5 Ways Water Improves Mental and Emotional Health

Water plays a crucial role in our mental and emotional health. Keeping hydrated promotes better brain health, reduced stress, and enhanced mood. By improving mental clarity and focus, water can help us do better in school, work, and everyday tasks. Just living near water and swimming can do wonders for our well-being.

Learn more about how to improve brain health with water and the emotional benefits it can provide.

How Physical Health Impacts Mental Health

Taking good care of your physical health can impact your mental and emotional well-being. Here's how the mind and body are connected:

• Exercise and nutrition: Physical exercise and a healthy diet can cause the body to release neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These chemicals are crucial in regulating mood, emotions, and overall well-being.
• Stress reduction: Exercise, relaxation techniques, and proper sleep can reduce stress. Additionally, caring for your physical health can enhance your ability to cope with stressors.
• Increased energy: When we care for our physical health, we can improve our energy and vitality, leading to more motivation, productivity, and optimism.
• Improved cognitive function: A healthier lifestyle contributes to better blood flow to the brain, providing crucial nutrients and oxygen. This can enhance cognitive function, such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities.
• Sleep quality: A balanced lifestyle can contribute to better sleep, which is crucial for mental health as it allows optimal brain function, emotional regulation, and restored energy.
• Body image and self-esteem: Engaging in physical fitness and activities that positively impact our body image can boost self-confidence and overall self-worth.

It's easy to see why water improves mental health and how taking the proper steps to stay hydrated and physically healthy can support the mind.

Health Impact of Clean vs. Contaminated Water

The impact of clean versus contaminated water on our health is significant and far-reaching. Access to clean, safe water is crucial to maintaining optimal health and preventing waterborne diseases. Here are the key health impacts of clean versus contaminated water:

• Reduced risk of waterborne diseases: Clean water free of harmful contaminants like viruses, bacteria, and chemical pollutants minimizes the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. Contaminated water can harbor these pathogens and lead to illness — while harming the environment.
• Improved digestive health: Drinking clean water helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Contaminated water can contain microorganisms that cause gastrointestinal issues like cramping and diarrhea. Clean water promotes proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Enhanced immune system: Clean water supports a strong immune system. Contaminated water can introduce harmful bacteria and viruses into the body and compromise its ability to fight off infection. Clean water is rich in minerals and free of those contaminants. It can strengthen the immune system and promote overall health and well-being.
• Reduced risk of chronic health conditions: Contaminated water can contain pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals. These contaminants are linked to chronic illnesses like cancer and organ damage. Clean water free of these contaminants can reduce the long-term risks of exposure to these substances.
• Improved hydration: Clean water is crucial for maintaining proper hydration, which is essential for overall health. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, decreased cognitive function, and other health problems. Access to clean, safe water ensures adequate hydration and supports optimal bodily functions.
• Better emotional health: Lead exposure in contaminated water can harm developing brains. Studies have revealed adverse effects on learning performance and cognition in children, and these issues can follow children into adulthood with depression, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders. Further, arsenic found in water has been linked to depression, anxiety, and stress.

Clean, safe water is crucial for our health. Using filtration systems can help reduce contaminants and ensure clean drinking water.

5 Ways Water Improves Mental Health

Water benefits our mental and emotional health, whether we're simply near it or consuming it. Here are some ways water improves mental well-being.

1. Living Near Water Improves Mental Health

Studies have shown that just living near water improves mental health. One study found that living near what experts call “blue spaces” modified the risk of mental health disorders by 6% for people living near urban spaces. The study suggests that having urban waterways, canals, lakes, ponds, and other blue spaces could reduce the burden of mental health inequalities in urban populations.

Another study examined the association between blue spaces and mental health across 18 countries, revealing regular visits to green, in-land, and coastal blue spaces were positively associated with better well-being and reduced mental distress.

The sensory effects of water can play a significant role in this. Water is dynamic and can hold our attention in powerful ways. For instance, witnessing waves or waterfalls might conjure memories, such as spending time at the beach as a child. The sound of water can be soothing and provide a calming experience for anyone with symptoms of anxiety or depression.

The sensory experience can also encourage mindfulness and self-reflection. Focusing on the movement and sounds of water can help us quiet our minds, tune out other noises, and provide a space for introspection. If you don't have access to blue space, you can get similar benefits by watching or listening to water online. Many people use these video or audio clips to relax, sleep, or focus.

2. Swimming Benefits Mental Health

Swimming has been shown to improve mood and reduce depression for many. The activity can reduce anxiety, and swimming in warm water can alleviate depression and improve mood. Water-based exercises also positively affect pregnant women's mental health, and parents of children with developmental disabilities have found that recreational activities like swimming could improve family connections.

Aquatic therapy is a gentle exercise that supports and exerts the muscles and has been shown to help people recover from injuries or conditions while improving mental health. One study found that aquatic exercise could significantly reduce mental health disorder symptoms like low moods and anxiety.

Here are other ways swimming can improve mental health:

• Stress relief: Swimming is a common stress reliever. Most people leave the pool feeling refreshed and relaxed, whether the activity is for recreation or therapy. Muscle pain and tension are often associated with stress, and the warm water of aquatic therapy can relax muscles and relieve tension. While soothing the body, water can also help ease the mind.
• Confidence: Swimming can be an exercise that improves confidence. Working out and seeing the benefits of the body can lead to an improved self-image. Older adults who swim can maintain or improve their fitness, which can be a huge confidence booster.
• Natural fun: While aquatic therapy can provide gentle exercise, it's also associated with fun and relaxation. Hitting the pool or beach can be a great way to let loose, have fun with friends, and enjoy the waves.

