Staying hydrated by drinking water improves mood, energy levels, and much more. In our society, water is readily available and often free at many establishments. Staying hydrated is for our survival and yet many live without the proper amount of water every day, even with it at our fingertips!
I don’t usually think about how much water I’m going to drink. When figuring out my schedule for the day I review my to-do list, but staying hydrated is never something I put down. Often when evening hits I wonder why I have a headache, no energy, or feel drowsy. Most of the time it is because I’m dehydrated. This is a similar problem for many of my friends as well, we get so busy that we forget a basic need of life.
As soon as we wake up, we make decisions: what to wear, what to eat, what we are going to be doing. Typically our lives from a day-to-day basis move so fast that it’s hard to remember what we had for breakfast yesterday. When was the last time you drank water? It seems so trivial and obvious, of course you drank water recently, but the average person doesn’t consume the recommended amount of water in a day which is seventy-three to one hundred ounces. Not only do we need it for our survival, but as Christians we are called to care for the bodies God has given to us, and we need water to stay healthy.
Why is water so important?
It’s just a drink, and you drink plenty of other beverages in a day to make up for it, right? Unfortunately, the popular drinks most people consume are actually dehydrating—coffee, soda, and energy drinks. Personally, I favor a nice cold brew with sweet foam on top to get me through a day, and usually more than one. We neglect the one drink that we need[SN2] , water.
Water makes up most of the body and keeps us functioning to stay alive. So why is it a priority so often pushed down the list? Let’s discuss five benefits of staying hydrated.
1. Helps to regulate fluids
Our fluid intake helps control blood flow, digestion, and organ functions. One of the main organs that rely on hydration are the kidneys. As a bonus, water helps with the body’s temperature regulation.
2. Detoxifies the body
Drinking more water flushes toxins from the body. This flushing detoxifies the body and heals us daily. Again the kidneys play a key role along with the main detoxifying organ: the liver.
3. Physical health
Drinking more water energized us for longer. It aids in muscular function and is imperative to have when doing anything strenuous or exhausting. I can recall more than one occasion where water saved the day during sports, work, or outside chores. It’s one of the simplest ways to feel better.
4. Skin health
When I stay on top of my water intake my skin glows, and acne flares decrease. Hydration keeps skin from becoming dry and itchy. Now this isn’t the same for all cases as there are other conditions that can cause dry skin, but for some people it can be cured with proper hydration.
5. Cognitive function
When we drink enough water our concentration grows stronger, and our cognitive function runs smoother. Exhaustion doesn’t hit quite as hard when our brains have had better circulation to function well.
Effects of Dehydration
When severely dehydrated, it can become impossible to complete simple tasks. Loss of consciousness, headaches, and general lack of energy can occur. These symptoms seem obvious, and some can be cured with a simple over-the-counter pain medication, but in the long run it’s better to just stay on top of water intake daily.
I can remember one time when I was painting a fence for the café where I worked, I was outside for hours. Painting a fence doesn’t seem like it would be that daunting of a task, but because the base needed to be white I had to make sure the coats were even and that the brown of the wood didn’t show through. Without a break I stood in the sun, painting the fence. I kept telling myself One more brush stroke before I would let myself go in for a drink.
As soon as I walked inside, I shuffled to the front of the store grabbed a glass, handed it to my coworker, and asked for water—before promptly passing out and falling to the floor behind the register. My coworkers later told me that they had all rushed to the front, and some regulars peered over the counter to check on me.
I ended up being okay, I bought some food and guzzled a couple glasses of water to make up for what I hadn’t drunk that morning. I sat at the front table, taking some time to refresh while we laughed about the situation. However, I could’ve avoided the whole problem had I stayed hydrated throughout my shift.
Don’t Forget
Hydration is necessary, and not to be ignored. When you’re thirsty, drink water. When you reach for that second cup of coffee, or a can of Pepsi, have a glass of H2O first. Drink more water than you think you should, and you might reach the correct daily amount. Maybe get a water bottle that has the measurements on the side, I’ve found that helpful for me.
Take care of the body you’ve been given. There is only one of you, and you can’t be replaced.
Author Bio
Evelyn Jordon is a senior majoring in Professional Writing at her college. Throughout her college career, Evelyn has helped with the yearbook, worked as a team leader in her occupation, and helped as a prayer leader in her residence hall. After college Evelyn hopes to continue writing independently and gaining experience. Wherever God leads, she is enthusiastic to follow.