Water Helps Ease General Anxiety!
Today I want to look at something so simple and yet equally powerful in alleviating the symptoms of general anxiety. This tip also helps reduce the frequency and strength of panic attacks.
Fresh Drinking Water
There is no quicker way to significantly reduce general anxiety than adopting good eating and drinking habits. One of the most easily implemented and effective additions to your diet is fresh water.
Water is a great quencher of thirst but more importantly here –a great quencher of anxiety.
Nearly every function of the body is monitored and pegged to the efficient flow of water through our system. Water transports hormones, chemical messengers, and nutrients to vital organs of the body.
When we don’t keep our bodies well hydrated, they may react with a variety of signals… some of which are symptoms, of anxiety. Here is some interesting information about water
1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so
weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.
3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism
as much as 3%.
4. One glass of water shut down midnight hunger pangs for
almost all of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.
5. Lack of water, is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.
Regular fresh drinking water is a vital ingredient to your diet. This is something the medical profession has been telling us for years. When we are dehydrated our cells can feel this at a molecular level and communicate this to the subconscious as an underline subtle anxiety or threat to survival.
The key to re-balancing a deficit of fluids is to drink eight glasses of fresh water daily. You must spread this intake throughout the day and not drink it all in one go! Otherwise you don’t give your body a chance to absorb it.
Have you noticed the effects of dehydration on your emotions before? If you have ever suffered from a serious hangover after a night out on the town, you will understand the feeling of dehydration all too well.
Hangovers result from dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. I’m sure many of you are familiar with the “the hangover fear”. This is a heightened sense of anxiety and jumpiness that results from the dehydration of hangover.
The surest way for someone who suffers from high anxiety to experience yet more anxiety, is to drink excessive amounts of alcohol and wait for the hangover to set in the following day.
It is important to be aware that dehydration is a factor that contributes to anxiety and nervousness. The good news is that it is easily remedied by drinking regular fluids. Personally, I have found that not only does regular intake of water ward off any subtle feelings of anxiety, but it is also incredibly useful for building stamina and avoiding fatigue. Give this some real consideration. Simply increasing the amount of fresh water you drink is a very easy step to incorporate into your daily routine. Most of us fall short of consuming the recommended amount.
Always remember that there is a lot of hope for an immediate and successful recovery from all forms of panic attacks and anxiety disorders. You can have the life of your dreams – Anxiety does not have the right to steal that hope from you.
Sometimes taking very small steps can lead to massive improvements. One of my favorite writers wrote about how everyone should approach their problems with the same philosophy as the woodpecker.
Keep chipping away at it and eventually the whole damn tree will collapse!
Barry Joe McDonagh
If you want to post a comment to about this articel simply click ‘Leave a reply reply’ below.
whitecat3
Thank you so much for the great advice. You make it all sound so simple and it is but your sound approach and ways of getting your advice across is what makes me believe I am on the road to recovery. I have suffered with anxiety and panic attacks for just over 4 months now but it feels like a lifetime . I am really positive your techniques will help me and i am really grateful for the mini course, the best knowledge i have had yet. The water idea is simple and i will certainly increase my intake now and in the future
kate
Thank you SO SO MUCHHH. I feel much different. I was going to get a counselor for my anxiety…but now I don’t think I need one. I only found this website out of the blue on friday and already I feel a sense of hope. SO THANK YOUUUUUUUU!!!
Brittney
Hi There,
I just wanted to let you know how greatful I am to have found your program. I’ve only suffered a few panic attacks in my life but have been dealing with the general feeling of anxiety for about 2 years. I have had panic attacks while driving and actually had one today. I pulled my car over and did the one move technique. I actually spoke out loud to myself and told the sensations to grow stronger… and they didn’t! It was like a light bulb went off and the anxiety was actually “offended” that it couldn’t get any worse. I couldn’t believe it. If there are any skeptics out there, trust me…it works! Thank you so much!
Brittney
marcos
u are really a gift of God.. keep it up continue sending me the program I really need it, I suffer this emotional disorder for 18 years started when I entered in a soldiery, I suffer anxiety all along if I encounter problem such volume of work load which should not be the case… by the way million tanks for the program it really works….
Sharon
I agree with all the comments people have made , thanking you ,I have only read a couple of you e mails my mam has just passed away and it has effected me very badly to the point I am really feeling Iam ill , I believe reading more of your articles will help me as it does so many others , thanks again .
Sharon.
