WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: HYDRATION TIPS AND INFUSED WATERS

Okay, I know a long time ago I said I was going to turn most of my Wellness Wednesday InstaStories into blog posts, and I know I failed (epically). But we're getting back on track (trying to, at least) so let's get right into it.

This post is all about hydration information (rhyme?) and easy infused water ideas for when plain ol' water gets too boring.

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HYDRATION INFORMATION

When it comes to how much water you should be drinking, we've all heard the 8 x 8 rule (8x 8 ounce glasses), but that's not accurate.

The amount of water you should be drinking every day is different for everyone (obviously), because we are all different weights.

To calculate how much water you should drink based on your weight:

Take your weight and multiply by 2/3 (or 67%)

So, for example:

175 lbs X 2/3 = 117 (which is ~3.5 litres...woah)

∴ you require 117 ounces of water a day

If we're being totally honest, for me, it would be (depending how much I've eaten that day, amiright ladies):

118 x 2/3 = 78 ounces = 2.3 litres

BUT, don't feel like you need to strictly follow this rule! If the number you come up with still seems like too much water, just try your best at drinking as much as you can without feeling uncomfortable or stressed that you're not drinking enough.

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BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER

1. Increases brain power and provides energy

The brain is 73% water, so drinking water helps you focus, concentrate and stay alert.

2. Promotes healthy weight management

Water helps remove fat by-products, which can help improve your metabolism.

3. Flushes out toxins

Water helps flush the body of toxins through sweat and urination. This also helps prevent kidney stones and UTI's.

4. Improves complexion

Drinking water helps moisturize and soften skin, and helps to fight wrinkles

5. Maintains regularity

Drinking water helps your body digest, as water is vital to a healthy digestive system

6. Boosts immune system

Water has been directly linked to a stronger immune system

7. Prevents headaches

Water helps prevent and relieve headaches caused by dehydration.

I get headaches from not drinking enough water and they SUCK.

8. Prevents cramps and sprains

Dehydration leads to cramping. Hydrated muscles are also less prone to sprains.

9. Helps regulate body temperature

Sweat is the body's natural cooling system, to which water is a key ingredient

10. Prevents backaches

Spinal discs are made primarily of water. A lack of hydration can compromise these discs

11. Improves heart health

Water maintains the proper viscosity of blood, plasma, and fibrinogen distribution

12. Prevents bad breath

Bad breath can be a sign of dehydration. Drinking water also helps wash food and bacteria out of the mouth

13. Takes the edge off hangovers

Alcohol consumption leads to dehydration, which, in turns, leads to a hangover. For each alcoholic beverage you consume, have a glass of water (you can/should also apply this rule when consuming caffeine, juice, pop/soda, etc.)

14. Improves your mood

When your body feels good, you'll feel good mentally

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TIPS ON HOW TO DRINK ENOUGH WATER

Set reminders or alarms

Set goals (for example; "by 10AM, I'll drink X amount" or "if I drink X amount, I can have a juice or a coffee)

Get a good, reusable cup or bottle

Keep a journal

If you get tired/bored of plain ol' water, try different infused waters:

Lemon, cucumber, mint

Lemon, cucumber, lime (healthy sprite?)

Berries (blue/back/straw/rasp) and basil

Strawberries, lemon, basil

Blueberries and orange

Raspberries and lemon

Grapefruit and rosemary

Apple and ginger

Pomegranate, lime, ginger

Green tea (literally just cold water with a tea bag; it's seriously delicious)

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So give some of these tips and tricks and infused waters a try, and stay hydrated! Your body will thank you (by not cramping up or getting headaches and your skin will glow wow)!

#wellnesswednesday