Your body is about 60 percent water, and that water is vital to all of your bodily functions. So it only makes sense that hydration is important. Many jobs may require you to work outside, sometimes in the full sun. And other facilities may not be climate-controlled, so the inside temperature is directly impacted by the outside weather. Sweating is an important mechanism for cooling your body down, but heat exhaustion and even heat stroke are real risks if you don’t replenish the fluids you lose by sweating. Drinking water or sports drinks with electrolytes, helps keep your body regulated and healthy. Besides keeping your body cool, here are 3 benefits of staying hydrated at work.
Psychological Health
Dehydration can affect your mood and your memory. It can make it tough to think through problems and to stay motivated to perform your best. When working with heavy machinery or in a potentially dangerous industrial environment, losing focus could spell disaster. Keeping yourself hydrated is an easy way to guard against these issues.
Cardiovascular Health
When you’re dehydrated, your blood volume goes down. This means that your heart has to work extra hard to pump oxygen to your cells. When you’re working a highly physical job, the last thing you want is to find that exercise is more difficult. Over time, this can even raise your risk for cardiovascular disease or a heart attack.
Muscle and Joint Health
Your muscles and joints work best when they are well lubricated and waste material is efficiently washed away. If you don’t stay hydrated, you’re likely to feel it throughout your body. Whether your job involves lifting and carrying heavy items, performing repetitive motions, or walking long distances, it’s important for your muscles and joints to perform at their best to avoid pain and even injuries.
It’s important to remember that by the time you feel thirsty, you are already mildly dehydrated. Be sure to carry water or a sports drink with you at all times, and remember to drink regularly. If you start to feel dizzy, lightheaded, nauseous, or confused, sit down in the shade and rehydrate right away. If you work in a facility that doesn’t allow water bottles on the floor, be sure to ask where the closest water cooler is and always communicate if you need to take a hydration break! If you’re drinking plain water, add a salty snack to balance your electrolytes.
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