5). It Prevents Muscle Cramps and Injuries
No matter your activity, cramps and injuries can literally put a halt on your training and life. In addition to overexertion, a top cause for cramps is dehydration and electrolyte loss. Electrolytes (sodium, chloride, magnesium, and potassium) have a direct effect on muscle cramping because they regulate fluid balance, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. Additionally, joints and cartilage depend on adequate hydration to stay lubricated and receive nutrients to stay healthy and repair from damage.
How to get it: No matter your age or lifestyle, make hydration a top priority. If you’re physically active, drink water at least 2 hours before activity, every 15-20 minutes during activity, and after activity (the more you sweat, the more you’ll need). If you know you’ll be sweating heavily, add some salt to your hydration regimen: one-third teaspoon of salt per one liter of water will replace the sodium lost and maintain your body’s water balance.
6). It Boosts Your Immune System
Your lymphatic system moves immune cells throughout your body and clears out dead cellular debris. It is essential for the health of the human body. It is also mostly comprised of water.
How to get it: Your lymph system depends on good hydration, exercise, and well managed stress. Give yourself fifteen-minute reset breaks throughout the day to sip water, take a walk or stretch, and enjoy at least three diaphragmatic breaths.
7). It Improves Your Skin
Did you know that your skin, the largest organ in your body, is 30% water? Your skin protects you from the environment and depends on water to maintain its elasticity, plumpness, and resiliency. Adequate water intake can help improve your skin’s thickness and density.
How to get it: Make water a part of your skincare regime. When you take the steps you already do to protect your skin–like applying sunscreen, aftershave, or moisturizer–finish with a glass of water.
8). It Remedies Headaches
A painful or throbbing head is at least a distraction if not a full disruption of your day. One cause of headaches? Dehydration. One remedy that both keeps headaches at bay and eases their pain is adequate hydration. Water has been found to help reduce pain and improve quality of life for people who regularly experience headaches.
How to get it: Become aware of what might be taking away from good hydration. Stuck in meetings? Forgetting your refillable jug? A glass too many? No problem. Come up with ways you can overcome your hydration shortcomings. Always bring water to your meetings. Keep an extra refillable jug in your car. Drink water between other beverages.
And if you do get a headache? Drink water and consider practicing mindfulness. A state of active attention and presence, mindfulness has been shown to help with pain from headaches and migraines. Give yourself several 5- or 10-minute mindful water breaks throughout the day. Grab some water, set a timer, lean back, and close your eyes. Soften your jaw and allow your eyes to relax into their sockets. Sip water between slow, smooth breaths. Notice how it feels to drink water; how it feels for your senses, your body, your mind. Stay with the experience of drinking water like it’s all you have to do in this moment. You have these moments to take care of yourself and relax.