Debra
HI!, this program is really helping me out alot. Alot of the things said on here really are helping me. I have noticed not drinking enough water effects you and your anxiety to become alot worse, so i been drinking more water and it helps. Thanks for all the helpful e mails!
Chaynee
I’m finding your emails very helpful.. I have lived my life full of panic attacks. And your second email, changed it a lot. I was able to use it immediately. thank you.
Liza
Thanks a lot . It helps my feelings. God bless. I like to receive your email everydat. It eases my bad feelings. Thank you so much. Liza
Tabitha
Dear Mr. Barry,
Thanks a lot for the mini course, it was a blessing. I really consider myself being very lucky as I found this web by chance, yet it brought miracles in my life. Thak you very much about the useful/helpful information. Like others I really apreciate your advice. Thank you again and may God bless you.
TiaGeorge
Thank you for your web site. I only just started but really needed help badly. I think I can already feel a difference in my attitude about taking control. Thanks for all your wonderful help.
Gabby
I am very thankful for the mini course that you are sending me…I feel a lot better now when I started reading your mini course. After a long years of suffering from anxiety I thougt there is no more cure but now that I found your website it really helps a lot and I am very alive. Thanks a lot and more power to your website.
sylvia
I am getting a lot of great helpful info on the mini series. Thanks for all your effort in helping us all to over come anxiety. I am practicing the mini series and carry it with me where ever I go. Thanks again and God Bless.
Oladipo
I thank God for people like you who care to help others that you may never meet face to face.I am greatly encouraged.will put your lessons into practice.
Amy
Thank you fot the free mini series. I suffer with anxiety on a daily basis and pills nor conselling seem to work for me. I’m planning to buy the full programme if the mini sereis works for me. So… fingers crossed!!
Laura
Thank you for the mini series, they are giving me hope! I look forward to the mini courses you’ve been sending me. There starting to make me see the light where i thought was not possible.
Thank you.
Jay
Hello there all..Well i am very very happy i found your site…Well i been suffering from very bad anxiety for a year and a half now, i lost my job, and it put a strain on my relationship because I did not go out much any more because i was afraid of having panic attacks. But now i see a light at the end of this dreadful tunnel. It is really a misunderstood disorder because doctors really had no good advice for me except to take pills. Now myself i do not like pills and have been looking for another way to help myself, and i think i found it. Thanks alot and God bless
Martie
I second all that has been said i all the blogs! I do however need to made a point about, water. Water is excellent, but bottled water or filtered water is what everyone should be drinking. Our, especially South African, tap water is filled with so many chemicals that it (and I’d love someone to confirm this if possible) can cause cancer. I can actually taste the difference between filtered and unfiltered water.
Thanks for all your wonderful guidance with our “disorder”, Just a pity you don’t live in South Africa. I’d be in your office everyday! I’m a great believer in communication, and that may be the source of all our problems, even from childhood, our parents didn’t communicate enough with us!
Isabel
This is the first time I ever heard that drinking water can help and that there is hope from having anxiety and panic attacks. Thank you for all the advise I can not afford a doctor or anything expensive. I have already put some of these excersises into practice. I really can’t thank you enough.
MR. RUFEEA
I would to thank you for sending me the mini course.I honestly started to look at my panic attack from adifferent point of view and it has been a great help in reducing my anxiety. I don’t have panic attack during the day,only occurs at night following a bad dream, mainly about close space,being shut in a small room or tunnel,unable to breathe and desperate to get out. Thank you
Dilip
Thnx god ! in the course of 10 years i couldnt hav got such a useful advise,i am gradually geting release from the pressure of anxiety.I think after all it is curable and have started to dream for abroad study.
Really this works along with it began to have Yoga also friends
Michael
I think this is the only thing that I have found that seems like it could work and fast. Thankyou so much for all the mini courses, I conitnue to read and practice the techniques. I am finally starting to see that there may be an end to all of this
Brenda
Like many others i am so glad that i found this site.I have been having panic attacks on and off for 16 years, they are very sporadic i can go for 2 months without one and then out of the blue WHAM .. IT COMES ON it starts with a burning in my stomach then i get very breathlesss and a dry mouth.This starts a visous circle and i know a lot of it is in my head.I FELT ONE COMING ON TONIGHT AND I HAD NOT LONG READ YOUR LETTER ABOUT COUNTING TO TWENTY I TRIED IT AND IT DID HELP, I USUALLY REACH FOR THE VALIUM AS THIS IS THE ONLY THING THAT SEEMS TO NUMB MY MIND.nO VALIUM TONIGHT., my thoughts are irrational and because i get so tense i end up with a stiff neck
Kshitij
Though I have just read two of your mini courses but seems it works well for reducing my stress level. These courses are working like panacea for me as I am not getting anything as reference material to understand the various dimensions of mental phenomena. I have been suffering from these mental distresses and combating to bring good moods in me and for this purpose these courses are really contributing a lot.
