Jul 6, 2021

Raise Your Glasses

Raise Your Glasses; oh, I bet you thought I was speaking about another type of glass. Nope I’m talking about raising those water jugs, bottles, glasses, coolers and more. Yep, it’s summertime and the heat is blazing.

With the temperature rising and humidity skyrocketing this is the most important time to keep those glasses raised high up and filled.

Why is water so important?
Drinking helps your body to maintain balance of the body fluids. The body is made up of 60% water. One of the importance of drinking water is helping to maintain bodily functions of the organs and maintenance of body temperature.

How do you know when you are dehydrated?
Rule of thumb when you are already feeling thirsty know that you are already slightly dehydrated. Thirsty is a sign that your body needs hydration. So, replenishing your body with water throughout the day will help you to not feel thirsty and help increase the function of the bodily organs.

7 Tips to help you stay hydrated throughout the day

1. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty before you start drinking water. As stated above when you’re already feeling thirsty you are dehydrated.
2. Start your day with an 8 oz. cup of water. Place a water bottle or glass of water right beside your bed to help encourage you to drink water first thing in the morning.
3. Eat water rich fruits and vegetables. There are several fruits and vegetables that contain plenty of water in addition to healthy nutrients. Try incorporating these Fruits & vegetables: Watermelon, Strawberries, Cantaloupe, Peaches, Pineapples, Cucumber, Leafy greens, Celery, Zucchini, Tomatoes.
4. Flavor your water. To help it make water more inviting; try flavoring your water.
5. Dress for the weather. Who would have thought that your attire has a lot to do with hydration. In the hotter weather, dress with lighter clothes and more loose fitting. Dark, heavy clothes will increase skin temperature which increase sweating and causes your body to take a long time to cool itself (loss of water) which causes dehydration. So, dress appropriately for the weather
6. Stay inside when the temperature gets too hot.
7. Know your body and what it will allow. As the temperature increases be mindful of your body response to the heat. Plan your runs earlier in the morning or later in the evening to beat the heat.

A hydrating mind and body is a flourishing mind & body.

By: Felicia. R. Hall @feliciarhall
Felicia is an educator and motivator at heart. Felicia is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Run & Fitness Coach, RYT 200 Yoga Instructor, Educator and a doctoral candidate. She is a small-town girl who loves running, nature and helping others become the best version of themselves.