We know how important it is to be hydrated and take breaks to stay productive at work, but new research reveals a lot of us aren’t doing what it takes. A new survey looks at how good and bad habits can make or break a work day and reveals many people are putting off one of the essentials - drinking water - until late in the afternoon.
According to the poll of 2-thousand working Americans, 87% agree that getting enough hydration, especially in the morning, can set the tone for the entire day. But that doesn’t mean they’re actually doing it, as 34% admit they’re not drinking most of their water until 3p.m. on a typical work day.
- Respondents say they need to drink at least three glasses of water by 10 in the morning to power through a productive day.
- But they’re just as likely to grab coffee to start the day as a glass of water (both 37%).
- On average, people are drinking two cups of coffee per workday and just five glasses of water.
- Other less than healthy habits include not taking walks (21%), or offline breaks (20%) throughout the workday.
- So, it’s not all that surprising that 63% suffer from regular headaches, which they blame on emotional stress (49%), dehydration (41%) and being tired (36%).
- Productivity may also be taking a hit, as respondents say they aim to check five things off their to-do list, on average, during a work day, but admit they’re only getting two-thirds of them done.
- Beyond work, people are also getting in an average of two workouts, two carpooling/driving commitments, one social meetup, one sports game or practice and one doctor/wellness appointment per week.
- All of this may be why more than a quarter (26%) of those polled feel burnt out and 29% say their work leaves them so drained, they don’t have energy left for anything else.
Scott's Thoughts:
- Hey, five glasses of water and two cups of coffee during the workday sounds pretty good to me!
- I can't get right out of bed and start my day by downing a bunch of water!
- I have so much to do I don't even make a list. It depresses me.