@stephanie_somebody, @danascruggs
It's no secret that our body constantly needs water, and not just during the hot summer months, when the sun can be a bit too much to handle. In the colder seasons too! The challenge is that during colder months, we might not feel as thirsty, so we end up drinking less. But with less H2O intake, we risk getting dehydrated and not feeling our best. To make sure you're staying happily hydrated throughout the day, we’ve rounded up six simple and useful tips.
Create a Daily Ritual
If you already have a water intake routine, awesome — keep it up! If not, no worries, let's get you started. First things first, create a simple water-drinking routine and follow it consistently. Your daily ritual might look like this: having a glass when you wake up, before your meals, and before bedtime. Another question is how much to drink? Well, experts usually recommend a minimum of 3 liters a day, which is believed to be the ideal intake for the body. But you can totally start with a smaller goal that feels more doable for you. That way, it'll be much easier to get used to the new routine. When setting your intake goals, though, make sure to keep in mind your body weight and activity level.
Buddy Up with Water Tracker Apps
Make water tracker apps your best friends and always stay on track with your daily intake. There are tons available for both Android and iOS devices, such as WaterMinder, Water Reminder and cute Waterllama. Think of your app as your personal cheerleader, rooting for you every step of the way! With the water tracker app on your phone, you'll be able to monitor your achievements, set reminders, and earn badges to keep yourself motivated.
@randd.lab, @mirrorwater.earth
Play with Flavors
We know that drinking plain water might not be a lot of fun, but you can always experiment by adding some natural flavors. To make your drink more enjoyable, drop in some fruit slices, berries or even vegetables. During colder seasons, swap out a cup of coffee for a comforting mug of warm herbal tea to avoid fast dehydration.
Snack on Water-Rich Foods
Not only drink water, but eat it too! Yep, you heard it correctly. You can boost your water intake with water-rich foods like oranges, strawberries, celery, bell peppers, pineapple and cucumbers. It's a very healthy and also delicious way to stay hydrated. Another great tip is to eat more homemade soups and broths made with seasonal vegetables — a perfect choice for cold months like February.
Keep Your Water Bottle Handy
Get yourself a reusable water bottle and take it with you everywhere you go, be that your office, date with friends or when you are just out and about solo. When at work, keep your bottle on your desk to always have it in front of your eyes as a visual reminder. When water is always within reach, you're more likely to sip consistently and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Be Mindful of Indoor Heating
Keep in mind that central heating systems, especially in colder months, can dry out the air and cause more water loss. Your secret weapon in this battle is having a humidifier! Place one in your living space or workspace to keep the air comfortably moist. Your skin, hair, and body will say thank you!
