via pixabay, edited by Melissa Szenda
Summers in Arizona can be hot. Not just a little toasty, but sweltering. Everyone warns you of it, but you never really know what it’s like until you’re in the brink of it. After moving here, there was this one thing many people reminded me, but I didn’t think I needed to do so frequently: Drink water.
Strange things began to happen to me: lightheadedness, fatigue, headaches. Something was not right.
“Are you drinking enough water, Melissa?” my doctor asked.
Bingo. It all made sense. My chronic headaches, the dizziness I felt when I walked out into the heat, my light-headedness. I wasn’t drinking enough water -- I was dehydrated. Chronically dehydrated.
An average adult recommended daily intake of water is eight 8-oz glasses or about 64 ounces. That may seem like a lot of water, but that’s the goal and here’s how you (and I) can accomplish it:
1. Keep a Water Bottle Handy
If you have a water bottle close by, chances are you’ll sip on it without even realizing it. I keep one in my purse at all times now, and one at my desk at work as well. Sipping water throughout the day has also limited my hunger as well.
2. Get a Labeled Water Bottle Tracker
Phrases like “You got this!” and “Almost there!” can really get you motivated to drink your daily dose of H20. As you drink through the day, these water bottles are labeled to track how much you’ve had, and how much you still need to drink, and also provide you with some much needed inspiration. Purchase one, or make your own!
3. Add Some Flavor!
If plain water just isn’t cutting it, infuse your water with some fresh yummy fruit, herbs or other botanicals! Strawberry-kiwi, peach-mango, or just plain lemon. Add some slices to your water to spice things up a bit.
4. Try Sparkling Water Instead of Soda
Giving up soda cold turkey can be hard, instead, try replacing it with some mineral water. The water will keep you hydrated while the carbonation may provide other health benefits like relieving stomach indigestion
5. Download a Water Tracking App
Admit it, you have your phone at your side more often than you have a bottle of water nearby. Which one is essential to your life though? Let technology help you. Water tracking apps like “Waterlogged” and “iDrated” can bring a fun aspect to daily water intake.
6. Set a Timer
If you face the problem of simply forgetting to drink water, remind yourself throughout the day. Set a few reminders on your phone to go off periodically during the day.
7. Drink one in the Morning and One at Night
Drinking a glass of water when you first wake up is not only a great way to start the day, but also healthy for more than just hydration. Drinking water right when you wake up has been said to improve skin health, purify the colon and help lose weight. Most of all though, it’s a great habit to start and you’ll only have 7 glasses to worry about for the rest of the day! Then try drinking one right before bedtime. Drinking water before you go to sleep is one of the best ways to help your body store nutrients and minerals needed to stay strong.
Editing Note: This article did not filter through the normal EmpowHER editing and fact checking process. It was checked for spelling and grammar.
Read more in Being HERhttp://www.self.com/wellness/health/2015/12/how-to-drink-more-water/
http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/unusual-signs-of-dehydration/
http://www.newhealthguide.org/Drinking-Water-In-The-Morning.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/165682-what-are-the-benefits-of-carbonated-water/
Add a Comment1 Comments
Excellent tips!! Appreciate the encouragement!!
July 30, 2016 - 1:08pmThis Comment