We all know we should drink more water, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. Knowing and doing are two very different things, especially if you’ve got a million different things on your mind. But staying hydrated is one of the most important cornerstones of self care. Staying hydrated is essential for so many reasons. It keeps our bodies running smoothly by helping our immune and digestive systems to function, flushes out toxins from the body and protects our joints. It also helps improve to skin texture and elasticity. Our bodies are made up of 60% water so when we are dehydrated, it can result in headaches, tiredness and poor concentration, amongst other things.
It has been said that the average person should drink around 2 litres (that’s 6 to 8 glasses) of fluids a day (wine doesn't count), but it is actually more dependent on many factors such as your gender, height, weight and activity levels. Many of us are not even hitting the target of 2 litres.
So here are a few ideas for us all to up our water intake.
So now we know the why, here are some tips to help us increase your fluid intake.
Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to drink regularly throughout the day. Maybe choose a custom sound or song to remind you though - and not some stress-inducing alert.
Track your fluid intake, using one of the many apps out there or if you prefer a handwritten approach, try the habit tracker on our wellbeing planner.
Speaking of habit tracking, if you tie water consumption into your routine then you are more likely to remember to do it. It's called habit stacking. So always drink a glass of water when you eat a meal, when you wake up or after your daily shower.
Keep a reuseable water bottle with you at all times so you can drink on the go. It also helps the environment. Around Guernsey, there are many free refill stations and venues - just look for the sticker in the window.
Water can get a bit boring, we know. Why not add some fruit to your water to mix it up a bit and give it some flavour? Citrus fruits work well, as do berries, fresh or frozen. Cucumber and mint can also give you that spa feeling all day long. Double win.
When working at your desk, refill your glass as soon as it is empty and keep it by your side. Also make sure there's water on the table at meal times, even if you have other drinks open.
Alternate your drinks; herbal teas and kombucha are healthy alternatives to water - as long as they don't make up all of your liquids. Plain water still reigns supreme.
You can get extra hydration if you eat food that has a high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, berries and celery.
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