Choosing Hydration Over Caffeine: My Journey to Better Afternoons and Nights
Productivity

Choosing Hydration Over Caffeine: My Journey to Better Afternoons and Nights

The cycle of afternoon highs and sleepless nights was a pattern I knew all too well. During a business trip to Riyadh, I found myself in a café at the Kingdom Tower, observing busy professionals hurrying to their next meeting. As I reached for my usual afternoon pick-me-up, a double macchiato, I paused, realizing how often I relied on this little cup to get me through my day.

The temptation for a quick energy boost was always alluring, but the side effects—jitteriness and insomnia—made me hesitate. I felt stuck between a rock and a hard place. Surely, there had to be a better way to manage my energy levels without compromising my nights.

That moment of pause turned into a period of reflection and experimentation. I began to notice that my energy levels seemed more stable on days when I was well-hydrated. The connection between hydration and energy wasn’t new to me, but I had underestimated its impact on my clarity and focus.

Moreover, flying frequently for work, I noticed how the dry air in airplanes led to quicker dehydration. Studies highlight how cabin pressure and air conditions in planes reduce humidity and accelerate moisture loss from our bodies. This environmental change often caused me to drink less water, exacerbating dehydration. Here’s an article that delves deeper into how flying affects body hydration.

Dehydration: real effect on cognitive performance

During my deep dive into this topic, I found a study published in 2012 that looked into "Cognitive performance and dehydration," discovering that "being dehydrated by just 2% impairs performance in tasks that require attention, psychomotor, and immediate memory skills". This finding prompted me to experiment more consciously with my hydration levels, especially during the dreaded afternoon slump. Instead of reaching for another coffee, I’d grab a bottle of water. This simple change began to show promising results. I found myself less foggy and more alert in the afternoons. More importantly, I was sleeping more restfully through the night.

Creating oneshot: a curious journey

Encouraged by these insights, I saw an opportunity. I wondered if there was a way to optimize this solution, to create something that others like me could use. This curiosity led to creating oneshot, a hydration product designed not just to quench thirst but to enhance mental clarity and focus without the downsides.

Why does hydration help overcome the afternoon slump? It's more scientific than one might think. Hydration affects our entire body’s ability to function efficiently. Dehydration can lead to reduced physical performance, fatigue, and brain fog. We formulated oneshot purposefully to contain a blend of 6 essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium to help maintain fluid balance and assist in nerve transmissions and muscle contractions. Vitamins B (5, 6, 12) and C are essential for converting food into energy and maintaining cellular health.

A new routine: hydration as a daily habit

Since making oneshot a part of my daily routine, I've noticed significant changes. I'm not claiming that it completely replaces caffeine or is a magical solution to all afternoon slumps. However, it has proven to be a helpful tool for me and many others. It boosts our energy in a more balanced way and, importantly, doesn’t interfere with our sleep.

For those of us who juggle countless tasks and responsibilities, finding natural and effective ways to manage our energy and focus is key. While effective hydration might not be the answer for everyone, it’s worth considering if you're looking for a sustainable way to support your daily work.

In our busy lives, it's often the small changes that make the biggest difference. Whether replacing a cup of coffee with a hydrating drink or paying more attention to our water intake, each step towards better health is worth taking.

By sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to consider how small, sustainable changes can make an impact on our daily energy levels and overall well-being.