by feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension, which can often be unfounded. Anxiety can manifest in different ways, from general anxiety disorder (GAD) to panic attacks, but it can display physical symptoms, including increased heart rate, restlessness, and rapid breathing.

The connection between dehydration and anxiety

Research suggests that dehydration can increase feelings of anxiety and stress. When your body lacks proper hydration, it can trigger physiological responses that mimic anxiety symptoms. For example, dehydration can lead to an increase in heart rate, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating – all of which are also common symptoms of anxiety.

Additionally, dehydration can impact cognitive function. That means it can impair your ability to think, make rational decisions, and concentrate. This lack of mental function, or brain fog as it’s commonly known, can add to feelings of unease and increase any existing anxiety disorders.

Practical tips for staying hydrated

The connection between dehydration and anxiety means making sure you stay hydrated is essential for good mental health. Here are some practical tips to help you stay hydrated and minimise the risk of dehydration-related anxiety:

Drink plenty of water: Aim to drink around eight glasses of water each day, or more if you're physically active or in a hot environment.

Limit dehydrating drinks: Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine or alcoholic drinks, as these can contribute to dehydration.

Eat hydrating foods: Add more foods with a high water content into your diet to boost your hydration levels.

Listen to your body: Pay attention to what your body's telling you, and drink water whenever you feel thirsty.

Defeat dehydration with Thirsty Work

While dehydration alone may not directly cause anxiety, it can make existing symptoms worse and add to feelings of stress and unease. By prioritising hydration, you can support your physical and mental health. Remember, staying hydrated isn’t just essential for quenching your thirst – it's also crucial for nourishing your mind.

So, if you feel your anxiety levels rising, take some time out to check your hydration levels. A glass of cool, fully filtered water might just be what you need to calm your nerves and restore a sense of balance to your day. To help, consider installing a mains-fed or bottled water cooler in your home or office.

To find out more about our water coolers, contact our customer service team today at 01392 877 172 or email hello@thirstywork.com for your free quote or to get started with your water cooler 10-day free trial.