Drinking water is always beneficial but more so during these hot summer months. We frequently hear how important it is to drink water and that the recommended intake is at least 2 litres per day. The most obvious reason to drink water is to stay hydrated because our body needs it to function and stay healthy. There are several reasons how water can help us, focusing is one of them. Concentration is the ability the focus your full attention on a particular activity. Our ability to focus can be disturbed by different factors such as; having a headache, thinking about problems, worrying, lack of sleep, being distracted etc. So how does drinking water link with being able to focus?
Focusing is an activity that occurs in the brain, an organ that is roughly made up of 75% water. Thus, in order for the brain to function optimally, it needs to receive the proper amounts of water. Having sufficient liquid in the brain helps to improve functions such as remembering information which requires us to be focused. The act of feeling thirsty in itself can be a distraction since the person does not manage to focus on the task at hand which reduces the response time to complete an action. When a person is hydrated, they can be more alert which helps them to be energised and not feel drowsy which aids in concentration.
As has been discussed, drinking water has several benefits including the ability to focus better. Try and find a system that helps you stay on track with how much you are drinking so that by the end of day you would have at least drank the recommended 2 litres. You can download a hydration app on your phone that sends you reminders to drink water and helps you track how much you are drinking. You can also simply carry a bottle with you and set a target e.g. if the bottle takes up half a litre, you tell yourself that by lunchtime you want to drink 2 of them and till the evening another 2.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Dr Marilyn Muscat is registered as an Educational Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council in the United Kingdom where she trained. She works with children, adolescents and their families to understand more about educational, social and emotional well-being concerns that they have and to help them improve upon their difficulties. She can be contacted on marilyn@willingness.com.mt or call us on 79291817.