adam
wow i have had anxiety for 7 years and it has been concstant with the fog this site mentions and slowly but surly its goin away i though i would never be normal again thank you guys sooooooooo much
lutzhie
your the answer of my prayers….a millions thanks for sending your articles….every time i read your article i feel relaxed and fearless…i do hope that ur articles help me to be happy again.godbless you!!
cristina
thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
ashley
i am 100% exstatic about your program Barry..the panic and anxiety i have had for the past 11 years is finally something i can cope with. I actually feel like there is hope. as i know it is gonna take practice, i actually cant wait until i can purchase your whole program..thank you sooo much for a new outlook and hope !!!
Arup
It is wonderful. It is really helpful to reduce one’s anxiety and panic disorders. God bless you for your valuable support.
Thanks,
Arup
Ted
thank you so much for your help I am trying to relieve my stress and depression and thanks to your aid I am hoping I will be getting on top of it regards Ted
Patty
I just started on your mini courses and I must say they have really helped!
I have re-read the first three several times this week and I’m soooooo much better. I’m actually becoming in control of the panic attacks! Thanks so much and I will continue to welcome your advice.
Lanie
I thought I was going to experience this anxiety for the rest of my life,,,, but thanks to you.!!!! I feel comfortable now…
Lanie
million thanks…
maya
Hello Barry
Thank you so much for everything. I have been rereading the letters over and over again. I have been fallowing the advices and guess what, i’m happy to say i have had 2 days of me feeling better. Today i had kinda stressful day and not for once my heart was racing. I am so greatful, I wish i knew you for real so i could hold you real tight.
All the best
Maya
margot berry
thankyou im drinking water right now
Klara Hrusovsky
Hi, Thank you for sending me the free Panic Away courses. I am glad you are dealing with everybody who is turning to you for help. I was lucky I found your website. My real problem is not with general sudden panic attacks but with trembling hands when is required to sign something in front of people (e.i.post office, banks etc.) I suffer for nearly 30 years but I believe your courses will help me a lot. Thank you and God bless you! Klara
Anne
Finding reading the site is helping me already. I’ve had panic attacks on and of for over 10 years. I thought I had conquered them but they came back in a big way. Seems to happen more when I’m stressed. I get the feeling of almost been paralysed and unable to move. I almost feel legless and unable to walk, a lot worse in large buildings e.g. hospital (where we are spending a bit of time at the moment while my husband has treatment)
Thanks will keep reading
Zareen
For a long time I had these episodic feeling of unease & restlessness, waking up from sleep feeling breathless which I later came to know were panic attacks probably in its mild form. Drinking water always seemed to help me get over that. Thanks for confirming that and for all the newsletters that are invaluable for those who are looking for techniques to cope with this rather than medication.
David
Thank you ever so much for being so caring and generous in sending the daily e-mails free of cost. They are very simple to follow and I’m sure will make a real difference before long
Pepper
I just found this site couple of days ago and it has made a believer outta of me.So far I still have my attacks and know going to try my water attack on the panic for the first time I will let all of you Know how the water and good thoughts works Thank you very much My family and spouse deserve to have me back and living again all of us can do this I know believe.Thank you god first for leading me to this direction and thank you all for your comments here as I know im not alone!!!
rocco
thank you so much for your information. im currently on ativan .05MG one in the morning and one at nite. i have taken days off of work because my doctor wants to put me on Paxil and i dont want to take more medication. im going to try to make it without Paxil and just have my ativan on the side for assurance. I love your advice and im going to drink alot of water from now on. thank you and all you people out there that are going through the same thing im going through im with you !!!!!! i know what it feels like and were going to make it!!!!!!!! god bless you and thank you for your supports!!!!!
rupesh
hi there
thanks for advising. from today onwards i m starting this drinking water exercise.
i m sure it will work . thanks once again
lynn
Thank you very much for youe newsletters they are a great help and i find that they help me a great deal
many thanks and god bless you for taking the time to care about other sufferers
Marlin
Since I got your mails I have gone a week without a panic attack. Just now I had one very big. I had to deal with insurance because they stole my laptop. (for the second time) And I actually didn’t want to deal with the guy. He gave me the impression that I let them steal in my own home. But right now I feel much better. I used the 20 seconds technique, but it was to full blown so I had to take meds. But to calm down I kept on using your methods. Thank you very much and God bless you.
