Being a little low on water is a bigger deal than most people think. Research proves that even a 2% deficit can affect our mental and physical well-being.
It’s Not Just “Water In, Water Out”. It seems like it should be pretty basic, drink when you’re thirsty; pee when you have to go. You’re good. Right? Not quite.
WE NEED IT, BADLY
HYDRATION is essential for human life. While some people may be able to survive for weeks without food, they can only survive 3-4 days at most without water. Humans have an inherent, critical need for water. It is the medium in which all of our metabolic reactions occur. It gives form to our cells, lubricates our joints and tissues, transports nutrients and waste, and dissipates excess body heat.
Not only is regular fluid intake (particularly plain water) one of the easiest, cheapest health interventions ever; it may also be one of the keys to optimizing health and well-being over the long term. Good hydration habits appear to have an outsized positive impact on renal, cardiovascular and endocrine health and may even play an important role in addressing obesity.
While occasional mild hypo hydration is not a problem however being chronically under hydrated may be a threat to long-term health and well-being
THE WATER WITHIN US
Up to 60% of the human adult body is water, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%.
Each day humans must consume a certain amount of water to survive. Of course, this varies according to age and gender, and also by where someone lives. Generally, an adult male needs about 3 liters per day while an adult female needs about 2.2 liters per day. All of the water a person needs does not have to come from drinking liquids, as some of this water is contained in the food we eat. So no need to panic if you didn’t drink the last bit of water left in your water bottle.
THE POWER OF THOUGHTS
Water carries both positive and negative energies, just like our thoughts. Dr. Masaru Emoto, author of Hidden Messages in Water, who claimed that human consciousness could affect the molecular structure of water said that water is a blue print of our reality and that emotional energies and vibration could change its physical structure. Dr. Emoto exposed music, spoken words, typed words, pictures and videos to water. Then, he froze them and took photos of the ice crystals under a microscope. Water exposed to words like love, thank you, appreciation, happiness, and truth or music turned into beautiful crystals.
However, the water when exposed to intentions like I hate you, you make me sick, you disgust me and all other negative emotions it turned out the be ugly.
Considering that our bodies are made up of around 60% water, it has plenty of opportunity to take the thoughts, words and intentions and
shape our view of reality. What we focus on shapes our perception. The bottom line is that the words we use, in conjunction with the intent behind them and the emotion we are feeling while saying these words becomes real.
WATER CALMS, WATER CLEANSES
Being around water gives our brains and our senses a rest from overstimulation. As humans we are naturally drawn to the Ocean because we associate this color with qualities like calm, openness, depth and wisdom. The Ocean connect us to our hearts & mind such that the positive effect of the waves relaxes us. We get into a meditative state and where our breathing pattern becomes deeper and longer, releasing all the stress.
A simple SHOWER does wonders to our body and mind.
Here are a few benefits of taking COLD SHOWERS
- Reduced stress levels
- Higher level of alertness- Cold showers wake your body up, inducing a higher state of alertness. Cold showers thus keep you ready and focused throughout the day.
- More robust immune response
- Increased willpower- It takes a strong mind to endure the cold for extended periods of time. By incorporating cold showers into your daily routine, you are strengthening your willpower.
- Weight loss- Research has shown that cold showers (and exposure to cold in general), in addition to increasing metabolic rate directly, stimulate the generation of brown fat. Brown fat is a specific type of fat tissue that in turn generates energy by burning calories. Cold showers, then, are an effective tool for people who are looking to lose a few pounds.
And here are some benefits of taking HOT SHOWERS
- helps with lowering of blood sugar & blood pressure
- Fall asleep faster. Hot water relaxes the body and better prepares us for falling asleep. When a tense body enters a warm bath, the hot water increases the body temperature and relaxes the muscles. Relaxing the muscles not only soothes us physically but also mentally.
- Relieves muscle tension. Hot showers can relieve tension and soothe stiff muscles.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Helps us feel better about ourselves. After a stressful day, take a nice warm shower and try to relax, as it’s known that when we feel better physically, we get more confident in ourselves, the more convinced we are up to the challenges ahead.
- A hot bath is also a great way to reduce daily anxiety as well and make us feel good all around.
WATER AS SYMBOL OF PURIFICATION
Water can serve as a reminder of our natural human state: flowing, changing, self-aware, and resilient. In many cultures water is seen as holy and paramount to spiritual enlightenment.
In Sanskrit “Narayan” is the name of God in his infinite all-pervading form and translated as “the one who moves in the infinite waters and is also the water itself.” In Hindu sacred texts, Vishnu Narayan, God, is known as a universal form beyond the ordinary limits of human perception seen seated in and part of the water. Theertha/ Theertham means holy water. In Hindu sacred literature, it is referred to as the physical holy water body associated with a temple or deity. And when we consume that little bit of theertha it symbolises purification.
In Christianity, water is blessed and used to cleanse and purify the body and soul before prayer and serves as a centre piece for welcoming people to the faith in baptismal ceremonies.
In Judaism, Mikvah is a ritual immersion bath of natural water (rainwater or spring) used for the purpose of nullifying impurity.
In addition to its spiritual symbolism, water has long been thought of as an element with medicinal and therapeutic qualities. Ancient Egyptians practiced bathing rituals in hopes of curing ailments. The Ancient Greeks also used water as a healing agent. Native Americans sat in sweat lodges as a way of purifying the body and mind.
Almost all culture and religion has a special spiritual meaning for water.
WHAT WOULD BE THE PLANET WITHOUT WATER?
We would not exist, period! Every drop is precious. Take a moment each day to be thankful for the water and air….
The Gift of Life here on our beautiful blue planet… water.
Let’s take moment and say THANK YOU.
Article by Meera Nair, FlowCode & NirvanaFitness Education Expert
Flow state training
