Why You Should Be Drinking More Water

By: Maddie Boyer

You’ve heard it a million times: you should drink more water! It is recommended that the average adult drink about 2 liters, or 8 8-ounce glasses, every day. Even if water isn’t your drink of choice, there are so many benefits that make gulping down a glass worthwhile. We’re here to highlight some of the main reasons why drinking more water should be incorporated into your routine.

Energy Boost

Have you ever heard that if you’re tired you should drink a glass of water? That’s because your blood is made up of over 90% water, which helps carry oxygen through the body. Dehydration can also take a toll on the functioning of your brain. From mood to memory, even mild dehydration can impact brain performance and create feelings of lower concentration, anxiety, and fatigue. Feeling tired in a long study session? Try reaching for the H2O before another cup of coffee!

Improved Athletic Performance

There’s a reason athletes drink so much water! Water is a great way to boost your athletic performance. Since your body is so highly dependent on water, the hydration kick will help fuel your muscles and protect our joints. Water can help prevent cramping or fatigue, getting you through that last sprint of your workout!

Body Functioning

Drinking water can impact many areas of your body. From improved digestive systems to lower frequency of headaches, drinking more water may just make you more comfortable. Drinking water can also help you regulate your metabolism, and therefore burn more calories! It also can mean clearer skin. By working to flush out toxins, water can clear and hydrate your skin to give you a natural glow.

Feel Happier

Since dehydration can affect the mood part of your brain, if you’re not drinking enough water, you may find yourself more down that unusual. Beyond impacting your brain, drinking water will help increase the flow of endorphins and nutrients through your body to make you feel happier and less anxious!

So, we may have sold you on drinking more water, but how do you actually accomplish this? Never fear – the solution is easy! For starters, try drinking a glass as soon as you wake up and then again before every meal. If you’ve already got that down, try every time you get up for a bathroom break. Before you know it, you’ll be increasing your water intake and feeling better than ever. I also love tracking my water throughout the day, and there are many apps now that make this simple. If flavor is more your concern, there are many ways to boost your water consumption without losing great taste. Try adding some fresh fruit, vegetables, or herbs to your next glass. The longer your add-ins soak, the tastier your refreshing drink will be. Switching to seltzer is another great way to trick your palette into choosing water if you’re a carbonation lover like me. Tea is another great option!

Hopefully you’ve found at least one motivator to start drinking more water. Now, time for me to go refill my bottle!

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