If you feel a headache coming on or if you sense that you’re slowly losing your ability to concentrate, you may want to try drinking a glass of water. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, sometimes water is all it takes to make you feel better.

Researchers recruited 25 women and classified them into two groups: hydrated and dehydrated. They were then given a series of tests that measured their mood, focus, and mental skills. Results revealed that there were no apparent effects on the performance of those who were optimally hydrated, but those who were dehydrated showed symptoms of headache and fatigue among others.

There is nothing surprising about the fact that dehydration can cause such negative side effects, but what is astonishing about this is that the women who were dehydrated were not severely lacking in fluids. In fact, the women were only dehydrated one percent lower than what is optimal. If such a small percentage can cause mild irritability, then imagine what not drinking water at all can do to you.

Dehydration is only one of many causes of exhaustion. Learn more about fatigue and how to avoid it by reading these:

• The Stress Files: 10 Most Common Reasons for Fatigue
• Burnout Busters: 3 Tips to Avoid Working Yourself to Exhaustion
• 15 Healthy Foods That Help Reduce Stress
• Healing Scents: 6 Soothing Essential Oils

(Photo by thiagofest via sxc.hu)