Easy Tips for Proper Hydration in Hot Weather
As the temperatures continue to rise and spring fully transitions into summer, it’s important for you to remain as hydrated as possible.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to regularly drink water though, especially during the summer. After all, this is arguably the busiest time of year, as you’ll be taking advantage of the great weather.
Aside from being busy with outdoor activities, you may not think about drinking water for another key reason: it’s simply not your favorite drink. Regardless of whether you’re too busy or you’re just not a huge water fan, here are some tips to consider this summer.
Know How Much Water You Actually Need. Oftentimes, you’ll hear that eight 8-ounce glasses of water are necessary every day. But that may not be entirely true. According to the National Council on Aging, you should drink roughly one-third of your body weight—in ounces. As an example, if you weigh 120 pounds, try to drink at least 40 ounces of water daily.
Remind Yourself. Use alarms, either on your clocks or phones, to remember to drink water (or other fluids).
Consider Other Alternatives to Water. If you don’t like the taste of water, you may also drink milk (or non-dairy options like almond and oat milk, if necessary). Coffee is another great alternative, as long as you don’t drink more than two cups a day.
Host a Tea Party. Create your own iced tea and meet up with your fellow Beacon Hill residents. You’ll stay hydrated while enjoying their company, too!
Flavor Your Water. Consider adding fresh basil, fruits, and mints to your water for flavoring. If you’d like, you may also add a sugar-free flavoring to it. For further flavoring, create your own ice cubes and add herbs to them as well.
Eat Your Fruits and Veggies. As you read this, you may have flashbacks of your mother telling you to eat your fruits and vegetables. But she was right. They often have a high amount of water. Purchase fruits like berries, grapes, melons, oranges, pineapple, and watermelon. And don’t forget about veggies like cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumbers, lettuce, and spinach. The more you eat, the better!
Think Outside the Box. Don’t overlook the impact of thinking outside the box. To hydrate fully and enjoy your drinks, blend your own fruit or veggie smoothies. Or create soda water with a personal soda maker. Have fun while also relishing healthy drinks.
Electrolytes are Crucial. If you’re spending a lot of time in the sun this summer, make sure your body has enough electrolytes. Through drinks like Gatorade (in moderation), you’ll replenish your lost fluids rather quickly.
Wear Sunscreen. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen regularly. Not only will it reduce your likelihood of being burned, but it will help your skin remain more hydrated, too—an often overlooked positive of sunscreen.
Determine Which Temperature You Like the Most. Typically, people like to drink ice cold water. But perhaps you don’t. Maybe you prefer hot water instead (mainly while drinking coffee or tea). Or you might discover that room temperature is the most ideal for you. Whichever temperature you like, stick with it. By doing so, you’ll increase your likelihood of drinking water consistently.
Through each of these tips, you’ll remain fully hydrated throughout the day. Take your time as you implement these tips though, especially if you aren’t much of a water drinker. Slowly increase your intake by one glass a week or so. Before too long, you’ll be consuming more water than you imagined you would! As always, consult the advice of your physician before making any significant changes to your diet.
