星空传媒

Easy Ways to Drink More Water

As the weather gets warmer, you might notice that you get thirsty more often.

However, when you don鈥檛 have enough fluid in your body鈥攁lso known as dehydration鈥攜ou can feel many other symptoms besides thirst.

Dehydration can lead to:

• headaches
• feeling weak or dizzy
• mental 鈥渇ogginess鈥�
• nausea
• constipation
• kidney stones
• urinary tract infections

According to , water helps your body to:

• keep your blood pressure stable
• cool down on hot days
• carry oxygen to your cells
• flush bacteria from your bladder
• cushion your joints
• keep your sodium (salt) levels from getting too high

Sometimes there is nothing better on a hot day than a tall, cool glass of water.

At 星空传媒, we know it can be hard to drink enough water during busy days鈥攁nd weeks.

So how can you sneak in some more sips?

Set a daily goal

Find out how much water you need every day. Do your best to drink at least that amount.

notes that women need about 11 or 12 cups of water a day. Men need about 15 cups. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you will need even more.

An easy way to see if you are getting enough water is look at your urine. If it is dark yellow or amber, you might need more fluids.聽

Sip throughout the day

At the sink? Take a drink. Pass a water fountain? Take a drink. Getting takeout? Get water to go. Whatever you鈥檙e doing, add a sip of water if you can.

Use a smaller glass for quicker 鈥渨in鈥�

How much is a 鈥済lass鈥� of water? You decide. Try drinking from a small juice glass several times a day instead of filling a jumbo bottle. It all adds up!

Have a favorite glass? Use it.

Maybe you have a fancy glass with a stem. Maybe you love your thrift store mug. Make it a little more fun to drink water鈥攑our it into your favorite glass, mug, cup or bottle.聽

Try room temperature instead of ice cubes

Skip the fridge and the ice cubes. Some people can drink double or triple the amount of water when it鈥檚 not ice-cold.

Keep a reusable water bottle with you

When you鈥檙e on the go, take water with you. Fill several reusable bottles, cartons or jugs ahead of time. Keep one by the front door so you won鈥檛 forget to grab it when you leave home.

Grab a water instead of a soda

Sometimes you crave a sugary drink. Sometimes you just want 鈥渟omething鈥� to drink. Either way, choose water! Drink it after the soda, iced tea, lemonade or juice鈥攐r drink it instead.

Eat more foods high in water

Cantaloupe, strawberries and watermelon contain a lot of water. So do lettuce, celery, cucumbers and tomatoes 鈥� and many others. Whenever you can, choose fruits and vegetables instead of salty snacks.

Be patient with yourself

It takes time to build good habits.

Whatever tips you try, remember that every bit, or sip, counts.

Above all, remember: The best time to drink water is before you feel thirsty!

Need a new water bottle?

As a PCHP member, you can earn rewards like sports equipment and gift cards for completing health activities like checkups and shots. To see a list of rewards,聽click here.