I hope you have been keeping well hydrated this week! (Half your weight in ounces every day!)
Water is so foundational to our health, and yet we all struggle with making sure to drink enough each day. Here's a reminder of the benefits of water:
Water is critical for digestion and elimination.
It transports nutrients to cells, tissues, and organs.
Your liver depends on it to help remove toxins.
Water helps regulate body temperature, cushion joints, and is needed for the production of hormones.
It supports your immune system to fight infections.
Staying hydrated helps to control inflammation.
And if all that isn't making you thirsty yet, keep in mind that being well-hydrated improves sleep quality, cognition, mood and energy levels!
Some people find it helpful to use the "Strategy of Pairing" (learn more about this from Gretchen Rubin, author of Better than Before). The strategy of pairing involves pairing two activities, one that you need or want to do and one that you don't particularly want to do, to get both accomplished. Multitasking with benefits!
So how can you use this strategy to create and stick with a healthy habit like drinking more water? Here are a few thoughts:
Every time you check Instagram, drink water.
When starting dinner prep, have your water bottle filled and nearby.
Before logging in to each Zoom call, fill your water glass and make sure you finish it before the call ends.
Shopping on Amazon? Perfect time for another 8 ounces!
Binge watching Ted Lasso? One glass of water per episode, please!
You get the idea. This is an effective strategy and one that you can have some fun with while accomplishing your healthy-er goals!
