6 Fun-size ways to Stay Hydrated
Of course, as a Healthy Habits Coach, it is no surprise that I'm going to tell you to STAY HYDRATED, but let's talk about ALL THE WAYS we can accomplish this on a daily basis (🚨Spoiler alert... I'm not just talking about drinking water)!
First…
Hydration Rules
Always consider the quality of the liquid you’re drinking and know that the more you can crowd out the diuretic and sugary drinks with fresh, hydrating water, the more your skin, liver, kidneys, brain, muscles, body and soul will thank you!
Consider moderating and balancing your non-water hydration intake
If you find yourself drawn to drinking multiple sodas a day, start off with just replacing 1 (or even half of 1), with a fresh glass of water and CELEBRATE the heck out of that fun-size step you just took. Every ounce of water you take in makes a difference in your health, it does not have to be an all or nothing approach.
My other fave fun-size ways to squeeze in some extra hydration…
Don't wait:
If you're thirsty, you're already on your way to being dehydrated! Keeping a full glass or container of water near you at all times will help make it easier to drink. I can often be seen with my stickered-up, strawed, 32oz hydroflask nearby, and frankly, if I'm working on my laptop, it is right in front of my face so I'll have to do is lower my lips to sip!
Drink water:
Obvious, right? Water continues to be the most effective way to hydrate our bodies, and aiming to drink about half your body weight in ounces each day is a great guideline to ensure we stay properly hydrated. HOWEVER, the type of water you drink can help to make this a more beneficial process to your body! I am OBSESSED with my Kangen Water System, which produces fresh, clean, alkaline, ionized, anti-oxidant, super hydrating water on demand (this could be a whole blog post on its own, so if my magic water is tickling your curiosity, please check out my Happy, Healthy Half Hour featuring an interview with Cat from embodywater.com)!
Hydrate from other sources:
While I LOVE to recommend water as a primary source of hydration, other liquids, like tea and coffee *can* contribute to your daily hydration goal. HOWEVER, the quality of how these will hydrate your body is quite different, because these yummy bevvies are also diuretics (meaning, they cause our body to remove fluids from our blood). The trick is, you do still need drink water, and make sure you aren't adding extra additives which may work against your hydration and health goals (i.e. sweeteners, syrups, etc).
Grab a hydrating snack:
Fresh fruits and veggies not only provide you with awesome health benefits, they can also be incredibly hydrating! Oranges, melons, berries, grapes, cukes, carrots, spinach, and lettuce are all great ways to refresh and nourish on the hottest days. Pro-tip: Freeze them for use in shakes and smoothies or enjoy on their own during a particularly hot day!
Hydrate while you party:
Let's keep it real. Summertime brings parties, and, if you're of legal drinking age, there will *probably* be some alcohol around that you *may* want to imbibe. I cannot stress to you enough, staying hydrated while drinking alcohol is BEYOND important. You see, alcohol is also a diuretic (if you're a nerd like me, check out this great article from Healthline, on the science behind why this happens). Dehydration + heat = all kinds of feeling yuck. Pro-tip: Drink 12-16oz of water in-between each serving of alcohol, keep that belly full and listen to your body. If you're starting to feel tipsy or unwell, slow down, hydrate, eat, get out of the sun and take some time to chill out.
Chill inside:
While this may not always be an option, if it is super HOT outside, do your best to grab some shade or go inside to stay cool. Our bodies are INCREDIBLE at regulating our temperature, but we must help to support its' processes when we can. If you're stuck outside, take the time to prepare by bringing a cooler with LOTS of water and ice, a hat, fan, cool bandanas, umbrella, and of course, mineral sunscreen.
What other ways do you like to stay hydrated and what questions are on your mind? Get in touch with me by clicking here! Can’t wait to hear from you, babe 🥰
Lindsey is an encourager, optimist, health + life coach, and yoga teacher who helps caregivers live fuller, healthier, vibrant lives through exploring all aspects of their life and health while helping to cultivate simple, sustainable fun-size habits, so that they can continue to make a meaningful impact in themselves, their loved ones, and the world, for generations to come.
