It’s summer – the sun is shining, the weather is warming up, and people are spending more and more time outside. Through all the summer fun, it’s super important to remember to maintain healthy habits, such as drinking enough water.
Why is drinking water important?
Staying hydrated is directly related to feeling your best. Water is essential for wellbeing – in fact, around 60% (opens in new tab) of the adult human body is made up of water (hint: your body really likes this stuff). Water supports many of your body’s important functions (opens in new tab): it supplies nutrients, removes waste, helps blood circulation, regulates body temperature, and aids digestion. It also protects your joints, vital organs, and tissues. Wow, thank you, water. We get dehydrated when we don’t drink enough water, or lose water without replacing it. Dehydration causes dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, brain fog, muscle cramps, and other symptoms you’d rather avoid. If you start experiencing any of those feelings, these may be signals from your body to start drinking water as soon as possible. A simple way to avoid dehydration is to drink water throughout the day instead of waiting until you’re thirsty. Also, be aware of when you may be losing water due to sweat, sickness, or heat exposure, and make sure to replenish. When you drink enough water, you’ll be able to beat the summer heat and feel like your best self.
Fun ways to stay hydrated
Don’t worry – staying hydrated doesn’t have to be boring. There are many creative ways to make sure you’re getting the water you need. For example, did you know that our bodies get intake from food? That’s right – fruits and vegetables are full of the water that your body needs and loves. Cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, radishes, peppers, cauliflower, watermelon, spinach, strawberries, broccoli, and grapefruit. Snack on these throughout the day, and your body will thank you. Or, try making fruit-based popsicles at home – these cool you down, hydrate you, and are delicious. Another fun way to stay hydrated is to put fruit, herbs (like mint or basil), or citrus in your water to add flavor. If you tend to get bored of water, try seltzer, coconut water, or herbal teas. Just be sure that these alternatives have no added sugar or sodium, and you’ll be good to go. Another way to motivate yourself to drink water is to invest in a reusable water bottle you love. Take it with you when you leave the house for a long time, do physical activity, or spend a lot of time in the heat. You could make it a goal to refill the water bottle several times a day to ensure you're drinking plenty of water.