In this replay of a favorite Think Thursday episode, Molly revisits a deceptively simple yet critically important topic: hydration and brain health. With high temperatures hitting the Northern Hemisphere and many of us enjoying summer activities, this episode is your science-forward reminder to drink more water—for your brain’s sake.
From the cognitive impact of just a 1% drop in hydration to how alcohol interferes with your body’s water balance, Molly explores how vital water is to focus, mood, memory, and even long-term mental wellness. If you’re building a peaceful relationship with alcohol, staying hydrated is not only a tool—it’s an essential part of supporting your brain’s ability to think clearly, manage urges, and feel better overall.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How your brain is 73% water and what that means for daily functioning
- What happens to your cognition and memory when you’re even slightly dehydrated
- The link between hydration and neurotransmitter balance
- Why drinking water improves your mood and clarity
- The real impact of alcohol on your hydration levels
- Simple, science-backed tips to stay hydrated throughout the day
Key Quote:
“If you don’t think cognition is important, you’re simply wrong. Thinking better is how we feel better—and hydration is one of the fastest ways to support your brain’s optimal function.”Practical Hydration Tips Covered:
- Start your day with water—even before coffee
- Keep water accessible with a refillable bottle
- Add reminders or tracking tools to make hydration a habit
- Use water as a pacing strategy when including alcohol
- Be especially mindful in hot weather or when active
Why It Matters for Alcohol Minimalists:
Alcohol is a diuretic—so it actively dehydrates you. Staying hydrated can not only help reduce the physical impacts of drinking but also keep your brain in peak condition to manage thoughts, emotions, and urges more effectively. Hydration is an underestimated but powerful support tool on your journey to a peaceful relationship with alcohol.
Resources & Links:
Connect with Molly:
Instagram: @alcoholminimalist
Website: www.mollywatts.com
Next Steps:
If you're working to change your drinking habits, start with water. It’s one of the easiest, most powerful tools you have to support your body, your brain, and your goals.
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.