Tea and coffee again and again in many offices throughout the day. Now, hot drinks are perfectly lovely, but when they replace your main source of fluids, it can lead to a mid-afternoon slump or headache. It is not about quitting caffeine but balancing it out with water.
Does coffee dehydrate you?
Although caffeine is a mild diuretic, for the majority of people, tea and coffee still count towards fluid intake. The problem is that they can displace water, and they are usually accompanied by long hours of sitting indoors in warm offices with very few breaks.
Why water still matters
Water is essential; every system in our bodies relies on this nutrient for energy levels and digestion. In fact, even mild dehydration is enough to leave you feeling sluggish and grouchy — not exactly the best conditions for making it through meetings or deadlines.
A simple office-friendly balance
Try these realistic habits:
Water first: have a glass before that first coffee
A hot drink should be paired with a glass of water
Avoid the afternoon cup of coffee: to avoid any sleep disturbances, rethink your afternoon pick-me-up for a decaf or herbal tea.
Simply: ensure you have a bottle on your desk or are near a water cooler. For Water Cooler Wales, visit www.waterforyou.net
Quick tip for managers
If you encourage staff to hydrate further, make it easy for them. Water coolers – hot and cold ones, in the right place, equals drinking more water as part of a daily process.
