National Hydration Day
Glug, glug, glug…. need more water…glug, glug, glug. Ever have that moment in which you are so thirsty and feel as if you cannot get water quickly enough!!?! You never want to wait until you feel as if you have been stranded in the desert, and you don’t even have enough saliva to swallow. As the warm temperatures kick in and the hot, sunny, humid days are upon us you want to ensure you stay hydrated!
National Hydration Day is June 23rd and is a good reminder to make sure you are consuming enough liquids daily. Hydration is crucial because water supports numerous bodily functions, such as regulating temperature, delivering nutrients to cells, eliminating waste, lubricating joints, preserving organ health, and enhancing cognitive function. Staying properly hydrated ensures your body functions efficiently across multiple systems.
Hydration plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being. Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and decreased physical performance. Drinking enough water throughout the day supports digestion, circulation, and even skin health.
I know that sometimes it can be challenging to drink 6-8 glasses of water throughout the day, especially when you’re busy or indoors, not feeling particularly hot or thirsty. However, staying hydrated is important, and there are simple ways to make it easier.
One effective strategy is to always carry a reusable water bottle with you and set reminders to drink water regularly. Setting small goals, like finishing a certain amount by midday, can help keep you on track.
If plain water isn’t your favorite or you just want to mix things up, adding a little flavor can make it more enjoyable. Some ideas to try infusing your water with could be:
- Lemon
- Cucumber
- Ginger
- Berries
- Coconut
- Herbs (mint, basil, lavender)
Another great tip is to drink water before meals or while snacking to naturally boost your intake. On hot days, freezing your water bottle ahead of time can help keep your drink refreshingly cold. Choosing water over soda or juice is also a smart way to stay hydrated without added sugars.
When you’re looking for a refreshing alternative, sparkling water or seltzer can be a great choice. I love sipping sparkling water outside on a warm summer day—it’s a perfect way to stay cool while staying hydrated!
A good idea for staying hydrated on a hot day while walking or exerting myself is to add an electrolyte packet to my water or drink something like Gatorade, Propel, or a Liquid I.V. hydration packet. Sweating causes the loss of not just water but also essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Replenishing them with an electrolyte drink or supplement can help prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and fatigue. However, it’s important to be mindful of the sugar content in some sports drinks—options like Propel or Liquid I.V. offer lower-sugar alternatives.
Now that we’ve covered why staying hydrated matters and shared a few simple tips to boost your water intake, it’s time to take the first step! Fill up your glass, take a refreshing sip, and start building a daily hydration habit. Your body will thank you for it. Better yet, invite a friend or coworker to join you in a fun hydration challenge—keeping each other accountable makes it even easier!
By: Lisa Bock, CCR&R Director
