We all know how important it is to drink 8 glasses of water a day. To those who have developed the healthy habit of drinking lots of water every day, good for you. But for some of us, it can actually be a challenge, because a) we don't feel thirsty due to our sedentary lifestyles (which is really bad because in the air-conditioned office, our skin is being dehydrated), b) we're too busy; work's the priority, c) water is too plain.
Perhaps there are many other reasons, but these are the three main ones.
Then there are those who try to counter the above 3, by chugging down a whole glass of water, maybe even two or three, just to fulfil their "quota". It's a commendable effort, but actually bad for help. If you down your water all at once, the water will flush through your system. Insufficient water gets absorbed into your body and that defeats the whole purpose of getting 8 glasses of water a day. The correct way to drink water is to take regular sips throughout the day. If you drink too much water at top speed, you may throw up the water, or get water intoxication, also known as hyponatremia, in which the other nutrients in the body become so diluted that they can’t function normally.
And that's why we have to learn to drink regularly throughout the day. In fact, it doesn't have to necessarily be eight glasses. It can be a little more or less. More importantly, you should drink throughout the day.
1. It's tempting to tell yourself "oh I'll finish up this report and then I'll refill my mug". Chances are, you will only do so after many more reports (or other work) and you'll not be drinking water. Instead of setting aside your empty mug, get up and refill it with water, and keep drinking up.
2. Do you dislike the blandness of water? Add something refreshing and with a strong taste, like fresh mint leaves, a slice of lemon or lime, or even a tablespoonful of honey which is great for the throat. At home, freeze little bits of peeled lemons, limes and oranges and use them in place of ice cubes.
3. Always keep a mug or bottle of water handy regardless of what you're doing, and use one that you're fond of. Mine has a picture of my favourite comic character on it for example. Better yet if you can find a mug, or customise one that has motivational messages like "Drink water for glowing skin!" "Drinking water helps you lose weight" and stuff to that effect.
4. Set an hourly alarm for drinking water. Personally it didn't work for me (I would just switch it off when I'm really busy or put it on silent mode at meetings) but it might work for you.
5. Use a straw. It actually helps you take bigger sips. Are your hands preoccupied with typing? That's where a long straw comes in, because you can drink without having to lift your bottle or mug!
Perhaps there are many other reasons, but these are the three main ones.
Then there are those who try to counter the above 3, by chugging down a whole glass of water, maybe even two or three, just to fulfil their "quota". It's a commendable effort, but actually bad for help. If you down your water all at once, the water will flush through your system. Insufficient water gets absorbed into your body and that defeats the whole purpose of getting 8 glasses of water a day. The correct way to drink water is to take regular sips throughout the day. If you drink too much water at top speed, you may throw up the water, or get water intoxication, also known as hyponatremia, in which the other nutrients in the body become so diluted that they can’t function normally.
And that's why we have to learn to drink regularly throughout the day. In fact, it doesn't have to necessarily be eight glasses. It can be a little more or less. More importantly, you should drink throughout the day.
1. It's tempting to tell yourself "oh I'll finish up this report and then I'll refill my mug". Chances are, you will only do so after many more reports (or other work) and you'll not be drinking water. Instead of setting aside your empty mug, get up and refill it with water, and keep drinking up.
2. Do you dislike the blandness of water? Add something refreshing and with a strong taste, like fresh mint leaves, a slice of lemon or lime, or even a tablespoonful of honey which is great for the throat. At home, freeze little bits of peeled lemons, limes and oranges and use them in place of ice cubes.
3. Always keep a mug or bottle of water handy regardless of what you're doing, and use one that you're fond of. Mine has a picture of my favourite comic character on it for example. Better yet if you can find a mug, or customise one that has motivational messages like "Drink water for glowing skin!" "Drinking water helps you lose weight" and stuff to that effect.
4. Set an hourly alarm for drinking water. Personally it didn't work for me (I would just switch it off when I'm really busy or put it on silent mode at meetings) but it might work for you.
5. Use a straw. It actually helps you take bigger sips. Are your hands preoccupied with typing? That's where a long straw comes in, because you can drink without having to lift your bottle or mug!
0 comments: