Series 1 (9/24) "Water as the Source of Life"

In the last post – already some weeks back - we looked at how to distinguish urgency from importance which is easier said than done. This time around, the discussion is rather different, but it relates in one significant way. That is, when it comes to priorities, the topic in question is about as important as it gets. No, we’re not talking about boardroom decisions, refinancing debt or priority actions due to Corona, we’re talking about water: the source of life; that most precious of compounds that quenches our thirst and cleanses our bodies, both inside and out. Quite simply, it is the one commodity we can’t live without.

When you think about it, we don’t just need water, we are water – two-thirds of us at least. That’s right: around 60% of the human body is made up of H2O, and still our systems crave more in order to function. That makes it pretty much the most essential nutrient out there.

Of course, we all know that drinking enough water is important to our physical health – two liters a day should do it, says the science – but how often do we stop to think about the benefits of H2O to our mental wellbeing as well as to our daily productivity? 

Our brains are about 80% water, so it should come as little surprise that drinking a steady supply throughout the day can make all the difference to the way we think and feel. With every sip, water improves our concentration and cognition, it heightens our memory function and increases the flow of oxygen and blood to our brains. Research shows it even helps to boost moods, balance emotions and reduce stress. What’s more, as Harvard Medical School points out, hydration does not have to come bottled; water-filled foods such as fruits, vegetables and soup can help boost energy too. 

Now, ditching your morning espresso for 3 glasses of water might feel like a step too far, but upping our water intake is a realistic goal we can all strive to achieve – and one that can pay off, not just where health is concerned, but in the performance and productivity stakes too. 

According to a study conducted by the Hydration, Nutrition and Cognition Research Unit at the University of East London, drinking water can increase productivity by 14%. Meanwhile, research published in the journal, Appetite, shows that once thirst strikes, mental performance including memory, attention and concentration, decreases by as much as 10%. Executive health and performance pioneers Juliette and Michael McGannon note that the ageing process is essentially a ‘drying out’ process, and advise a range of measures around keeping well hydrated which becomes ever more critical as we age in order to combat illness and disease.

If research studies aren’t your thing, then we can vouch for the power of water from our own personal experiences. Take both of us for example: when Mischa began consciously drinking more water some years back, he noticed a significant improvement not just in his energy levels, but in the quality of his sleep and related recovery each morning. He started to drink three liters per day starting with 500ml as soon as he wakes up in the morning, and the same again before he goes to sleep. That’s a third of his target daily intake in two instances only. To help him keep track, Mischa uses an app that tracks his water intake throughout the day (aqualert and mywaterreminder are just two of the available options). For Steven, more mindful water consumption has helped in several areas, from being able to stay the course on a daily 16 hours intermittent fasting regime, to improving recovery from hard training sessions. Appreciating a sparkling water with ice and lemon has also become a special recovery ritual and prevents excessive alcohol consumption during cocktail season!

The case for water is compelling, but then we know that, don’t we? The real challenge facing most of us is simply remembering to turn on the tap. Make water a part of your routine – set an alarm if you have to. Keep bottles strategically placed so that water is always within reach.

Away from drinking, water has other benefits too, though they are admittedly less tangible and harder to prove. According to Californian marine biologist and researcher, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, simply being close to water – a lake, a river, an ocean – can improve performance, increase calm and decrease anxiety. His premise – a concept he calls the Blue Mind – may seem unorthodox, but it draws on neuroscience as well as individual accounts, and it is gaining traction around the world. In fact, it is a line of thinking that the University of Exeter is furthering with doctoral research into what it calls ‘virtual blue spaces.’ Specifically, the university is developing virtual reality aquatic settings such as beaches and coasts, and testing their ability to improve psychological wellbeing. And in real world architecture and building design water is a feature in the growing movement of biophilic design, which recognizes the presence of nature as being key to our health and wellbeing.

Ok, so water may not be the answer to everything, but it’s a great place to start. Happy, healthy and switched on? We’ll drink to that!