More energy – we all need it! Even on those days you’ve had good rest the night before, the energy slumps can readily creep in around 2 or 3 p.m. What to do? The answer for more energy is actually very simple…
DRINK MORE WATER
I know, it sounds so simplistic. But stay with me here. Science – plus my personal experience – demonstrates that our body’s systems are quickly and significantly impacted by the slightest decline in our hydration.
Water boosts your energy
Adult humans are 60% water, and our blood is 90% water. Just a bit of a drop in the water content of the blood impacts the flow of oxygen to the brain…meaning, you’ll feel fatigue quickly. Dehydration also makes the heart work just a bit harder to get sufficient oxygen to your body’s organs. Consider just these 2 facts and it’s easy to figure out you’ll be more tired and less alert when there’s not enough H20 in your system.
Many research studies prove that athletic performance suffers when performers are a bit dehydrated (they are sluggish and off their game) while additional studies demonstrate that workers and others just feel tired or sleepy throughout their day with insufficient water intake. Have these folks drink a few more glasses of water and it’s amazing how fast things can change in the energy department.
The why for water
There are so many other reasons to drink water…better lubrication for the joints, better looking skin, healthier kidneys, fewer headaches…I could go on and on. But today’s focus is on ENERGY. Why not go for such a simple way to get more energy?
And here’s how
If you’re like most people I work with, you just don’t like to drink water or you forget to do it. Here are a few tips…
- Develop the morning ritual. Most of us haven’t had a lot of water intake during the night. So your body is more than ready to absorb hydration first thing in the morning. A number of years ago, I started training my body to want water immediately upon waking. At first, it wasn’t pleasant. But I made sure that as soon as I got out of bed (and before I was allowed ANY coffee), I headed for the sink and drank a glass of water. And you know what? A few weeks later and I was actually craving that drink as I got out of bed. And now it’s just a habit.
- Get a water bottle you love…Seriously! A fun bottle, a pretty bottle, something that makes you smile – whatever it is. BUY ONE! Even though I don’t need motivation to drink throughout the day, I still see those cool water bottles at Target and I have to walk away. I want one!
- Make it taste good. The first time I had cucumber-infused water at a hotel, I was a convert. It tasted SO GOOD, and I kept going back for more all day long. Infused water at home is easy…keep a water pitcher in the fridge with your favorite flavorings and cut-up fruit. Here are a few to try… lemon and lime, strawberry/lemon/mint, strawberry and pineapple, cucumber/thyme/lime. And if you’re not into keeping a pitcher around, try this…add a few ounces of a flavored no-calorie water to your regular water (I love Sparkling Ice Zero Sugar because the flavors are so intense, so they mix well with regular water).
- Keep water bottles EVERYWHERE. In the bathroom, on the kitchen counter, by your bed, in the car. Convenience and a reminder system are what we’re aiming for here.
- Hit with the mid-afternoon I’M HUNGRIES? Try a glass of water first. You’ll fill up your stomach. PLUS science has shown that the hunger sensation if oftentimes a thirst signal. See if a glass of that wonderful fruit-infused water will help before you grab that snack.