Drinking water and maintaining hydration has a range of positive effects on the body such as transporting vitamins, minerals and nutrients around the body, regulating body temperature, improving digestion, immunity and lubricating tissues.
Dehydration can lead to reduced blood volume and blood pressure, increased heart rate, increased RPE (rate of perceived exertion, reduced skin blood flow, increased core body temperature during exercise, whilst affecting physical and cognitive performance.
How do you know if you are maintaining hydration?
Infographic courtesy of Healthdirect Australia.
Here are some tips for making water and easy habit:
Carry a bottle with you at all time
Add some flavour (diet cordial)
Set a reminder to drink
Keep a jug of water on your desk so you can see when you have or haven’t been drinking
Use the habit-stacking technique, maybe each time you have a coffee, also drink a glass of water
When choosing something to drink with a bit of flavour, just be aware that liquid calories do count and are not very filling.
