Did you know that one of the essential elements of staying productive at work is hydration? It might not seem like a good fit with common tips such as staying organised and prioritising tasks but studies have shown that dehydration had some adverse effects in the work performance of employees this includes agitation, impatience and irritability, lacking in concentration or attention, impaired work skills and dexterity, slower reaction, and confusion.
This is because the brain needs enough water for optimum performance. If it is not properly hydrated, the brain cannot maintain the connections it needs to run its electrochemical communication signals.
The problem is that most people often get too caught up in their work that they forget to drink until they feel thirsty. However a lot of people often confuse the feeling of thirst with hunger. This often means people would reach for a snack instead of a refreshing cup of water. It is because of this you should aim to drink throughout the day, not only when you feel thirsty and to have regular water breaks.
As mentioned above, if you feel hungry, you might just be thirsty so take a few gulps of water instead of reaching for a candy bar. It is also a good idea to keep a water bottle by your side so you can keep track of how much you have drunk. On the other hand, if you really must snack on something, eat fresh fruits and/or vegetables. These types of food are rich in water and will help keep you hydrated throughout the day.
If the aforementioned symptoms sound like midday fatigue to you, then you’re probably on the right mindset. Tiredness is actually one of the telltale signs of dehydration among people. Water actually plays an important role in our brain function. A 2012 University of Connecticut study found that mild dehydration – 1 to 2 percent – caused a decrease in cognitive function for young men and young women.