Since childhood, we have been told that we should be drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, but environmental factors and individual health needs could change your body’s needs during the summer especially. If you’re going to include more outdoor events or physical activities in your routine, it’s important that you continue to keep your body hydrated. Here are five ways to help increase your water intake:
- Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. Starting off the day with a full glass of water will not only help your body to feel energized, but it will also give your metabolism a boost to get your day on track.
- Use your phone to keep you updated. Whether it be an app focused on your movement and nutrition, or manually setting alarms to keep your water consumption on track, a reminder to drink water throughout the day can help with your overall intake.
- Invest in a water bottle! Whether it be one with marked measurements for tracking your intake, or includes words of encouragement, a good water bottle can help ensure that you’re prepared and on track with your daily requirements.
- Check in with your body. How are you feeling? Lightheadedness or confusion can be caused by dehydration. Feel yourself overeating? Sometimes we confuse hunger with thirst. What is the color of your urine? Ensure that it is clear or light-colored. Your body will tell you exactly what it needs, you just have to be able to look at the signs to see what it is saying.
- Make your water fun! Add fruit, such as lemon or strawberries, to give it a little more flavor, or vegetables such as cucumbers to give it more hydration.
It’s your hydration journey, so make the most of it!