The Importance of Staying Hydrated: How to Ensure You're Drinking Enough Water

Staying hydrated is essential for our health and wellbeing, yet many of us don’t drink enough water. Even mild dehydration can impact our energy levels, concentration, mood and physical performance. You might be surprised to learn that just a 2% drop in body water can lead to a decrease in cognitive abilities and the ability to complete simple tasks.

It is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day so that you can remain healthy and perform at your best. So how can you ensure you consume enough? Here are some tips for making sure you stay hydrated.

Carry a Water Bottle with You at All Times

The easiest way to remember to stay hydrated is by keeping a bottle of water with you at all times. Whether it’s in your bag, car or pocket, having easy access to water will help remind you to take regular sips throughout the day. This will also help keep track of how much water you’re consuming and prevent dehydration from developing. Investing in a good quality reusable bottle will save money as well as plastic waste over time.

Drink Before You Feel Thirsty

By waiting until we feel thirsty, it usually means we are already slightly dehydrated which could lead to more severe symptoms such as headaches or fatigue. Therefore it’s important not only to keep yourself fuelled with fluids but also maintain a regular intake before thirst kicks in - this will also help ensure that your urine stays pale yellow as opposed to dark yellow which may indicate dehydration has occurred. Generally speaking drinking 8 glasses (around 2L) per day is recommended although this can vary depending on individual needs and activity levels so make sure you adjust accordingly if needed!

Eat Hydrating Fruits & Veggies

As well as drinking fluids throughout the day, there are certain foods that contain high levels of water which can help contribute towards daily intake goals too! For example foods such as cucumbers (96%), tomatoes (94%) and strawberries (91%) contain high amounts of H2O while still providing essential vitamins and minerals for our bodies - why not add them onto salads or smoothies for an extra hydration boost? Eating these types of fruits & veggies are great for keeping us going during the summer months when temperatures are hotter than usual - plus they taste great too!

Monitor Your Intake & Set Reminders

If keeping track of how much fluid we consume on a daily basis seems like mission impossible then why not set reminders on your phone throughout the day? This could be helpful if you struggle getting into the habit of staying hydrated or forget easily - receiving notifications reminding us when it’s time for a sip is an easy way to make sure we don’t forget! Alternatively try using apps such as MyWater Balance which helps monitor intake so that users know exactly how much they need each day based on factors such as age, weight & activity level - perfect for those looking for an even more tailored approach!

Conclusion

Staying hydrated is essential if we want our bodies running efficiently so make sure you remember these key tips: carry a reusable bottle with you wherever possible; drink before feeling thirsty; eat hydrating fruits & vegetables; monitor your intake & set reminders if needed! Once these become part of your routine it won’t be long before staying hydrated becomes second nature - enjoy being refreshed all year round!