There’s a fascinating link between our habits and our personalities, according to psychology.

Take, for example, having a glass of water on your bedside table every night. It might seem like a simple habit, but it can reveal a lot about who you are.

Psychologists have found seven distinct traits common in those who subscribe to this nightly ritual. And while you might just think it’s about staying hydrated, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

In this article, we’ll delve into the psychology behind why certain people feel the need to keep a glass of water by their side every evening. So pour yourself a glass and read on—you might discover something new about yourself!

1) Hydration enthusiasts

First and foremost, people who keep a glass of water by their bed are often keen on staying hydrated. This might seem obvious, but it’s more than just about thirst. These people have a deep understanding of the importance of hydration for overall wellbeing.

Our nightly water ritual could be driven by an instinctive desire to nourish our bodies, reinforced by the social norm of prioritizing health and wellness.

Whether it’s a conscious decision or an unconscious habit, the choice to have water within arm’s reach each night can reflect a person’s commitment to maintaining their health.

They understand that hydration plays a key role in their body’s ability to function optimally, from aiding digestion to improving skin health.

But remember, this is just the first trait that psychologists have identified. There’s more to this glass of water than meets the eye.

2) Night owls

Another common trait of those who keep a glass of water by their bed is being a night owl, like me. I’ve always been the type to stay up late, whether it’s because I’m working on a project or just caught in the grip of a good book. And having that glass of water nearby becomes essential.

As someone who often burns the midnight oil, I understand this better than anyone. The late-night hours can be when some of our most creative or nonsensical thoughts come to life.

Having a glass of water on the bedside table is not just about quenching thirst. It can also serve as a grounding ritual, a reminder to take care of ourselves even when we’re burning the candle at both ends.

If you’re like me, staying up late and enjoying the quiet of the night, you might find that having that glass of water by your side is more than just a hydration habit. It’s a small but meaningful act of self-care.

3) Worry warriors

Ever find yourself lying awake at night, your mind running a marathon of worries and what-ifs? You’re not alone. Many of us who keep a glass of water by our bedside fall into the category of ‘worry warriors’.

As psychologist Carl Rogers said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” This can be a hard truth to swallow for those of us who tend to worry. We often get caught up in the destination, the what-ifs, and forget to appreciate the journey itself.

Having that glass of water nearby serves as a tangible reminder to take a moment, take a sip, and breathe. It’s a small act that can help bring us back to the present moment, offering a brief respite from the whirlwind of worries swirling in our minds.

Are we overthinking the significance of this nightly glass of water? Perhaps. But when you’re a worry warrior, even small rituals can make a big difference in navigating the stormy seas of anxiety and stress.

4) Routine lovers

Another trait that people who keep a glass of water by their bedside share is a love for routine. They thrive on predictability and find comfort in the familiar.

A study found that maintaining daily routines can provide a sense of structure and normalcy, which can significantly reduce stress levels.

The simple act of having a glass of water by your side each night can be a part of this comforting routine.

For routine lovers, every detail matters. The type of glass, the amount of water, the exact spot on the bedside table – these seemingly small details can make a big difference in establishing a sense of order and calm before drifting off to sleep.

So if you’re someone who appreciates the comfort of routine, this nightly water ritual might just be another piece of your puzzle. It’s more than just about staying hydrated; it’s about creating a space of tranquility and consistency in an otherwise unpredictable world.

5) Mindful sippers

Mindfulness is a buzzword that’s been making the rounds lately, and for good reason. I’ve found that incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine, including my bedtime ritual, has had a positive impact on my overall wellbeing.

Those who keep a glass of water by their bedside often exhibit a trait of mindfulness. They take the time to sip their water, using it as a moment of calm and reflection before sleep.

They are fully present in the moment, aware of their actions and their impact.

Next time you reach for your bedside glass of water, take a moment. Savor the coolness of the water, enjoy the quiet of the night, and just be present. It’s more than just a sip; it’s an act of mindfulness.

6) Sleep procrastinators

It might seem counterintuitive, but some people who keep a glass of water by their bed are actually sleep procrastinators. Yes, you heard that right. They use the act of sipping water as a way to delay going to sleep.

The art of sleep, for some, is also largely the art of persistence – persisting in finding ways to delay it!

On the surface, it seems like a harmless habit, but it’s often more than just a thirst quenching exercise. It’s a subtle form of rebellion against the call of the bed. A final sip of autonomy before surrendering to the world of dreams.

So if you find yourself reaching for that glass one too many times before finally turning off the light, take a moment to reflect. It might not just be about hydration; you could be a sleep procrastinator.

7) Comfort seekers

Finally, many people who keep a glass of water by their bed are simply seeking comfort. They find solace in the familiar and the routine.

As psychologist Abraham Maslow said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.” For comfort seekers, that glass of water is a step back into safety.

It’s a small act of self-care that brings a sense of peace and stability. A quiet companion in the stillness of the night. It’s not just about hydration; it’s about finding comfort in the simplest of things.

Final sip

The beauty of human behavior lies in its complexity and diversity. A seemingly simple habit like keeping a glass of water by your bedside each night can unveil layers of personality traits and psychological tendencies.

As we’ve explored, it’s not just about quenching thirst. It’s about our relationship with ourselves and the small rituals that shape our lives.

The next time you reach for that glass of water on your bedside table, take a moment. Reflect on your habits and what they might reveal about you.

After all, understanding ourselves is the first step towards growth. And perhaps, in this simple act of sipping water, we might find a mirror to our own complexities and idiosyncrasies.

So here’s to the beauty of the mundane and the insights they offer. One sip at a time.