Tips for Staying Hydrated on Hot Days
No matter where you are in the United States, this weekend was probably hot, very hot.
At my home in San Francisco, temperatures have gone from our typical 70 degrees to over 100 this weekend. In a city where air conditioning is rather unusual, it can be quite dangerous. Alternating current or not, staying hydrated is more important to you at high temperatures than it is now.
If you get too hot and don’t drink enough water, you open yourself up to things like heatstroke, heat exhaustion, or even lesser problems like cramps or heat rash.
Not sure how to add more water to your life? Here are some tips:
Carry a water bottle with you
This is a simple yet powerful idea. Constant access to water is likely to increase the amount you consume. Try to have a full bottle of water with you at all times, and take whatever makes you thirsty.
Eat moisturizing foods
There are a number of different foods that can also increase hydration levels through their water content. Some great ones include strawberries, apples, oranges, corn, and broccoli.
Ordering water in restaurants
When you go to eat, order a glass of water. This does not mean that you cannot drink beer or a glass of soda as well, but force yourself to drink water with them. As with a water bottle, if you have a glass of water on your table, you are much more likely to drink it.
Prepare flavored water
Water, especially if you drink it constantly, can get boring. Season your water routine with flavored water. You can use these flavored water bags, or even just toss a few fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries into the water for a little play.
Set an alarm
Is your water bottle always empty? If you’re having trouble remembering drinking water, try setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to refill your water bottle every few hours. The reminder will help you refill an empty bottle, or it can be a good reminder to drink more water if your bottle is still full since the last alarm.