We all know that drinking water is important, but why is it so essential? Water is essential to our bodies because it helps our cells to function properly and allows us to stay healthy. It’s also important for flushing out toxins from our bodies, regulating our body temperature, and aiding in digestion. In short, staying hydrated is crucial for our overall health.
Benefits Of Drinking Water
There are many benefits to drinking water, including:
- Improved energy levels: Water helps to keep our bodies energized, as it helps to replenish electrolytes that we lose when we sweat.
- Improved skin health: Drinking water helps to keep our skin hydrated and can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Improved mental clarity: Staying hydrated helps to keep our brains functioning properly and can help us to focus better.
- Improved digestion: Drinking water helps our bodies to digest food more effectively and can help to reduce bloating and constipation.
- Improved physical performance: Staying hydrated helps to keep our muscles and joints lubricated, which can help us to perform better during physical activities.
How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day?
The amount of water you should drink per day will depend on your body size, activity level, and other factors. Generally speaking, the recommended amount of water to drink is between two to four liters per day for adults. It’s also important to note that if you’re exercising or living in a hot climate, you may need to drink more water to stay hydrated.
Tips For Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated can be difficult, especially if you’re not used to drinking a lot of water. Here are some tips to help you get into the habit of drinking water:
- Carry a water bottle with you: Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go, so you’ll always have easy access to water.
- Set reminders: Set reminders on your phone or watch to remind you to drink water throughout the day.
- Drink a glass of water before meals: Drinking a glass of water before meals can help to fill you up, so you’ll eat less and stay hydrated.
- Drink water at social events: At social events, make a conscious effort to drink water instead of (or at least alongside) alcohol. Alcohol is a key culprit when it comes to dehydration, so try to have one glass of water per alcoholic drink.
- Add flavor to your water: Adding flavor to your water can make it more enjoyable to drink, which can help you stay hydrated.
How To Make Drinking Water More Exciting
Drinking the same old glass of water can get boring. Here are some ways to make drinking water more exciting:
- Use a special water bottle: Invest in a special water bottle that you’ll look forward to using. You can even find water bottles that come with built-in tracking to help you stay on track with your water intake.
- Experiment with different temperatures: Hot water can be soothing, while cold water can be refreshing. Experiment with different temperatures to find what works best for you.
- Add fresh fruit or herbs: Add fresh fruit or herbs to your water to give it a unique flavor.
- Drink it with a straw: Drinking with a straw can make it more enjoyable and help you drink more.
Adding Flavor To Water
If you find plain water boring, you can add flavor to your water to make it more enjoyable. Here are some ideas for adding flavor to your water:
- Lemon or lime: Add a few slices of lemon or lime to your water for a refreshing flavor.
- Cucumber: Add slices of cucumber to your water for a light, refreshing flavor.
- Mint: Add a few leaves of mint for a subtle minty flavor.
- Berries: Add a few frozen or fresh berries for a fruity flavor.
- Herbs: Add herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme for a fragrant twist.
Of course, infused water is also available in stores and online, but make sure to only choose brands that avoid nasty additives such as chemical sweeteners.
Water Alternatives
If plain water isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options to stay hydrated. Here are some alternatives to water:
- Coconut water: Coconut water is a great source of electrolytes and can help to replenish your body.
- Herbal teas: Herbal teas are a great way to stay hydrated and can help to boost your energy levels.
- Vegetable juice: Vegetable juice is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
How To Stay Hydrated When You’re Away From Home
Staying hydrated when you’re away from home can be difficult, but it’s still possible. Here are some tips to help you stay hydrated when you’re on the go:
- Pack a reusable water bottle: Pack a reusable water bottle wherever you go so you always have access to water.
- Bring water with you: Bring a few bottles of water with you wherever you go so you can stay hydrated.
- Look for water stations: Many cities now have public water stations, so look out for them when you’re out and about.