Staying Hydrated in the Fall and Winter
Did you know that it is more likely that you are dehydrated during the cooler months than in the summertime? Even here in the southern part of the country where it stays warm for quite some time, it can be hard to drink enough water when you’re not out at the lake or sweating it out at the waterpark. But hydration is truly an aspect that can’t be ignored, and it effects everything from our digestion to our skin (a big part of your senior session prep is preparing your skincare and routine). Here are some ways to make sure you are taking care of your body during the stress of junior or senior year:
Source: pixabay
-Get a cute water tumbler: We have seen every type of tumbler on Instagram this year, but some of the cutest ones are custom-made from Etsy. You can get your name, favorite brand, or other passion emblazoned on a reusable tumbler, and most are under $20. This one looks like a Lilly Pulitzer print, and is only $11. If you need even more motivation, keep one in your car, and one in your dorm room or house, so that you never have an excuse to stop drinking water!
-Make up some “recipes”: Plain water can be hard to guzzle, so adding some things to it can make it a bit easier to stomach. Not only can you drink sparkling water (no sugar added, no calories), you can also add fresh fruit or herbs to your regular water. We recommend keeping a glass carafe in the fridge, and trying different combinations to make different flavored plain water. We like cucumber/mint, and blackberry/raspberry for an icy refresher. If you still don’t love the taste of regular water, trying something like La Croix may make it closer to something like soda for you.
-Always order water when you eat out: If you automatically order water with a lemon when you sit-down at a restaurant, you can start sipping it right away. It can be easier to drink it when out and about, and get into the habit of skipping out on sugary tea or sodas. Even if you can get down a few cups before you order another drink, chances are that the conversation and fun of dining out will keep you distracted and help you drink more water without realizing it!
-Get hydration from other sources: Fruits and veggies have tons of water, especially ones like watermelon and cucumbers. Upping your intake of these types of foods can get you water intake and also help you feel energized from the nutrients. Pineapple, celery, and oranges are other ones that will really boost your hydration, and they taste great too! Be sure to get fresh and organic fruit and vegetables when possible, and pre slice them yourself to get the maximum boost.
-Warm up your water: There are lots of benefits to drinking water, such as flushing out toxins from your body, but it’s also really comforting when the weather is cold. You can make a simple blend from lemons and hot water, and sip it to boost your vitamin C as well. Although it doesn’t taste amazing and the bitterness can be hard to get used to, it can relieve stress and really improve your immunities, which is well worth the struggle to drink it! We recommend drinking it at least a few times a week, maybe during a bubble bath!
