If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or wellness forums recently, you might have seen people talking about a simple DIY drink taking the internet by storm, often called “anti-anxiety water”. With over 40 million views on social platforms, this magnesium-electrolyte concoction has become one of the biggest wellness trends of the year.
Part hydration boost, part mineral support, and part calming ritual, the appeal of this trend lies in its simplicity. It’s inexpensive, easy to make at home, and many people report feeling a gentle sense of calm or grounding after trying it.
But what’s behind the hype? Is this just another fleeting TikTok sensation, or is there science that helps explain why it feels soothing to so many people?
What Is Anti-Anxiety Water?
At its core, the trend involves mixing a source of magnesium with electrolytes and water, sometimes with added flavour, and drinking it as a sort of wellness ritual. There’s no single recipe, but many versions include:
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Plain water
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Magnesium (often magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate)
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Electrolyte powder, cream of tartar or a pinch of Himalayan salt
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Optional citrus or natural flavouring
It’s not sold as a medical treatment, but as a simple, supportive drink that could help with relaxation, hydration and overall wellbeing.
Why the Trend Took Off
Here are the main reasons this simple drink has captured so much attention:
✨ Magnesium plays a role in relaxation and nerve support
Magnesium is involved in processes that help regulate the nervous system, muscle function, and stress responses.
💧 Hydration alone can improve tension and fatigue
Dehydration can make stress feel worse, so just boosting fluid intake can have a noticeable effect on how you feel.
🧃 Low-cost, easy DIY wellness that actually feels good
Part of the trend’s appeal is that it’s inexpensive, requires no special equipment, and gives users a sense of control over their own wellbeing routines.
What the Experts Say
While the drink itself isn’t a replacement for clinical treatment or therapy, there is science to back up aspects of the trend:
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Magnesium has been studied for its role in supporting a healthy nervous system and normal muscle relaxation. Many people are also low in magnesium due to diet, stress or soil depletion.
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Hydration supports every organ system and can reduce physical stress on the body. Even mild dehydration has been linked to lower mood and increased irritability.
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Rituals — anything that feels intentional and calming, can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body feel more at ease.
Taken together, these elements may help explain why users report feeling calmer after drinking it.
How to Try It Safely
If you’re curious, here’s a gentle version you can experiment with:
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250–300ml of water
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A pinch of high-quality electrolyte powder (or a small pinch of Himalayan salt)
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Magnesium citrate or glycinate (follow dosage on packaging)
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Optional squeeze of lemon or lime for flavour
Important: Start with a small amount of magnesium and see how you feel. Too much can cause digestive discomfort in some people. If you have a medical condition or take medication, check with your doctor first.
The Bigger Picture, Wellness Rituals and Self-Care
The rise of this trend highlights a broader shift in wellness culture:
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People are seeking accessible, low-effort practices that fit into daily life.
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There’s growing interest in nutrient-focused self-care, especially when it feels empowering.
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Online communities continue to shape how health habits spread and evolve.
Whether or not anti-anxiety water becomes a long-term part of your routine, it reflects a meaningful cultural desire, simple, supportive ways to feel a little better day-to-day.
Harvard-Style References
Healthline (2025). Can magnesium help with anxiety and mood? Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-and-anxiety
Medical News Today (2025). Magnesium benefits: Uses, sources and safety. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322827
Mind (2025). Magnesium for mental health: What research says. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-your-wellbeing/magnesium-and-mental-health
PubMed Central (2024). Effects of magnesium supplementation on stress biomarkers. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC/
