When you have a hundred and one things to do at work - or at least it seems like you do - remembering the importance of staying hydrated is hard. However, doing so is a must, especially in the colder months when colds and flu seem to be everywhere.
Water is amazing stuff. It helps regulate your internal temperature, remove metabolic waste from your body, keep your muscles and organs healthy, stimulate your immune system and lubricate your joints.
There are mental benefits when you remain properly hydrated as well. Studies have shown that those who consume enough liquid are more alert, can concentrate for longer and demonstrate better overall cognitive performance than those who don't.
Without adequate hydration, you may experience fatigue, dry skin, muscle cramps, sweet cravings, dry mouth, and headaches. So remembering to stay hydrated, no matter how busy you are at work, is a must.
Here are five easy ways to stay hydrated all day:
Snack on Fruits and Vegetables
Drinking water is not the only way to hydrate your body. In fact, about 20% of our daily consumption of liquids comes from solid foods–so bring some celery sticks and baby tomatoes to munch on during your breaks. Other wonderfully hydrating fruits and veggies include melons, cucumbers, grapefruits, carrots, strawberries, and cauliflower.
Use a Straw
Some people find that they drink more water when they use straws. Whether straws provide that much needed shortcut for you to reach your water source or drinking with straws is just more enjoyable and appealing, it’s worth trying it.
Avoid Dehydrating Foods and Drinks
Avoiding dehydration is just as important as staying hydrated. Keep away from sticky sweet soda and processed foods, as sugar requires a lot of water for breakdown and metabolism.
Drinking a can of soda may sound refreshing, but it will leave your body even more dehydrated than before. Alcohol is also a no-no for many reasons besides its dehydrating quality, especially while you’re at work and however much you love it your morning coffee is dehydrating as well.
Keep a Water Bottle on Hand
A personal reusable water bottle is a must-have to stay happily hydrated throughout the work day. Placing the bottle visibly on your desk will encourage you to take more frequent sips of water while curbing cravings for less healthy beverages. It certainly beats making multiple trips to the office water fountain which usually causes you to drink less, or buying bottles of water from the vending machine, which is expensive and creates plastic waste.
Get Fruity
Not a fan of the taste of plain water? Just add a spritz of lemon or lime juice for a citrus twist to your drink. You can also infuse your favorite fruits, veggies, and herbs in water to extract their delicious flavors and get creative with the combinations – strawberry and cucumber water, rosemary and grapefruit water… the possibilities are endless.