Yes, your brain can be a troll. Anxiety and stress often manifest as nausea, and then drinking water—something you associate with relief—can become a trigger. Your brain says, “Uh oh, water = danger,” and your stomach listens. It’s like a flawed psychological loop. (Ironic, isn’t it? Something so pure becomes a source of dread.)
Deep breaths before drinking might help. Or drink through a straw—sometimes the distraction breaks the cycle.