Set A Refreshing Reminder: The Best Times Of Day To Hydrate
It’s no surprise at this point in our lives when we’re told that water is vital for our body’s health.
Yet how many of us have let whole days go by before asking ourselves… When was the last time that I had any water?
Stay Hydrated and Reward Yourself
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Sure, we can get water from other beverages, as well as the fruits and vegetables we eat.
For actually staying hydrated, though, it’s all about getting the right amount of water on a regular basis.
Those benefits, according to little-known Harvard University, extends to:
- carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells
- flushing bacteria from your bladder
- aiding digestion
- preventing constipation
- normalizing blood pressure
- stabilizing the heartbeat
- cushioning joints
- protecting organs and tissues
- regulating body temperature
- maintaining electrolyte (sodium) balance
And yet, some doctors believe that 75% of Americans are dehydrated.
Wondering if you might be among the majority? Any of the following symptoms can be connected with dehydration: headaches, migraines, fatigue, dyspepsia, hypertension, kidney stones, breast cancer, uterine cancer, sinusitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and obesity.
(To name a few!)
While it’s clear there is a disconnect between us knowing that water is good for us and actually drinking that water, overcoming that disconnect is another story.
We’ve tried before to get your water tasting better. Today, we’ll change tactics and see if you can’t tie your water consumption into certain parts of the day.
When To Wet Your Whistle: 5 Key Times To Drink Water Throughout The Day
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Drink When You Get Up - Given how challenging it is for most of us to drink water while we’re sleeping, you’re likely waking up a bit thirsty. Not only does a cup or two help to hydrate us to start off the day, but it also balances the lymphatic system, helping to bolster your immune system and prevent you from getting sick.
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Before Your Next Meal - While drinking water before you eat has frequently been cited as a tool for weight loss (and backed by science, as drinking a 16oz glass of water beforehand can reduce calorie consumption by 13%), it is also an important tool in helping your digestion, especially with high-fiber foods.
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To Fight Mid-Day Energy Slumps - As mentioned above, fatigue can be a sign of dehydration. Given that caffeine can stay in your system for up to 6 hours, it may be best to try and tackle that tired feeling with water first.
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When You Start To Sweat - This applies to both exercise and warmer weather, so let sweat be your trigger to keep consuming water. When you can plan for both, all the better. Hydration for exercise can actually begin up to a week beforehand (when considering more intense events), and should carry through your exercise, even if just with small sips.
- And A Sip Before You Sleep - Help to fight morning grogginess or unexpected headaches with a sip or two before bedtime (though not enough that’ll wake you up mid-slumber). Plus, this is a moment to think about how your day went. As you look back, it’s useful to think not so much about how many glasses of water you drank, but how often you went to the bathroom.
And for good measure, why not grab a glass of water right now? Great for helping you feel better, it could also be the start of your journey to earning the IRLA Hydration Pack!
What about you? How do you keep yourself hydrated throughout the day?