How Water Supports Mental Health

All our lives, we've been told to drink plenty of water. Why? Water is life – we can't function without it. Most people are well aware of why it's great for our physical health. How about its mental health benefits?

Cultivating a close relationship with water nourishes our minds and emotions. Let's explore why, and ways to weave what you'll learn into your routine. 

Water as Sound Therapy

Have you ever focused on listening to a waterfall, or a dam? How about a running shower or bath? Being soothed by the sounds of water is more than a personal preference. Nature sounds provide a sense of safety to our bodies, which facilitates stress reduction and recuperation.

The sound of water is especially beneficial for facilitating positive feelings. This likely stems from water being integral to our survival. On top of that, listening to continuous water can mask human-made noises. 

Pain is an understandable source of stress and frustration. Listening to water may help ease physical pain and decrease cortisol levels, both of which are well known contributors to mental discomfort. 

Four Ways to Enjoy Water Sounds

• Listen to water sound playlists, especially in the morning, during your commute, and before bed.

• Buy a small fountain for your home.

• Turn on a sink, close your eyes, and listen while taking deep breaths.

• Spend time near fountains and canals in urban settings.

Drink Water for Your Mood

Proper hydration is vital. It's no wonder our bodies communicate physical and emotional signals when we're not getting enough.

Water helps our bodies:

• Draw out energy from our food

• Discard waste

• Lubricate our joints

• Maintain a normal temperature

• Protect sensitive tissues

Water also plays a pivotal role in synthesizing neurotransmitters that regulate our emotions, like serotonin and dopamine. Neurotransmitter imbalances contribute to mood disorders. 

With that in mind, it's no surprise that dehydration correlates with increased feelings of anxiety and depression. On the other hand, proper hydration is associated with a decreased likelihood of feeling anxious or depressed. Of course, other factors contribute to these issues. Drinking water isn't a cure, but can supplement other methods. At the very least, you can rule out dehydration contributing to unpleasant moods. 

Water also impacts our sleep-wake cycles because it helps produce melatonin, the hormone responsible for initiating sleep. Staying hydrated can facilitate a good night's rest, resulting in a higher likelihood of maintaining a pleasant mood throughout the day.

Optimal water intake is unique to the individual. Our needs depend on activity levels, body mass, and the weather. How do we know when we're properly hydrated? Our urine will consistently be pale yellow, and we don't feel thirsty. In fact, thirst is a sign of dehydration.

Six Ways to Stay Hydrated

• Maintain easy access to a large water bottle throughout the day.

• Eat hydrating foods, like fruits and vegetables.

• Check your urine color every time you use the bathroom.

• Consider using apps to track water intake.

• Set hydration reminders on your phone.

• Balance diuretics, like coffee and caffeinated tea, with hydrating beverages.

The Presence of Water Works Wonders

A day at the beach, sitting by the sweet water of a river, or pausing beside an urban canal all gift us with the beauty of blue space. Blue spaces are areas with a distinct watery element. Numerous studies show that people feel an increased sense of well-being and decreased symptoms of depression when they're near water,

Can nature reduce stress? Definitely. Living near coastal and inland waters lower psychological stress, yielding positive mental health benefits. There's no difference between the impacts of saltwater versus freshwater aside from personal choice. 

Communities with easy access to blue spaces are more likely to have better collective mental health than those who don't. People in our environments impact us, so imagine being surrounded by community members benefiting from ample blue spaces versus those with limited access? 

People who live near blue spaces tend to be more physically active. They can choose from swimming, surfing, and other water sports. They're also more likely to engage in activities like walking or cycling. Exercising releases endorphins, also known as the "feel-good" hormones. Regular exercise also improves mental health, and sleep quality.

Spending time near water is an opportunity to engage in our senses, giving our busy minds a break while we settle into our bodies. Listen to its rhythm, inhale its refreshing scent, feel its coolness, and observe the light bouncing off its undulating surface.

Four Ways to Spend Quality Time With Water

• Prioritize trips to natural bodies of water.

• Find nearby fountains and canals.

• Spend time in parks or yards with water features.

• Get creative. We can decorate our baths, showers, and foot soaks. Use sea shells, essential oils inspired by water, and blue candles.

Water is More Than Life

Water supports a high quality and enjoyment of life. Take a refreshing dip or coastal trip, tune into water sounds, and express gratitude for each sip. Revel in these acts of self-kindness during well-deserved moments of inner peace.