Easy Way Christian Professionals Can Stay Hydrated At Work

Picture this: It's a scorching summer afternoon, and you're sipping on a cold glass of ice water. It feels amazing, right?

Water in scripture is always linked to health and vitality for people and regions, especially in allegory and metaphorical contexts:

1. Psalm 1:3 

 "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever he does prospers."

2. Isaiah 58:11 

 "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."

3. Jeremiah 17:7-8 

 "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

4. John 4:14 

 "But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

5. Revelation 22:1-2 

 "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."

These verses highlight the importance of water as a symbol of life, growth, and spiritual health.

Also, believe it or not, water plays a crucial role in maintaining both physical and mental health. Here are some mental health benefits of staying hydrated:

1. Improved Mood: Proper hydration can positively affect your mood and reduce the likelihood of experiencing feelings of depression, tension, and anxiety. Dehydration can lead to increased irritability and mood swings.

2. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Water is essential for optimal brain function. Dehydration can impair attention, memory, and overall cognitive performance. Staying hydrated helps maintain concentration and mental clarity.

3. Reduced Stress Levels: Drinking water can help lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone. When the body is well-hydrated, it is better equipped to handle stressful situations, leading to reduced overall stress levels.

4. Better Sleep Quality: Hydration affects your sleep cycle. Dehydration can lead to a dry mouth and nasal passages, causing discomfort and sleep disturbances. Proper hydration supports better sleep quality.

5. Increased Energy Levels: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and low energy levels, which can negatively impact your mental health. Staying hydrated helps maintain energy levels, making it easier to stay active and engaged in daily activities.

6. Reduced Headaches and Migraines: Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches and migraines. By drinking enough water, you can reduce the frequency and severity of these conditions, which can have a significant impact on your mental well-being.

7. Improved Physical Health: Good physical health is closely linked to mental health. Staying hydrated supports various bodily functions, contributing to overall physical well-being, which in turn can enhance mental health.

So yea, drinking more water can have profound positive effects on your mental health, helping you feel more balanced, focused, and resilient. When you feel good, you make better decisions. When you make better decisions, your spiritual life is better.

But staying hydrated isn't always that easy. (I am one of those weird people who has a water bottle attached to himself nearly every day). Sometimes we forget to drink enough water, don't feel thirsty, or worry about too many bathroom breaks. So I was happy to discover the below methods in another article.

So don't worry, you can also stay hydrated with the right foods.

Getting Water from Food

Most foods have some water in them, even foods you might not expect like walnuts or whole-wheat bagels. However, the real hydration heroes are fruits and veggies. For example, celery, cucumbers, and romaine lettuce are about 95% water! Other fruits and vegetables like green grapes, peaches, and corn also have a lot of water.

Foods like soups, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and smoothies are great for hydration too.

How Much Water Do You Need?

The amount of fluid you need each day depends on your body size and health. Experts recommend about 11 cups (88 ounces) of fluids per day for women and 15 cups (120 ounces) per day for men. This might sound like a lot, but remember that all drinks count towards this total — water, coffee, tea, juice, milk, and even some alcoholic drinks like beer.

A balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help. Eating two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables each day can give you about 15 ounces of fluid.

Ways to Stay Hydrated with Food

If you find it hard to drink enough water, try eating more water-rich foods. Here are some tips:

• Have a smoothie for breakfast with one or two fruits and some milk or water.

• Snack on raw veggies, grapes, an orange, or a slice of watermelon.

• Eat a large salad for lunch with lots of colorful vegetables.

• Enjoy soup for dinner.

• Add watery foods to every meal, like berries to cereal, cooked veggies to dinner, or a spoonful of yogurt to chili or soup.

Drink a Little More Water

Even with water-rich foods, it's still important to drink water. Here are some ways to make water more appealing:

• Add fresh herbs like mint or basil.

• Put in a slice of cucumber or fruit.

• Try it at different temperatures – cold with ice or warm.

• Use a small amount of a flavor enhancer like Mio or Crystal Light.

Finding the right mix of drinks and foods to stay hydrated can take time, but it's worth it. Staying hydrated keeps you energized, alert, and refreshed all year round.

Foods That Are Good Sources of Water

• 90%-100% water: Asparagus, baby carrots, broccoli, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, skim milk, spinach, strawberries, watermelon, zucchini

• 80%-90% water: Apples, cottage cheese, green grapes, oranges, pears, peaches, pineapple, yogurt, sweet potatoes

• 70%-80% water: Avocados, bananas, lentils (cooked), ricotta cheese, salmon (cooked), shrimp (cooked), corn (cooked)

Staying hydrated is key to feeling your best. Whether you're guzzling down ice water or munching on water-rich foods, make sure to keep your body fueled with plenty of fluids.