“Hydration. Fuel for the body.”
It’s my health goal, constantly. What about you? Do you find it a constant challenge to drink the daily recommended amount of water? To me, it seems so simple in concept, yet so difficult in reality. In Southeast Alaska, we are surrounded by water and a stunning landscape that flourishes from all that water. Yet I can’t ever seem to consume enough water on a daily basis. For clarification, I am not in a position to give medical advice, but I am sharing tips on what works for me, because hydration is critically important for all of us.
So, raise a glass and “Cheers!” to drinking more water together!
Why is hydration important?
Water makes up most of our body weight, and every part of our body relies on water to function properly. When I don’t drink enough water, I feel sluggish, lack focus, and notice my lips are chapped and skin is dry. When you’re truly feeling dried out, start with drinking a glass of water.
Have you grabbed that glass of water yet? Because if not, here is your chance. Sometimes I need to be reminded twice. So go grab a drink of water, I’ll still be here.
Okay, feeling better and more refreshed? I am.
Benefits of water are endless, but to name a few:
- Water helps with regulating temperature and distributing nutrients
- Flushes toxins and waste out of our cells
- Eases digestion
- Contributes to optimal brain function
- Aids in weight loss and refreshes our skin
Water ultimately keeps us alive.
Do I need to say more? That’s good enough, right? So why do so many people have issues with drinking enough water?
There are many key factors that influence how much water to drink, such as body, lifestyle and environment. According to the Mayo Clinic, generally men need about 15.5 cups and women need about 11.5 cups of fluids a day. A person may need to drink additional fluids to stay hydrated if they are sick, pregnant or breastfeeding, live in a warmer climate or at high altitudes, or doing any activity or workout.
In addition, here are some tips to help you consume the water your body requires to perform at its best throughout the day:
- Drink water first thing in the morning. To remind myself to do this, I set a glass of water right next to my espresso machine.
- Fill up a water bottle and drink it on your way to work. Don’t forget to fill up at midday.
- Find a cup that you like. I drink more water if it is out of a water bottle with a straw or large mason jar. If you want a reason to buy a new water bottle, here it is!
- Download an app to remind you to hydrate. On most water intake apps, you can change the settings to set reminders to drink water throughout the day.
- Figure out what kind of water you like. I like warm water, so I invested in an electric kettle.
- Have a little fun! Incorporate lemon or cucumber slices and give your taste buds a little zing.
Do you live in a place where you are unable to drink the tap water? Remember that electric water kettle I mentioned earlier? Invest in a quality electric kettle or use a standard pot on the stove top to boil your water for at least one minute to make sure it’s safe to drink.
I hope these tips help you stay hydrated and help you reach your daily water consumption goals. Making easily attainable goals makes building healthy habits a reality. Little changes in your everyday routine can make all the difference! Cheers to drinking more water and feeling better!!
Mayo Clinic resource: Water: How much should you drink every day? – Mayo Clinic
