At the 'heart' of my #Heart30 Self-Care Challenge are five main components: SLEEP, WATER, SELF-CARE, DIET and EXERCISE. In this blog post, we'll be discussing the second component, water... I want to stress to you just how important it is to drink water. I could write a whole essay, but I'll settle for just a few key benefits that will hopefully help you to decide what's right for you...
*Water helps keep the body functioning properly
Water is essential for our bodies. Do you know it makes up 60% of our body weight and 75% of our muscle mass? We need nourishing water!Â
Water helps with regulating body temperature, aiding digestion, and nutrient absorption.Â
I realized years ago that most of the time when I have a headache all I need is a big drink of water. I don't need to take Tylenol or other pain reliever because it just goes away by drinking water. Since I've created the habit of drinking water, I can't remember the last time I had a headache.Â
Plus, it keeps your skin glowing. I have heard that hydration is the ultimate beauty secret.Â
*Water is important for brain health
When I feel groggy or depleted of brain power, I drink water. It’s the ultimate brain fuel! Water helps improve cognitive function, concentration, and even mood. So, the next time you're feeling like your brain could use a little boost, grab a glass of water and drink your way to mental clarity!
*Water flushes away toxins
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Water is like a personal detox assistant. It helps flush out toxins, waste, and other unwanted gunk, keeping your system clean and running smoothly. So, drink up and let water do the work.Â
*Water can help with weight lossÂ
Not only does it help you feel fuller, curbing hunger pangs, it also helps boosts your metabolism, which burns more calories. So, if weight loss is one of your goals, make water your new BFF.
* Water can help to boost your mood
Feeling a bit grumpy? Hydration will help. I’ve learned that even mild dehydration can negatively impact mood and cognitive function. You can keep that smile by sipping on water all day long.
Have I convinced you yet?!
At the top of your health 'to-do list' - I hope you'll add drinking water. And to get you started, here are just a few ideas:
What temperature do you prefer to drink water? Hot? Cold? Naturally, we want to drink it cold, but I personally prefer to drink mine at room temperature.
Make drinking water, easy to track. It was really hard for me to track how many glasses I drank. Some people fill up a gallon jug each night before bed and fill the glasses from that. When it’s empty, you are done for the day. Honestly, the gallon jug overwhelmed me. It looked like too much. I've been using a pretty quart jar instead, and I only need to drink four.
Take your water with you! Carry a water bottle.
Add some flavoring! I know, many people don’t like plain water. I was once one of them. I used to add flavoring to every second quart as a treat and that also helped me keep track of how many I drank. They have the flavor drops, but you can also try it infused with a hint of lemon or cucumber. It is very refreshing.Â
In my opinion, water is an easy habit to pick up. There's nothing quite as satisfying as a refreshing glass of water. Plus, it's calorie-free and oh-so-good for you. Your body will thank you for it.
Live every day on purpose,
Peggy Romero