Imaginative Ways to Hydrate
By Sara Butler
Everyone knows they need to drink water. You also probably know that most people don't drink enough of it. But there are ways you can make your daily hydration just a little bit more fun. Here are a few very creative ways to ensure you're getting enough of the wet stuff per day.
Why It's Important
Why does it even matter how much water you drink? Water plays a very important role in many of your bodily functions, such as regulating body temperature, digestion, joint lubrication, brain function, and the delivery of oxygen to every cell in your body -- just to name a few. You should be drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces of water per day. If you're not, then it's time to step it up and get creative to wet your whistle!
Have a Cup in the Morning
As you're impatiently waiting for your coffee to brew, sip on some hot lemon water. When you sleep at night, you can become dehydrated. That's why it's very important to get water as soon as you can after you wake up. A hot cup of water in the morning also helps to stimulate your digestive system.
After Breakfast
In the space of time before lunch but after breakfast, you should drink water. Consider this time of the day hydration time. If plain water isn't doing it for you, then get a refillable water bottle and fill it with sparkling water, herbal tea, kombucha, chia seed water, or lemon water. If you make the water feel a little special, then you'll be more likely to drink it. Drinking during this time of the day can also help you to avoid your afternoon energy slump.
After Lunch
The time after lunch and before dinner can be tough. You may be wrapping up your school or work day and you may be dragging a little. Most people reach for a snack this time of the day but you should try to make it a part of your routine to reach for water instead. If you can establish a routine of drinking water at the end of your work or school day, then it will become a habit -- a habit that helps to keep you hydrated and your body working optimally.
It's so important to drink enough water each day to keep your body functioning optimally, so do what you need to in order to make drinking water easier -- and maybe a little fun!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fairfax, Va.