In the Flow… and Dehydrated
Even inspiration needs hydration.
I’ve had those days when I’m so deep in creating something that hours disappear. My tea goes cold, the playlist loops three times, and I realize I haven’t taken a single sip of water. That’s Zara today. Brushes flying, colors swirling, and poor Omie watching her dry out faster than her watercolor palette.
Flow states are beautiful. They pull us into deep focus, where inspiration feels effortless and time loses meaning. But they also come with a quiet cost: we forget our body’s needs.
When we’re in creative flow, the brain narrows its attention to the task, tuning out signals like thirst, hunger, or fatigue. The result? Dehydration — something we rarely notice until the energy dip hits or the headache creeps in.
It’s easy to overlook water when the mind feels full and alive, but our body still needs it to keep that rhythm going. Hydration moves nutrients, supports digestion, and keeps our microbiome humming along. Even a slight dehydration can dull focus, slow digestion, and make our inner ecosystem feel off-balance.
So whether you’re painting, writing, or building something from scratch, remember to pause for a sip. The act itself can be grounding. A small ritual that reconnects your mind and body in the midst of creativity.
As Omie would say:
“Even artists need hydration.”
Read the full comic strip below.
