DO YOU feel low despite gulping multiple cups of coffee? Have you gone over your paid leaves because of constant attacks of flu, asthma, or stomach problems? Are you becoming the office monster and getting pegged to be the Christmas Grinch?
Well, the problem may not be your demanding boss, the extra year-end workload, or your insensitive partner. Your problem might lie on water or more specifically, the lack of it.
Dehydration happens when your body uses up more water than what it takes in. Even when you don’t sweat a lot, the normal functioning of all your biological system consume water. Being made up of 75 percent water, we literally live and breathe water.
Dehydration accounts for a large number of aches and lamentations such as general fatigue, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, skin disorders and allergies, joint pains, digestive disorders (acid reflux, ulcer, and gastritis), bladder and kidney problems, weight gain, and premature aging. Coupled with stress, dehydration can lead to mental and relationship problems affecting both the family environment and the work place.
A hydrated body, on the other hand, aids in flushing out toxins and regulating body weight. It wards off early aging, improves skin and hair conditions, eases cramps, headaches, and fatigue and increase our general capacity to manage stress.
But how do you remember to drink up when you’re so busy with work and other obligations?
Here are some tips that may be helpful:
1. Load up in the morning – research shows that drinking warm water in the morning flushes more toxins out of your body.
2. Presentation matters – choose water bottles or containers that are not only safe and durable but attractive to you as well. Personalize it. Choose a design that reflects your personality. Save to buy three to four kinds to reflect your mood for the week. Be creative in making drinking water more appealing by infusing it with cucumber, lemon, or herbs.
3. Set the alarm – place a reminder on your phone to alert you to drink up on schedule.
4. Water break – drink up after every bathroom break. Just make sure you washed up thoroughly before touching your water container or glass.
5. Make it accessible – put your water bottle where you can see it often. When you get bored, drink. When you’re having a writer’s block while making your report, drink. As you stretch, reach out for a drink.
And no, sodas, fruit juices, or liquor don’t count. In fact, they can dehydrate you more and the high amount of calories and sweeteners can make you sick. If you can’t avoid juices, caffeinated drinks or cocktails, make sure to drink one glass of water for every glass of that beverage you’re taking.