Health is often noticed only when it begins to fail

By Tawakat Ariwayoye

As students, many of us wake up already tired. We rush out for lectures, carry stress from one class to another, and keep moving even when our bodies quietly ask for rest. Thirst is ignored, not because water is unavailable, but because we have learnt to replace it. A bottle of soda here. A sugary drink there. Something sweet to keep us going, something fizzy to feel awake.

Gradually, water becomes optional.

We tell ourselves we will drink it later. We convince ourselves that other beverages are enough. Slowly, without realising it, dehydration becomes part of our routine. Headaches begin to feel normal. Dry lips are ignored. Fatigue is blamed on academic pressure. Yet the body remembers what the mind overlooks.

There is shared wisdom across cultures that reminds us of this truth. The Qur’an expresses it clearly:

“And do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction, but do good.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:195)

Sometimes, doing good begins with something as simple as drinking water.

Water is not merely a drink. It is a necessity. It fuels the body quietly, without sweetness or excitement. It supports digestion, circulation, focus, and temperature regulation. It helps the brain think clearly and allows the body to function smoothly. Yet, it is often the first thing we neglect.

Within student life, unhealthy habits form easily. Carbonated drinks are chosen for taste. Energy drinks become a survival tool for late nights. Sugary beverages replace water because they feel more satisfying in the moment. These choices, however, come with consequences. Energy crashes, dehydration, increased fatigue, and a body that struggles to keep up with daily demands.

What we often describe as stress is sometimes thirst. What we label as burnout is sometimes dehydration.

Water restores quietly. It does not promise instant excitement, but it offers stability. Drinking enough water improves concentration during lectures, reduces unnecessary hunger, supports digestion, and helps the body stay balanced through long, demanding days. It is one of the simplest forms of self-care, yet one of the most neglected.

Choosing water over carbonated drinks is not about restriction. It is about awareness. It is about recognising that the body needs replenishment, not stimulation. Each sip becomes a small act of care, a reminder that health deserves attention even during busy seasons.

Healthy habits are not built through dramatic changes. They are formed through consistent and mindful choices. Carrying a water bottle. Reaching for water before something sugary. Pausing to drink instead of pushing through discomfort.

Student life is unpredictable. Some days will be long, stressful, and exhausting. Water, however, remains constant. It supports quietly, asking only for consistency.

In choosing water, we choose balance over burnout. We choose nourishment over neglect. Over time, that simple choice shapes our health in ways we may not notice immediately but will always feel.