Many of you are by now very aware of the importance of drinking water and the positive effects it has on you, but are struggling to get into the routine of drinking water all day and every day. With a busy schedule, it can be hard to remember something as simple as drinking water. You have made the first step of admitting or at least acknowledging the fact that you are not drinking plenty of water as you should.
Let’s get one thing straight – water is the main component of the human body. In fact, the body is composed of between 55 and 78 percent water, depending on body size. Water helps keep the body well hydrated, which is essential because almost every cell in the body needs water to function properly. Since your brain is mostly water, drinking it helps you think, focus and concentrate better and be more alert. If you have a headache or migraine, the first thing that you can do to get some relief is drink plenty of water. Headaches and migraines are often caused by dehydration. Also, water helps get rid of waste through sweat and urination which reduces the risk of kidney stones. Aids in digestion as water is essential to digest your food and prevents constipation. Moreover, water also regulates body temperature, carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells, acts as a lubricant for the joints and prevents dehydration which may lead to tiredness or muscle weakness.
Water is the best thing you can put in your body and if you don’t drink enough of it, then you should learn some great ways to trick yourself into developing a healthy habit of drinking lots of water every day.
- Drink water as soon as you wake up. When you wake up after a long sleep, your body is naturally dehydrated. Drinking a cup of water helps rehydrated your body. So, tonight when you go to bed, remember to put a glass of water on your nightstand. As soon as you wake up in the morning, grab the glass and drink water!
- Carry a bottle of water with you. Sometimes people forget to drink water simply because of a lack of access. Water bottles are an excellent way to increase your water intake so try carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day. Keep it at your desk at work or place it in the book bag you take to class. This would be a reminder to you that you have to drink water.
- Add flavour to your water. You might be more inclined to drink water if it was a little more interesting. For example, orange slices, mint, strawberry, watermelon or even cucumber in your water adds a little flavour without adding in the sugar you’d find in straight fruit juice. You can also buy flavoured waters at the local super market. However, make sure the waters are flavoured with natural ingredients and do not contain added sugar.
- Drink water with each meal. This is a great way to make a habit of drinking more water every day. Not only will this up your overall fluid intake, it will help you feel full faster.
- Set a reminder on your phone. Don’t allow yourself to get too caught up in what you are doing and forget to drink your water. If you’re still having a hard time remembering to drink water, set a timer on your phone. Set several alarms throughout the day, type a little message to remind you what the alarm is for and start drinking! If you have a smartphone, there are many free apps in the market to help you track your daily water consumption.
- Drink water every time you exercise. Ensure that when you plan your exercise regime you include time to drink water before, during and after your workout. Being dehydrated can severely hamper you athletic ability and health.
- Drink water when you are feeling hungry. Sometimes when you need water it can feel like you are hungry. Some people immediately go to the fridge and slam down unneeded calories. It’s far better to drink a bit of water the next time you feel hungry. As mentioned, sometimes all you need is just a glass of water.