Devon
I don’t have to imagine what everyone on here is going through because I know first hand for the past month, I have had the multiple ER visits normal ekg, normal x-rays, doctors telling me I am fine that I just have Generalized anxiety, This has to be the most hardest thing I have been through in my 23 years of life, Thank you for giving us hope Barry, but we need to be extremely strong and fight these ill feelings. It’s all in our head and we are the ones who have control like Barry said. I am still struggling and I will not give up. because if we were normal before this, then we will be normal and happy again…..
Elizabeth
A dizzy spell even a slpit second can send me into a panic attack. To think it maybe that I have not had enough water is the cause….. I knew that but never thought of it at the moment it happens. Thanks
Angela
This is so true about water being the quencher for anxiety. I alwatys suspected this in my heart and it was good to have you validate this. The day I had my first and worst panic attack I had forgotten to put water in the cup holder of my car. If I had had water, I’m sure I would have been able to semi-control or at least minimize the attack and not end up in the ER. Before I ran inside the ER I managed to find a warm bottle of ginger ale in my car and gulp it down –and it offered some relief. (better than nothing). and got the trembling to subside. After I wrote my burial wishes (on a scrap of paper in strange, sloppier than usual handwriting), I managed to crawl my way into the ER. How I wished I had a nice cold drink of water with me! I am taking a class in fitness of the brain, and the teacher insists we bring water to class. He says water helps us think better too. We tend to get dehydrated, especially as we age, which can bring on memory problems. Glad to know it helps anxiety too. I’ll never be without a bottle of fresh water in my car again!
Pooja
Thank you Barry for coming to my rescue just at the time when i had almost given up in life. I had become a nervous wreck always afraid of being alone at home or stepping out of the house , travel in a tube / car. Thanks to all the emails that you have sent so far. They have helped me look at my situation as something that I can deal in a better way now . I am quite hopeful of having a normal life , free of panic attacks and anxiety very soon. God bless You !!
crystal
I am only 25 yrs old and have suffered from panic attacks for many years. I actually think i’m going crazy sometimes. The hangover statement is very true. I turned to alcohol for several months trying to avoid my anxiety and the next day was awful everytime so I would just drink again. It got out of control for a little while and then I got pregnant with my 2nd child. Now that I am pregnant my doctor only wants me to take lexapro and no xanax or ativan of any kind…IT IS VERY HARD TO DEAL WITH A PANIC ATTACK WITHOUT A CHILL PILL!!! But, just reading these other comments and ur mini chapters help so much and make me remember that I AM NOT CRAZY AND AM NOT THE ONLY ONE SUFFERING FROM THIS AWFUL FEAR!!! Thank u so much and I look foward to more of your emails……..,crystal
Anuj
Ive already experienced that water can do wonders to one’s mind-ive made it a point to have a glass of water after everymeal with one hour gap n drink lots of it in a day.Any negative state of mind water works instantly.We all must learn to drink water.
june
God-sent website. I’ve been in combat for this anxious feeling for moe than two years now. It started few months after I delivered my son, and still now I always have frequent attacks. The comments and experiences I have read from this website are all so familiar to me, like the feeling of having heart attacks and other serious illnesses. I have been taking anxiolytic drugs for almost two years now, as advised by my doctor. It helped me for quite sometime. But I personally stopped taking them because I’ve been having frequent headaches for 5 months now which are most of the time not relieved by pain killers. Now I am SUFFERING from these panic attacks 4-5 times a week and I sometimes found myself taking the medication again just to help myself. The feeling is so troublesome that it really hinders my plans for my future. I want to regain my old self! I used to be a very energetic, fearless person, but I was changed since the start of my panic attacks. I’m so relieved to have read all the comments here, coz I’ve got to realize that I’m not alone in this dreaded disease and that I am still normal. Thanks so much for your website. Starting today, I will definitely take 8 glasses of water a day. I Hope that this will gradually slow down my attacks. Will keep you posted of my progress.
Judith
Many thanks for the useful advice. I am usually a confident person but for the last six months have suffered stress and depression which seems to have come out of the blue. I am trying to get on top of it and find you advice extremely helpful.
Judith