Water has always been known for being one of the most important pillars to living a life of wellness; and yet, it is often the substance we tend to overlook in our daily lives. It can be so easy to forget to drink water throughout the day, but it is important to note the profound impact hydration–or lack thereof–can have on your health.
Beyond simply giving your body a much-needed reprieve during the hotter months, water and staying properly hydrated is the foundation to the other bodily functions you need to survive. From mental clarity and digestive health to physical performance and durability, water is the root to all that we need to survive.
Today, we will discuss just how intertwined water consumption is with your success in achieving wellness. Understanding the “why” behind drinking water will help you feel more motivated to stick with it throughout your daily life in a way that far surpasses the common conception that water helps to hydrate us.
Whether you are looking to enhance your skin’s health or stave off those bouts of fatigue, we are here to share with you all the reasons water should be your best friend and how to build a better relationship with water.
Water is the Natural Beauty Enhancer That We Need to Take Advantage of and Here’s Why
Water helps to increase skin elasticity, balance out one’s complexion, and reduce signs of aging. When you are dehydrated you are more likely to experience skin complications like redness, dryness, and an increase in skin blemishes. Water is truly the best form of skincare you can prioritize for your skin’s health.
The power of water doesn’t stop there. It also impacts your hair and nail health. Have your nails turned brittle and weak or has your hair lost its bounce and shine. These could all be indicators that your body is lacking hydration. While our looks aren’t everything, they are a clear indicator of what is going on inside. Work to hit those wellness habits like drinking water and eating well-balanced meals to look and feel your best.
Make water a part of your natural beauty routine. Find ways to incorporate water into your rituals in the same way you would your moisturizer or cuticle oil.
Hydration Strategies to Optimize Fitness Performance and Energy Levels
A healthy complexion is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the abilities of proper hydration. Consistent water intake is important before, during, and after all forms of movement. Exercise is crucial to living a healthy lifestyle, but can only be successfully helpful when paired with a healthy diet and copious amounts of water. Without water, you are more likely to experience muscle fatigue or pain, lower energy levels, and an inability to properly act out your workouts.
Working out also naturally makes you more dehydrated, so drinking water is incredibly important as to not lose the fluids that are getting flushed out during the workout. Depending on the type of workout you are doing, you might need more water than others. For example, someone who normally does high-intensity workouts will need more water than someone doing a less intensive workout that requires less exertion and thus leads to less sweating.
We recommend carrying a reusable water bottle with you during your workouts so that you can have access to water at all times. Adding electrolytes to your water can be extra helpful in ensuring you are properly rehydrating.
How Hydration Contributes to Emotional Wellness
Now let’s dive into how a lack of water can impact you mentally and emotionally. Without water, your body can become deregulated and the dehydration will contribute to symptoms of anxiety, stress, and fatigue. If you find yourself feeling any of these emotions without any easily identifiable cause, there’s a chance dehydration is to blame.
There is also something to be said about the relationship between water and the afternoon slump we have all experienced. When there is a decline in energy during the afternoon hours, it is so easy to turn to caffeine or food to give you that immediate boost of energy needed for you to finish your day. However, while these items offer you immediate support, what your body is really craving is water.
Decline in energy levels in the afternoon is often an indicator that you are dehydrated. In the afternoons, try switching out your normal cup of caffeine for a glass of lemon water and take note of the difference in the way your energy levels balance out. While you might not feel immediate relief, odds are you will feel much better for a longer period of time.
By maintaining proper hydration, you're not just supporting your body—you're creating an internal environment where emotional resilience can flourish.
Creating Hydration Habits That Will Last Beyond the First Week
Now that we know the importance of hydration, let’s dive into how we can make drinking water second nature!
First, it is important to understand the reason behind drinking water. Find ways to remind yourself of the role that water plays in your life and your body’s health. These reminders will be a motivation for you to continue to build on your hydration habits rather than letting them fall to the wayside.
You should also try habit stacking. Habit stacking which connects a new habit to an already established habit can help you be more consistent with both. For example, if you are someone who wakes up and drinks a cup of coffee or tea first thing in the morning, consider adding a tall glass of water to the regimen each morning as well. This will eventually start to become second nature to you and it makes for an easy way to get some water first thing in the morning.
Lastly, try to make drinking water enjoyable for yourself! The last thing you want to do is add another chore to your list. Find ways to spice up your water or have fun with it. For example, try out new hydration packet flavors or add new types of fruit to water to make things more exciting.
At the end of the day, water is the key to success so find the way to make it a part of your daily routine!