Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

If you feel tired or easily irritated you may well be dehydrated....

Before you panic over a problem at work… or pop a pill try drinking more water.  Experts increasingly warn us that the human brain requires a healthy flow of irrigation to keep all the parts up and running well. Water can actually help your brain to run at full throttle when frustrations hit… problems present … or when you need that innovative insight to take a project to the competitive edge.

The Safe Drinking Water Act lists facts and figures that show both how vital and central water is to quality of life. For example… did you know that a person must consume 2.5 quarts of water per day from all sources (drinking or eating) to maintain health…. .Or are you aware that water regulates the temperature of the human body, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, cushions joints, protects organs and tissues, and removes wastes. In fact 66% of the human body is water… and 85% of the human brain is water. Can you see why it needs to be hydrated?

For  Dr. F Balmanghelidj water provides that powerful nutrient that generates unique energy. Colorado State University offers tips to manage nitrates that may be present in drinking water in your area.

 Lack of water creates a physical reduction in the ionic composition of the fluid surrounding brain cells … or neurons which swirls the brain into over-activity.  As a result … you become more sensitive to stimuli at work. In some people this action of the autonomic nervous system triggers a mild headache which might have been prevented with a few more glasses of  water’s cool drink to energize your day.

Here are tips for maintaining healthy hydration for your brain’s sake:

1. Drink at least eight 8-ounce servings of water each day.

2. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.

3. Drink plenty of water throughout the day … carry a bottle at work.

4. Don’t substitute beverages with alcohol or caffeine for water.

5. Once you start exercising, drink water throughout your workout.

6. Don’t underestimate the amount of fluids lost from perspiration.

7. Start and end your day with water - your body loses water while you sleep.

8. Common colds and  flu lead to dehydration. Keep water next to your bed.

9. Cool water – not carbonated beverages or sports drinks … work best.

Finally … here’s my own additional tip:

10. Offer water to others around you … especially to cranky workers … who could use a bit of hydration to ease their frustrations – yes it does that too!

What do you think?