In the last few weeks, many teenagers and young adults have started their apprenticeships after leaving school. Whether you are learning in a company, at a vocational school or in a lecture hall, concentration is required everywhere. A large amount of information has to be processed and retained. This is not always easy, especially in the first few weeks of training or studying, as there is so much new information flowing into the brain. Sometimes simple little tricks help to increase concentration, such as drinking water regularly.
The water-learning effect
It sounds mundane, but basically the simple message to all first-year students should be: “Guys, drink more water!” This not only promotes concentration, but also general health. Of course, drinking water cannot prevent general learning and exam stress, but it can help to keep the body efficient throughout training and studies. If mineral or tap water is included in the daily routine in sufficient quantities and on a regular basis, it can help to improve concentration and therefore make learning easier. It is therefore always worth carrying a
water bottle
with you at university, college or vocational school.
The brain – a true “water organ”
The question of why the brain can work better with more water is very easy to answer in general terms. If an organ consists of around 80 to 85 percent water, like the human brain, then it is regularly dependent on water in order to function effectively. It produces around 0.5 liters of its own cerebrospinal fluid every day. Of course, it is best if the brain is not exposed to a lack of water in the first place. Regularity in fluid intake is therefore extremely important. In late summer 2017, the German Nutrition Society (DGE ) presented a revised version of its “10 DGE rules”. The recommendation on fluid intake was published for the first time as “It is best to drink water”. Young adults should also drink at least 1.5 liters of water or other calorie-free and non-alcoholic drinks every day. This is because water cannot be stored in the body in the long term.
Keeping thought processes afloat
In young adulthood, the human body consists of around 60 percent water in men and a good 50 percent in women. The difference results from the distribution of body fat and muscle mass. The latter is generally much more pronounced in young men. The female body naturally has a higher fat content and therefore contains slightly less water. By senior age, the body water percentage slowly drops to below 50 percent in both sexes. The entire metabolism is dependent on fluids. Blood in particular plays an important role in the brain’s thought processes. It also consists of around 90 percent water. If there is a lack of water, it thickens quickly. Oxygen, nutrients and active substances are only transported to the brain with a delay. The consequences are lack of concentration and tiredness and even headaches. This makes effective learning more difficult.
Tip for optimizing performance: Drinking water regularly throughout the day ensures a steady supply of fluids and thus a greater willingness to perform. Minerals from the water can also support the body.
