08 Feb
Time to Hydrate: Tips on Staying Hydrated
Time to hydrate, friends!
I’m sure you’ve heard this many many many times. Drinking water is good for your health… bla bla.
Sorry to tell you this, but whoever is preaching that it is time to hydrate is RIGHT.
Keep reading to learn some tips on staying hydrated to keep your mental health in better shape!
Bonus: A brief review on some products that I LOVE that keep me accountable.
Disclaimer: Although I am a mental health professional, all information and reflections are meant for educational purposes only. If you plan to make changes in your life, it may be worth consulting with loved ones and/or your wellness team. Also, this post may contain affiliate links that will connect you with some pretty cool products and when making a purchase through those links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Intro
In areas with easily accessible water, hydration is a simple way to improve overall wellbeing.
Did you know that there is a connection between mental health and hydration (Hayley et al., 2019)?
– Both mood and anxiety can be negatively influenced if you forget to hydrate.
– Brain function and the way we self-regulate when stressed are affected by low hydration levels
– Memory is also affected.
If the brain is messed up when dehydrated, your entire body will not be in prime functioning!
There are multiple research articles explaining all of the physical and mental health benefits when you decide that it is time to hydrate. That being said, I want to focus on HOW TO REMEMBER rather than all of the science behind the act.
Although the following information is mostly geared toward work, the same ideas can be applied at home!
Do you think it is time to hydrate more? Get to reading the tips!
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Set Reminders
When I am busily running around at work, I typically do not remember to hydrate. And by typically… I mean I go 12 hours without even thinking about it.
THIS IS A PROBLEM.
What has helped me now, though, is having regular reminders!
Some options include:
1. Setting a phone alarm.
2. Setting a watch alarm.
3. Have an app that notifies you.
4. Having a water bottle that notifies you.
The other option is “All of the Above,” which is currently what I have. The water bottle I use comes with an awesome app, has funny reminders for my phone and Apple Watch and even GLOWS if I’m not reaching my hydration goals.Whatever method you choose, make sure it’s the right option for you!
Within Reach
This is a super helpful and likely obvious tip! If you can see it and it is easy access, wouldn’t you drink more?
Likely, yes!
Firstly, if water bottles are allowed in your workspace, consider getting one that you can’t miss!
Suggestions?
1. Bright colours
2. Large size.
3. One that lights up.
Secondly, if you tend be in multiple locations, bring one in your vehicle or bag (make sure it is leak proof).
Whichever option you choose, fill it up at the beginning of the day and try to remember to refill during your mid-day break.
Tracking
I am a visual person and tracking my progress helps keep me accountable. Below are some ways I have tried!
1. Bought a large, clear water bottle and marked the side so I could see how much I drank throughout the day.
2. Used apps where I input the information to see if I was drinking enough.
3. Used a water bottle with a sensor inside that tracks for me.
Here’s the thing, as a person who loves gadgets, I was thrilled to see there is a water bottle that tracks my water intake. I hardly use a glass to drink anymore! Not only that, it syncs with the app and sends me reminders that it is time to hydrate.
Not everyone will be as entertained as me, but tracking in general is a good measurement of progress!
Enjoy the Taste
Do you prefer sweet or carbonated beverages over water? So do many people.
The problem is that waste is produced by cans and plastic bottle. Plus, there is usually a ton of sugar and calories associated with that route.
What do I do?
1. Liquid water enhancers/flavours. There are many different kinds in the grocery isle!
2. A water carbonator. I use a soda stream and love it! There are lots of flavors you can purchase to match the taste you’d like. Also, I just pour the water into my water bottle and then flavour it there! Avoids dirtying the carbonation bottle and can make more right away to keep in the fridge.
3. Electrolyte powder. The one I use is Sugar Free and Zero Calories!
Water Bottle Review
Now that you’ve read some tips, let me give a review of the products I sprinkled throughout the post.
HidrateSpark is a water bottle company that promotes hydration through technology! I’ve been using mine for a few weeks and I couldn’t be happier! Please read why…
Please note: There are usually discount code deals happening on their website, so always have a peek to save!
I use the HidrateSpark 3 in Black. When it is time to hydrate, a green light pulses inside. How does it know? There is a sensor that measures your intake inside!
This has entertained not only me, but my coworkers love to let me know if I’m not in the room!
You can take the bottle apart for easy cleaning, and some of the parts are handwash only, such as the sensor. Unfortunately, you can’t put it into your other water bottles as the battery pack is not water submergible, but I love the design of my HidrateSpark 3 anywho!
There are two types of bottles:
1. HidrateSpark 3 which has many colours to choose from. ($59.95 USD plus taxes)
2. HidrateSpark STEEL which come in different sizes, colours and types of drinking lids. ($64.99 USD plus taxes)
In the USA shipping is free over $80! For one bottle in Canada, international shipping was $17.99 USD and goes up with every product added. (WORTH IT)
The app is a free hydration tracker and syncs with your water bottle.
Have multiple bottles? You can add them.
Drink a cup of water or use a bottle without a sensor? You can manually add your intake.
Also, there are digital trophies to be won by using your water bottle.
The price is right, as it is free!
I have sampled a lot of different drink mixes, and Wave by HidrateSpark is by far my favourite!
Not only is it sugar free and zero-calorie, but they also don’t use “clean” ingredients. Think it will be flavourless? Think again.
I am currently using the Pink Lemonade flavour and even just half a scoop gives plenty of taste! It also has been lasting me a long time because I don’t need a lot!
This is currently only available for purchase in the USA, but only $37.49 USD plus taxes! It also comes with a small travel canister with your first purchase. Orders over $80 are free in the USA, too!
Insight
Welp, hopefully you learned something about it being time to hydrate and tips to stay hydrated!
Also, take a peek at the HidrateSpark website to check out the products I reviewed!
Hayley A. Young, Alecia Cousins, Stephen Johnston, John M. Fletcher, & David Benton. (2019). Autonomic adaptations mediate the effect of hydration on brain functioning and mood: Evidence from two randomized controlled trials. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-52775-5
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