3. Visiting the Beach Can Calm Your Mind

It's common to feel a sense of relaxation and peacefulness at the beach, and there are a few reasons this might be:

• Meditation: Listening to the ebb and flow of waves and swelling of the sea can relax the brain. These sights and sounds can lull the mind into a meditative state, contributing to improved well-being. Some researchers believe the natural ions in salty sea air can also reduce symptoms of depression. By looking at over 100 years of studies and evidence, they determined negative ions could help regulate sleep patterns and mood, reduce stress, and boost immune system function.
• Gratitude: While life is full of ups and downs, looking out at sea can provide a momentary feeling of appreciation, which can be a significant step toward well-being. A trip to the beach can remind us of the positives of life, including the beauty of nature. Taking time to visit any body of water can help you reflect and appreciate all you're grateful for.
• Mindfulness: Swimming or paddling can be an immersive experience. By getting into the sea, you're no longer observing nature but fully conscious of the feel, sound, and taste of the ocean. In that sense, the sea demands your full presence the moment you step into it.
• Big-picture thinking: Just the sight of water can create a sense of awe and make us feel like we're part of something bigger than ourselves. It forces us to slow down, step away from the digital world, and take in the present moment. The beach gives our minds time to reset and allows our nervous system to calm down as we connect with nature.

4. Taking Baths Positively Affects Mental Health

Prioritizing self-care, like taking a warm and soothing bath, can benefit your mental and emotional health. You can relax in whatever way you feel comfortable, whether turning on soothing music, reading a good book, or lighting a favorite candle. Here are some of the benefits of a bath:

• Enhances mood: Baths provide a soothing experience that can alleviate stress and anxiety. Immersing the body in warm water can promote relaxation and trigger the release of endorphins.
• Improves sleep: Taking a bath before bed can promote better sleep by helping you fall asleep faster and sleep better. That's because the warm water brings your blood to the surface and lowers your body temperature, which promotes relaxation and sleep.
• Promotes mindfulness: Taking a bath can be a form of self-care and mindfulness. It offers time for self-relaxation, self-reflection, and self-indulgence. Baths ultimately allow you to disconnect from daily stressors and relax.
• Relaxes the muscles: Warm water can relax muscles and ease tension, alleviating discomfort from conditions like arthritis or sports injuries. At the same time, cold water can decrease blood flow to the muscles, potentially reducing inflammation and swelling.

Whether you take a hot or cold bath, you'll notice several mental health benefits. And when you pair your bath with a water filter, you can reduce the chlorine content and appreciate better quality water and peace of mind.

5. Drinking Clean Water Impacts Mental Health

Since the brain is 73% water, hydration plays a huge role in our mental health. Neglecting to drink water and staying hydrated throughout the day can impact our well-being. Here are some ways drinking clean water can positively affect mental health:

• Boosts mood: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a positive mindset. Dehydration can lead to feelings of anxiety, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Drinking clean water helps ensure optimal hydration, promoting a more stable and positive emotional state.
• Improves sleep: Staying hydrated supports healthy sleep patterns. Dehydration can disrupt sleep quality, leading to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. Drinking enough water can improve sleep duration and quality, which is crucial for maintaining optimal mental health.
• Regulates body systems: Water regulates various bodily functions, including the nervous system. Proper hydration helps balance neurotransmitters, hormones, and other chemicals influencing mood and overall mental well-being.
• Removes toxins: Clean water helps flush out toxins from the body, including waste products. When toxins accumulate, they can negatively impact brain function and contribute to mental fog, fatigue, and other cognitive impairments. Drinking clean water supports the body's natural detoxification processes, promoting better mental clarity and cognitive function.
• Improves brain cognition: The brain requires adequate hydration to function optimally. Drinking clean water ensures the brain receives the necessary hydration to support cognitive processes such as memory, focus, and decision-making. Proper hydration can enhance mental performance and productivity.

Ultimately, drinking clean water has multiple benefits for our health, from enhancing moods to improving sleep. Prioritizing regular hydration and consuming clean, filtered water is essential to reap these mental health benefits.

Ways to Improve Your Mental Health With Water

Improving your mental health with water involves incorporating water-related activities and practices into your routine. Here are some ways to do so:

Establish a Hydration Routine

Most people require four to six cups of water daily to replenish the body, and establishing a hydration routine can be immensely beneficial. Refill a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and reduce your carbon footprint. Use a home water filter to enjoy clean, safe drinking water's mental and physical health benefits.

Connect With Nature

Plan outings to nearby lakes or reservoirs where you can immerse yourself in the calming presence of water. Seek out natural water sources like rivers, streams, or waterfalls in your area. Take walks or hikes in these settings, immersing yourself in the beauty and tranquility of nature.

Plan a Beach Vacation

If possible, consider planning a beach vacation. The combination of the soothing sound of waves, the refreshing ocean breeze, and the opportunity to engage in water activities like swimming or paddling can positively impact your mental health. It offers a chance to unwind, destress, and recharge.

Take a Bath

Carve out time for a soothing bath or a reinvigorating ice bath. In a warm bath, take the time to add essential oils or bath salts to enhance the experience and create a calming atmosphere.

Prioritize Clean Water at Home or on the Go With Multipure’s Water Filters

Water can improve our mental and emotional health in various ways. Whether through mindful hydration, spending time near bodies of water, or enjoying water-related experiences, there are numerous ways to reap the mental health benefits of water. Promote better quality water and health for your family with Multipure's reliable and efficient water filters. Whether at home or on the go, our advanced filtration technology can ensure you have access to great-tasting water.

Take the first steps toward healthful hydration, and browse our water filtration systems today. Make clean water a priority with Multipure and experience the difference it can make in your life.