Clearing Up Common Myths About Water Consumption: Why Staying Hydrated is Essential

You could say that water is the cornerstone of good health; we simply can’t survive without it. Yet it is often undervalued in our day to day lives and routines. Many people think that water is uninteresting or believe that it’s unnecessary to drink it regularly. While it may be uninteresting to some, it is vital if we are to avoid widespread dehydration. Research shows that most of us at some points of the day are functioning whilst partially dehydrated. This can negatively affect our bodies and our minds and given that water makes up 70-80% of our bodies, why does proper hydration receive so much less attention than nutrition? Here at Cooleraid, we’re passionate about promoting hydration awareness, and below, we’ll discuss and debunk some of the most common myths about drinking water, and explain why staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health.

Myth 1 – You only need to drink water when you’re thirsty.

Myth buster – One of the most widespread myths is that thirst is the only indicator that you need to drink. In reality, by the time your brain registers the thirst feeling, you could already be 2% dehydrated. Even this relatively small level of dehydration can subtly impair your physical and mental performance. Symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating can be present before you realise you’re thirsty. Aim to drink water consistently throughout the day (little and often) instead of relying on thirst as an indicator. This will help to maintain hydration levels and can reduce the strain on the body.

Tip – Keep a refillable water bottle on your desk, or to hand so that staying hydrated is more convenient. Ask your employer about installing a Cooleraid water cooler in your office.

Myth 2 – Hunger and thirst are separate.

Myth buster – Another misunderstanding many people are caught out by is that hunger and thirst are entirely distinct signals. What may feel like hunger can actually be thirst. If you find yourself craving a snack between meals, try drinking a glass of water before you give in! This small habit is a healthy one and can prevent unnecessary eating (especially sugary or high fat snacks) and will promote better hydration. This in turn will be an effective strategy for managing weight issues as drinking water can reduce calorie intake.

Tip – Start every meal with a glass of water to enhance feelings of fullness – it will help to avoid overeating.

Myth 3 – Hydration isn’t that important

Myth buster – Although most of us know we should drink more water, how many of us fully understand why hydration is so important? Beyond quenching thirst, water plays a critical role in regulating body temperature, removing waste and toxins, and delivering nutrients.

Dehydration can quickly make an impact on mood, energy levels and cognitive function. As mentioned above, even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches and a dip in focus.

For physically active individuals, and those living in a warm climate, the effects of dehydration can be more pronounced making it essential to replace the fluids lost through perspiration.

Tip – Set a timer or alarm to remind you to drink, especially if you’ve done any exercise, or in hot weather.

How Much Water Do You Really Need?

The amount of water you need can vary due to several factors. Age, gender, activity level, and climate can all have an impact on what your body needs. A simple way to monitor your hydration is the pee test – basically you just need to check the colour of your urine. Pale, straw-coloured urine indicates good hydration, while darker shades show that you need a higher fluid intake.

A general 8x8 rule is an easy one to follow to make sure you stay hydrated. Just be sure to drink eight 8-ounce (roughly 250ml) glasses of water per day. That’s the magic 2 litres! You may need a little more if you exercise or consume diuretics like coffee and tea.

The Benefits of Staying Hydrated

Prioritising hydration comes hand in hand with lots of health benefits. You’ll have:

• Improved Energy levels – Consistent energy throughout the day.
• Enhanced Mental Capacity – Improved focus, memory, and mood.
• Better Physical Performance – Reduced risk of cramps and fatigue during exercise.
• Weight Management – Controlled appetite for a healthy lifestyle.
• Healthier Skin – Reduced dryness and enhanced elasticity.

Why Choose Cooleraid for Your Hydration Needs?

At Cooleraid, we understand the importance of accessible, high quality hydrations and whether you looking to equip your home, office or business with water coolers, we offer a service that is second to none, which includes:

• Water Cooler rentals – Ideal for Workplaces, schools and events.
• Water Cooler Purchases – Invest in a permanent hydration solution for your needs.
• Free Site Needs Assessments – We can recommend the best options for your space.
• Trial Options – Try before you buy!

Our mission is to hydrate the nation with simple, enjoyable, and sustainable options.

Hydration Made Easy (and Interesting)

If drinking water feels like a challenge, these tips can help you:

• Infusion – If you find plain water a little bland, try adding sliced fruits of your choice for a burst of flavour.
• Set reminders – A timer or hydration app will help you to remember to drink enough, especially if you have a demanding or busy job.
• Buy a good quality reusable bottle – Reduce your carbon footprint by investing in a reusable bottle. Convenient and eco-friendly!
• Keep water accessible – Install a water cooler in your staff room, or break room, or any other high traffic area for easy access.

The Bottom Line

Other aspects of wellness like diet and exercise can leave hydration in the shadows, but by demystifying common myths about water and hydration, we hope you’re inspired to prioritise drinking water as part of your daily routine. You can contact us at Cooleraid for help, advice, or information here.