There are many physiological advantages to drinking water, but did you realize that there are also mental health benefits?

According to a recent survey, folks who drink more water report being happier than those who don’t.

In actuality, compared to 22% of those who drank the least amount of water (less than one glass per day), 46% of those who drank the most (10 or more glasses per day) expressed that they were really happy.

According to the True Lemon poll, which was carried out by OnePoll, those who drank more water also had a higher likelihood of identifying as “glass half full” types of individuals.

There is more to the relationship between happiness and hydration than meets the eye. According to a 2014 study, persons who consume less than 1.2 liters of water per day report feeling happier when they consume more fluids.

“These recent studies linking increased water intake to higher self-reported positive emotions simply reinforce what I’ve consistently observed in my clinical work. When we nurture our bodies through adequate hydration, our minds naturally tend to follow suit with an uplift in mood and mental clarity,” Emily Mendez, private practice psychotherapist, wellness expert, tells.

Given how dehydration affects our bodies and minds, the relationship becomes very clear. When clients arrive weary and experiencing headaches or mental fog, they frequently confess to not drinking enough water. But it’s as though a mental fog clears up as you establish regular water practices. There is a noticeable improvement in their resilience to stress, vitality, and focus.

Mendez continues, “Adequate hydration can promote positive mental health in multiple ways.”

“From a physical perspective, all our systems operate optimally when hydrated,” she says. “We seem better able to manage the ups and downs of life, and we have more energy and better attention.

“But the psychological impacts are just as profound. I’ve seen client’s entire demeanours brighten as they consistently nurture their bodies in this fundamental way. Suddenly, they have more resources to approach challenges instead of feeling completely overwhelmed.”

Therefore, although it’s not a magic bullet for mental health problems, being hydrated can lay a solid foundation.

She continues, “When we take care of our bodies’ basic needs, our minds naturally follow with improved focus, mood stability, and an ability to fully engage in working towards our goals.”