why drinking water is one of the healthiest habits
All the health tips and trends seem to offer up options that appear appealing on the surface, but each shys away from being truly effective toward creating a healthier, more successful you for life.
One key component the trends and fads are almost always missing is daily hydration - aka: water!
Drinking enough water throughout the day is a time-honored method of boosting your health and helping you be successful. Fads and trends in the dieting industry might push you toward the newest sports drink or fancy “diet” soda, but the bottom line is your body and mind need more water.
Creating habits around drinking water will help you see the benefits quickly and you’ll be able to do more with your day!
Hydration is Key
Everything in your body from your skin, to your internal organs, to the way you process food is governed by how much water you drink. If you want bright, glowing skin, water is the best place to start. Tired of feeling like you’ve always got a rumbly tummy? Drink more water.
But teaching your body to reach for that water glass instead of soda, sports drinks, or another iced coffee requires some re-learning and training on your part. It takes changing up your daily habits. It takes consistency with those habits.
Water Bottles
To teach your body and mind how to reach for water instead of drinks that won’t do your body much good, the first step is to find a beverage container you love! Do some shopping online and in stores to find a water bottle or glass that suits your needs and your tastes. I personally recommend either glass or stainless steel. If at all possible, stay away from plastic. If you have something fun to look forward to each time you reach for it, you’ll teach your brain to be boosted when you do it! Find something in a color you love, a shape that fits you and your home, car, or office, and that will keep your water the temperature you need throughout the day.
Suns Up, Water Out
Oftentimes we turn to coffee or tea in the morning as a way to wake our bodies up and get going for the day. There’s nothing wrong with this routine and sticking to a sugar-free cup of coffee or tea can be a perfect part of your morning routine! But a simple way to get more water in throughout the day and kickstart your body’s processes for the day is to drink a glass of ice water first thing after waking up! The shock of cold water and the hydration push your body to process it more quickly and you get one glass of water out of the way for the day before you even leave the house. Pro-Tip: Add a lemon slice!
Set an Alarm
When you’re focused on work, it can be hard to remember to take a break, breathe, and drink some water. Set an alarm on your phone or watch that will go off throughout the day and remind you to sit back, take a breath, and drink a big batch of water. It might sound silly - but it works! I even have my Apple Watch set to tell me to stand up if I get so involved in work that I’ve sat too long. Give yourself plenty of short times throughout the day where you take a drink break and even get up out of your chair and stretch while you do it. If you’re at home all day, pause what you’re doing and get a drink. Get the kids in on it too and make it a simple moment to get your hydration and a few moments of peace and quiet!
Keep a Habit Tracker
Start your water charting with a habit tracker. Write down your goal for the day, week, or month in terms of water bottles, glasses, or gallon jugs (whatever your preferred form of measurement), and keep a close record of what you’ve consumed throughout the day. Make this simple chart fun and easy to use so you’ll want to reach for it throughout the day! Daily hydration is one of the habits I set for all my clients to mark off in our WildKind app. Tracking simply works!
Get Accountable
Going out to start a new habit all on your own is a daunting task. Sharing your struggles with an accountability partner is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body on track without feeling like you have to do it alone! Find someone you trust and continue to share your struggles with them whether it’s about food or exercise, personal issues, or your water intake. You might get involved with a health coach, gym partner, or just find a friend who can be tough. If you are looking for an encouraging group, I invite you to join the WildKind Women Facebook Group. Either way, talking through the issue with someone you trust can make all the difference in the world!
Takeaway
Drinking plenty of water will help every area of your life from being able to think more clearly, to helping your skin glow and shine throughout the day! Creating a new water drinking habit can help you get all the benefits without changing your entire life. Now get to it and HYDRATE EVERY DAY! I’m cheering you on always!
