The Simple Key To Happiness: Hydration?

By Study Finds

Picture this: It’s been a long day, and you’re feeling a bit down. But then, you take a sip of cool, refreshing water, and suddenly, your mood starts to lift. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. A new survey suggests that staying hydrated might just be the key to unlocking more joy in your daily life.

The poll of 2,000 American adults, conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by True Lemon, reveals that the average person experiences 57 “little things” that bring them happiness each week — that’s about eight per day. And what’s one simple way to boost your mood? Drinking enough water, according to 36% of respondents.

It turns out that the benefits of staying hydrated go beyond just quenching your thirst. The survey divided participants based on how many glasses of water they drink daily and found some interesting correlations with happiness. Among those who gulped down 10 or more glasses a day, 80% said it was very important to find joy in the small things, compared to just 48% of those who drank less than one glass.

Moreover, 46% of the most hydrated folks reported being very happy, while only 22% of the least hydrated group could say the same. And when it comes to outlook, 71% of those who drank seven or more glasses daily considered themselves “glass half full” types, compared to 38% of those who had less than a glass.

On the flip side, not getting enough H2O can lead to some serious physical and emotional symptoms. Dehydration can cause low energy (35%), headaches (29%), and muscle cramps (23%), as well as low mood (39%), irritability (34%), frustration (28%), and anxiety (27%).

Water Needs More Pizzazz

So, what’s stopping people from staying hydrated? Well, 43% of respondents said that plain water just tastes boring. In fact, half of those who drank less than a glass a day strongly agreed with this sentiment, compared to only 11% of those who downed 7-9 glasses.

To make water more appealing, 61% of participants reported using additives like drink mixes and powders. This was especially popular among the most hydrated group, with 61% of those drinking 10+ glasses daily using add-ins, compared to 41% of the least hydrated group.

Other strategies for staying on top of hydration included carrying a water bottle everywhere (39%), drinking water first thing in the morning (39%), and setting daily water intake goals (25%).

“There are a variety of easy steps people can take to ensure they’re staying hydrated throughout the day,” says Heidi Carney, Executive Vice President of Marketing at True Lemon. “From carrying a water bottle with you on the go, to setting little reminders for yourself, there are different ways to get in the habit of drinking enough water. For those who don’t like the taste of water, drink mixes can also be a great solution. It’s all about finding what works best for you, to ensure you’re getting the hydration you need.”

Of course, drinking water isn’t the only way to find happiness in the everyday. Respondents also reported boosting their mood by eating enough to avoid getting “hangry” (31%) and taking walks (30%). But with the myriad benefits of proper hydration – for both body and mind – it’s clear that keeping your water intake up should be a top priority.

“The health benefits of drinking enough water throughout the day are well documented — staying hydrated is as important as getting enough sleep and eating healthy,” says Carney.

So the next time you’re feeling a bit lackluster, try reaching for your water bottle instead of that afternoon coffee or sugary snack. Your mood (and your body) just might thank you. And who knows? With all those extra moments of joy, you might even start seeing your glass as half full.

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by True Lemon between Feb. 16 and Feb. 22, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Source: Study Finds

StudyFinds sets out to find new research that speaks to mass audiences — without all the scientific jargon. The stories we publish are digestible, summarized versions of research that are intended to inform the reader as well as stir civil, educated debate.