Can You Take an Afternoon Water Break?
Ever felt irritable for no reason? Dehydration is often the culprit. Water helps prevent headaches, stabilises mood, and stops sluggishness before it starts.
Water keeps everything moving, from digestion to regulating body temperature. A well-hydrated body burns energy more efficiently. Unlike caffeine, water won’t give you an energy spike followed by a crash. It keeps your body functioning smoothly for steady, sustained energy.
Water keeps your mind sharp, helping you be productive throughout the afternoon.
Benefits of Regular Hydration:
If you’re debating whether to grab another coffee or try a water break, here’s why choosing hydration is worth it:
More Energy, Less Crash – That 3 p.m. caffeine fix gives you a quick hit of energy, but a harder crash just hours later. Water provides sustained energy by keeping your body and brain functioning at their best.
Better Hydration, Better Mood – Ever felt oddly irritable for no reason? Dehydration messes with your mood, focus, and stress levels. A simple water break can help clear your head, improve concentration, and keep you from snapping at your inbox.
Encourages Movement – A small glass = more refills = more steps. The act of getting up to grab water breaks long sitting periods, boosts circulation, and stops you from morphing into your desk chair.
Improves Sleep Quality – Afternoon caffeine lingers in your system for hours, messing with your ability to wind down at night. Swapping coffee for water in the afternoon means fewer restless nights, easier mornings, and less regret at 2 a.m.
Join the Challenge
Your body runs on water. Around 60% of your body and 90% of your blood is water, which means even mild dehydration can drain your energy, slow your focus, and mess with your mood.
The simple act of getting up to refill your glass is an easy way to break up long hours at your desk.
Take an Afternoon Water Break:
Replace your afternoon coffee break (between 2:30–4:00 p.m.) with a water break. Each time you feel the urge to get coffee, drink a full glass of water instead and track how you feel at the end of the week.
Here’s how to start:
Use a Small Glass – A smaller water glass forces more refills → more movement → less time sitting.
Pair It With a Break – Instead of staring at your screen, use your water break as an excuse to step away, stretch, or take a lap around the office.
Try It for 5 Days – Track how you feel. Less sluggish? More focused? Notice any differences?
Bonus: Level It Up – Add fresh lemon, cucumber, or herbal tea for extra flavour and benefits.
To keep track of your challenges and reshape your habits
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