Jeff Archer of Corporate Wellness Company www.the-tonic.com gives us the run down on why he thinks good hydration is fundamental to a healthy, happy and productive business. A simple solution There are a number of approaches businesses can take to help staff stay healthy and the most effective solutions are usually the simplest. Lifestyle changes that staff highlight to us are most commonly related to getting more active, experiencing better energy levels, eating more healthily, improving sleep routines and reducing stress. All of these can be improved with one very simple step – better hydration. Getting active There are some shocking statistics for the reduction in performance among elite athletes when they become dehydrated and, while we're not all training for a gold medal, we still suffer the same lull in our ability to perform if we don't drink enough water. Regular work tasks become more challenging if we're suffering from lethargy and it can also be much tougher to get quick results with your exercise routine if you're unable to work out as hard or as long as you'd like to, simply because you're dehydrated. Bottom line – we know it's important to stay hydrated while exercising but it's equally important to hydrate properly throughout the day. Energy levels Because the body is made up of so much water, if we're dehydrated, many natural bodily functions become less efficient and this can drain your energy. Bottom line – think of water as the fluid that lubricates an efficient, energetic body and mind. Healthy eating Many people make great changes to their food routine without paying too much attention to what they drink, but it's important to remember that the contents of some drinks can negatively affect the way your body processes even the healthiest of diets. Drinking water with meals and snacks aids digestion and helps your body to make the best use of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the food you consume. Bottom line – prioritise water over tea, coffee, fizzy drinks and alcohol with your meals. Stress & sleep Maintaining good hydration levels helps keep your body in a healthy balance. A balanced body is a calmer body under less physiological stress which, in turn, makes us better able to deal with any mental stress that we experience during the working day. As we cope better with stress, we rely less on adrenalin bursts throughout the day, too many of which can add up to difficulty calming down in the evening and sleeping well. Bottom line – A regular intake of water throughout the day will improve resilience and help you sleep better. Jeff has written a ‘Guide to Successful Corporate Wellbeing' which you can download at www.the-tonic.com