Along with its many other health benefits, drinking more water may help to reduce stress — but many people still aren’t getting enough, reports WebMD.
"Studies have shown that being just half a liter dehydrated can increase your cortisol levels," explains Amanda Carlson, a Registered Dietician.
"Cortisol is one of those stress hormones. Staying in a good hydrated status can keep your stress levels down. When you don’t give your body the fluids it needs, you’re putting stress on it, and it’s going to respond to that."
Unfortunately, stress and dehydration are often caught in a vicious cycle — dehydration causes stress, but stress also causes dehydration. The physical symptoms of stress, like increased heart rate and heavy breathing, can cause the body to lose fluid. At the same time, stress can cause a person to neglect eating and drinking properly.
To help prevent this downward spiral, strive to incorporate water into your daily routine. Try to keep water on hand, both by carrying a bottle with you when you’re out and about and by placing a glass beside your bed and at your desk. Experts recommend drinking half-an-ounce to an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every single day.