Water. It's not just for keeping your mouth from resembling the Sahara or stopping your pee turning Gallagher-level yellow. It turns out, this humble fluid is key not only to your physical but also your mental well-being. Bet you didn't see that coming, did you?

Did you know that when you're feeling as parched as a cactus in July, it's not just your body screaming for a taste of the clear stuff, but also your brain waving the white flag? You see, your brain is like the world's thirstiest sponge, made up of a whopping 75% water.

And when signposts of dehydration such as a mouth drier than a stale cracker and the unique sensation of carrying a ton of bricks around your head emerge, so might unfriendly levels of anxiety. Yes, you read that right: skipping your water intake can make you anxious.

Baffling, right? But science says it's true. Multiple studies have found that dehydrated people experience more anxiety and tension compared to those who keep their fluids topped up. What’s more, a decrease in heart rate variability (HRV), characterized by your heart behaving less like a metronome and more like a jazz drummer, has been linked to dehydration and, in turn, colorfully elevated anxiety levels.

But it’s not all doom, gloom, and dry throats. If you think your constant panic attacks are due to your less than stellar water intake, there's an easy fix. Drink water. Genius, right? Down your fluids in a pace that doesn't resemble a college frat party and say goodbye to unnecessary anxiety episodes.

And if you're having a wild time trying to set sail on the good ship Hydration, here are some tips. You can pimp your water with slices of your favorite fruit or attempt to win the invisible hydration trophy by competing with a buddy to reach the daily water intake finish line.

Crushing anxiety is more than slugging back a gallon of water, though it helps. Also, consider limiting the caffeine and booze, they are counterproductive in this exercise. Ensure you’re regularly drawing in deep breaths, taking time to unwind, and keeping active.

So stop treating water like an optional extra on the menu of life and make it your go-to beverage. Not only will you sidestep the physical and mental hell that is dehydration, but you'll also be slapping unnecessary anxiety across the face, one glass at a time. Cheers to that!