As if staying sane, COVID-safe, maintaining one’s health physically, mentally, and spiritually, eating well and exercising everyday was not enough… All of the above means aaaaabsolutely nothing if we don’t stay hyyyydrated.
Our overall energy, capacity to function at an optimal level and ability to concentrate on tasks are all affected by how hydrated we are. Dehydration has been found to contribute towards depression and anxiety, with anxiety levels being far higher in individuals who did not drink enough water. Signs of dehydration in elderly people manifests as symptoms of Dementia and exacerbate the symptoms of patients diagnosed with other neurocognitive disorders. Among an array of grim internal organ dysfunctions, prolonged water deficiency leads to decreased kidney function…and you do not want any of that. While us humans are made of around 65% water, water is 100% essential for our survival.
Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve become increasingly more health conscious. This led to me become more aware of my daily liquid intake. I went through a brief stint of using my Fit Bit (activity tracking device) to help me drink enough water but found myself going to the toilet about 3 or 4 times a night… and that got very tedious, very quickly. For some people it seems easier to consume their body weight in liquids. I’m that person at the party nursing the saaaame drink all night. When I used to be a bar-tender, at the end of each shift, I’d always have several unfinished drinks under the counter that customers had kindly bought me.
Depending on your lifestyle and activity levels, we should be trying to consume at least 2.5 to 3.5 liters of fluids a day. How much water do you drink a day? Although water would be the best, water-based liquids with no added sugar are a great alternative. Green tea, black coffee, fizzy water, non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond milk). I wish I could “Gwop-Gwop-Gwop” all day. But, for all my wishing, making sure that I’m drinking enough throughout the day is really difficult for me, it really feels like a chore. SO, with the Osaka Summer inferno well on its way, if you are struggling to stay hydrated like me, here are a few environmentally friendly life hacks that might help you consume more liquids in your daily life:
Make it a habit to always bring a reusable water bottle with you. Apparently having a transparent water bottle will help you drink more, as you can see how much water you need to drink. This acts as a visual aid and reminder.
Try drinking 500ml of water when you first get up in the morning. With a squeeze of lemon or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, this is also an excellent way to flush your system of toxins in the morning. Raisin water (raisins soaked in filtered water over night) is full of antioxidants. Raisin water drunk on an empty stomach has wonderful liver detoxifying benefits and is full of dietary fiber.
Drink a large glass of water before every meal, this also helps with not overeating.
Make it a rule to drink lots of water after you exercise. Replenish lost fluids after you have worked up a sweat. Also drink a large glass of water after every toilet break.
Did you know that you can eat your water? Eating water-rich foods like tomatoes, celery and slurping on broths & soups are an excellent way to contribute towards fluid intake. Cucumber is 96% water, zucchini is 95% water, watermelon is 92% water, and grapefruit is 91% water.
They say it takes 21 days to build a new habit. If you can maintain pursuing that goal for three weeks, it will soon become second nature to you. So good luck.
Drink Up
Eat Well.
And, Stay Safe!
