Improving productivity starts with a glass of water. That water eases dehydration and expands the brain's grey matter. By drinking enough water every day, people see a 14 percent increase in productivity at work and at home. 

Productivity increases as a person drinks water, according to a new study by the University of East London. Researchers found that a person’s brain is better able to focus on tasks after he or she has enough water to drink.

The researchers tested 34 people after one group ate a plain breakfast and the other group drank water after breakfast. Subjects performed 14 percent quicker after they took a drink.

According to the researchers, a thirsty person’s brain consistently sends the message of thirst to the body. Satisfying that thirst frees the brain’s attentional resources and improves a person’s ability to function, think and perform better. It also relieves dehydration that saps energy and creates tiredness.  

A second study confirmed these results. Researchers asked teens to ride bicycles for an hour and a half. One group of teens wore heavy clothing and experienced brain shrinkage equivalent to losing one year of age.

After exercising, however, the teens drank water and saw their brain shrinkage reverse. As a result of this study, research concludes that staying hydrated makes thinking and functioning easier so that people can be productive.

So, how much water do people need to drink? Mayo Clinic advises adult males to drink 13 glasses of water and females to drink 9 glasses of water for optimal productivity every day.

With adequate water, you can potentially increase your productivity by 14 percent. That ensures that you can complete projects faster at work and home, all because you make drinking water a priority.