Keeping hydrated 

Keeping hydrated is not something that we normally correlate with lowering stress. But just like being hungry can impact our mood and make us hangry, being dehydrated can have the same effect.

When our bodies are dehydrated, it affects everything from our energy levels to our mood, making us feel more anxious, irritable, and even fatigued. Here’s why hydration is so important for stress management:

Hydration Improves Brain Function 

Water is essential for brain function. When you're even slightly dehydrated, your brain may struggle to focus, think clearly, or regulate emotions, increasing feelings of overwhelm or stress.

Hydration Reduces Physical Symptoms of Stress

Dehydration can lead to headaches, muscle tension, and increased heart rate—symptoms that can mimic or worsen stress. Drinking enough water helps to keep your body functioning optimally, reducing these physical cues that trigger stress.

Hydration Balances Mood

Water helps regulate your body’s hormone levels, including cortisol, the stress hormone. Staying hydrated keeps your hormones in check and can lower feelings of stress and anxiety.

Hydration Boosts Energy

When your body is hydrated, your cells can produce more energy. With proper hydration, you’re less likely to feel sluggish or drained, and more equipped to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively.

How to Make Hydration Fun

1. Use Hydration Apps

There are several apps designed to make drinking water a game. These apps often allow you to set goals, track your progress, and earn rewards:

• Plant Nanny: This app lets you "grow" a virtual plant by drinking water. The more water you drink, the healthier and bigger your plant becomes. Apple or Android
• Hydro Coach: Tracks your daily water intake and sets hydration goals. You can unlock achievements and earn rewards as you stay consistent. Apple or Android
• Water Reminder – Daily Tracker: With reminders and customizable challenges, this app lets you earn badges as you hit hydration milestones. Apple or Android 

2. Create Hydration Challenges

Turn staying hydrated into a challenge by competing with friends or colleagues. You can set daily or weekly hydration goals and see who can meet their target first or most consistently. Reward the winner with small prizes or fun activities.

4. Join a Hydration Streak

Track how many consecutive days you can meet your water intake goal. This "streak" system can help motivate you to maintain consistency. Many apps offer streak-tracking features, or you can create your own tracking system on a calendar.

5. Turn It Into a Habit Loop

Link drinking water to another habit you already have. For instance, after brushing your teeth in the morning, you drink a glass of water. Each time you complete the loop, check off that habit for the day. As you build streaks, you can reward yourself for not breaking the chain.

6. Use Fun Water Bottles

Get a water bottle that tracks your intake or changes color when you've reached your goal for the day. You can find bottles with markings that indicate how much you should have drunk by certain times of the day. A glowing water bottle (like HidrateSpark) can remind you to drink with a subtle light.

7. Create Mini-Challenges

Incorporate mini-challenges throughout the day. For example:

• Try to drink a glass of water every time you get up from your desk.
• Do a quick workout (like 10 squats or 5 push-ups) every time you finish a glass.