Tough times now. A cocktail of emotions – fear, despair, pride, sadness, anger, hope, anxiety. While all these feelings are normal, the stressful ones can take a toll on our psychological, mental, and even physical well-being.

Staying hydrated is a vital aspect of self-care during these times. It’s easy to do, and it can truly make a difference. Combined with other strategies like prayer (tefillah), volunteering, taking a walk, deep breathing, therapy, and mindfulness, it can significantly aid in managing the anxiety and stress.

📌Even a slight state of dehydration can exacerbate stress and anxiety. A well-hydrated body copes better with the physical and emotional toll of stress.

Dehydration can impair cognitive function, making it harder to think clearly and intensifying anxiety. It can also trigger the release of stress hormones. Staying hydrated is vital for maintaining a balanced hormonal response to stress and promoting better clarity of thought.

📌 Drink plenty of water.

Making a bracha before drinking the water can help ground us to connect to Hashem, and foster our emunah and bitachon.

**Before turning to comfort foods, consider a drink of water first.

While staying hydrated isn’t a standalone solution, it’s a fundamental pillar of self-care, helping us better manage the crazy rollercoaster of emotions.