5 Times You Should Be Drinking Water Each Day
You’ve probably been admonished your whole life to drink more water, and it’s hard to argue against all of the science that proclaims that H2O is critical for maintaining a healthy body. But how can you work more water into your daily routine? Read on for 5 times you should be consuming water throughout the day for better health and well-being.
Rise and Hydrate
Many people wake up slightly dehydrated after a night of sleep, so it’s important to start sipping as soon as you get out of bed. Consuming 8 to 16 ounces of water shortly after awakening will help replenish what you lost overnight and get you off to a great start in meeting your daily hydration goals. It can help to have a full glass on your nightstand or bathroom counter to remind you to drink up as you begin your day. If you’re not a fan of the taste of water, particularly first thing in the morning, try installing a water softener to improve the clarity and flavor of your home’s H2O.
Work Out and Drink Up
The combination of drinking water and exercising should be a before, during and after pairing. Try downing a moderate amount of water, around 8 ounces, about 30 minutes prior to exercising in order to lubricate your muscles; chugging too much, too fast can lead to feeling bloated and to cramping. Then, while working out, continue to sip small, steady amounts as you move through your routine. Take it easy; you never want to get to the point where water feels like it’s just sloshing around inside you. When you’ve finished your workout, continue to drink water for several hours so you can replenish what you lost through sweating.
Drink Before You Dine
If you’re trying to manage your weight as well as improve your hydration, a good plan is to drink a full glass of water before each meal. Not only will this help you reach your daily water goal, but it can also aid in limiting the number of calories you consume when you eat. Because water fills your stomach up, you’re likely to find that downing a glass ahead of dining will allow you to eat less while still feeling satiated.
Wash Down Your Dinner
After you’ve polished off your pre-meal glass of water, fill it up again so you can sip along with your meal. Your digestive system needs water in order to function properly, so pairing your food with fresh water will promote regularity and make it easier for your body to break down critical nutrients. If you consume a lot of fiber, it’s particularly important to drink up. That’s because fibrous foods, such as fruits, vegetables and grains, can cause constipation and other gastric issues if there isn’t enough water in your system to push everything smoothly through your small intestine.
Sip Before Sleeping
If you’ve been able to add more water into your daily routine by following the steps above, don’t let your good habit fall by the wayside at bedtime. Be aware that you don’t need to gulp down several glasses before hitting the hay; this will only disrupt your sleep by requiring multiple bathroom visits throughout the night. Instead, keep a glass or bottle of H2O by your bedside. That way you can take a sip or two before sleeping, and it will be nearby in case you get thirsty during the night. Going to bed well-hydrated can set the stage for feeling healthier the next day; you’re likely to awaken eager to start the whole water-drinking routine again.
Knowing that there are simple ways to work more water into your daily routine can help motivate you to drink more. Beginning and ending your day by imbibing, and making sure to incorporate H2O consumption into your meals and workouts, can help you maximize the health benefits that come with staying hydrated.
