Let’s talk about hydration this month’ article. And I don’t need to tell you how important it is to stay hydrated. We all know about the importance of movement and nutrition for health and yet one aspect – anecdotally speaking – that is still very often neglected is hydration. 

So, it is probably not unfair to say that most of us are not always at optimum hydration. Every system within the body needs water to function properly, from digestion to our energy levels. It is common for us to be a little dehydrated, but how can we tell? Of course, the colour of your pee will give you an idea. When we are dehydrated, our blood pressure drops, causing poor circulation and reduced blood flow to the brain. This means that your heart must work extra-hard to distribute oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, making you feel tired and sluggish. 

3 Top Tips for Maintaining Hydration 

Luckily, this is an easy fix. The remedy? A simple glass of water! But what can we do to get more water into our day? Here are my three top tips on how to stay hydrated: 

  1. First, water. Every morning, while I wait for my coffee to brew, I have a glass of water with a little bit of creatine powder in it for some extra energy. Naturally, your body will be dehydrated after seven to eight hours of sleep. Therefore, longer you leave it before your first glass of water, the longer it will take for your body to recover. Studies show that drinking water after waking up helps to cleanse the stomach of toxins and balance the lymphatic system, improving immune health. 
  1. Little and often. Using a smaller glass of water encourages movement. Why? Because you have to get up and get moving in order to get more water. This is a great way to get in those movement snacks as you take a trip to the kitchen for a re-fill. People often mistake thirst for hunger, which can cause them to eat more than they need. Consistent water intake throughout the day will also help you to consume the right amount of food. 
  1. Keep it coming. If you don’t have a reusable bottle for when you are on the go, it is time to treat yourself. Carrying around a flask or bottle will ensure you are never without water and have sufficient energy for optimum performance. Often, when we are busy, we tend to ignore or miss the signals from our bodies telling us that we are thirsty. 

Not Only Skin Deep 

Being hydrated does not just affect your physical health and appearance. Simply drinking more water can have a huge impact on our quality of life as it boosts our energy and helps us to perform at a higher level. You may find that using alerts on your phone as a reminder helps you to drink as much water as possible to stay motivated throughout the day.