Staying hydrated is absolutely essential for being healthy and happy! Your organs need fluids to function which means you need fluids to function! Water gives us the energy we need and dehydration is no joke. This is why you’ve heard every doctor ever remind people to drink more water. While you’re running around doing all the important things you do, you might forget to stop and drink water throughout the day. Here are some helpful tips for staying hydrated.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water
If you’re feeling parched, that means you are actually already experiencing the signs of dehydration. Don’t wait until your body reminds you you’re thirsty to drink water.
Set some reminders or write notes to remind yourself to drink water consistently throughout the day. If you plan on being active or spending a lot of time in the sun, drink plenty of water beforehand so you don’t get dehydrated while you’re out and about.
Add some flavor
Yes, water can be boring. It doesn’t taste as good as that Diet Coke or Iced Coffee. But it’s essential! Feel free to add some flavor to your water to make it more enticing to drink.
Squeeze a lemon or add some cucumbers. Try switching it up and drinking sparkling water every now and then. You can also drink sports drinks with electrolytes, like Gatorade. These are great for replenishing your electrolytes that are lost when you’re being really active. Just make sure you’re not drinking too much sugar.
Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration
Knowing the signs of dehydration is important so you know when your body is asking you for more water. Feeling thirsty is the very first sign you might notice. Beyond that, you might also have darker urine, muscle cramps, fatigue, sugar cravings, and drowsiness.
These are some of the first indications that you need to drink more water. If you continue to stay dehydrated overtime, you may experience more severe symptoms. If you notice any of these signs, start drinking water right away to avoid anything more serious.
Get hydrated through your foods
Drinking water isn’t the only way to keep your body hydrated. Many fruits and vegetables are rich in water and eating them daily will help with your H2O intake. True to its name, watermelon is made of mostly water. Other water-rich fruits include strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, and peaches.
Some vegetables you should consider adding to your diet are cucumbers, leafy greens like spinach, zucchini, and celery. If you’re having a hard time drinking water, eat more of these fruits and veggies. They’re good for you anyways!
Use a water bottle that encourages you to drink more water
Some water bottle companies sell bottles with notches on the side to remind you to drink water throughout the day. It will tell you how much water you should consume by different times of day. This is a good visual reminder to drink up.
Even if you don’t use one of these bottles, we recommend you keep some kind of water bottle nearby at all times. Having a reusable bottle in sight and within reach will remind you to take sips throughout the day and not wait until you’re thirsty.
