Wellness@Work: What are the best times to drink water?
Consuming enough water throughout the day is essential for maintaining hydration and improving your overall health.
Drinking the recommended six to eight glasses of water per day can seem like a daunting task. Consuming enough water throughout the day, though, is essential for maintaining hydration and improving your overall health.
You may not know it, but there are ideal times for you to hydrate. These are some of best times to work water into your schedule.
- Upon waking. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning helps kickstart your metabolism and rehydrate your body after a night's sleep.
- Before meals. Consuming water about 30 minutes before meals can aid digestion and help control appetite, potentially leading to better portion control.
- During meals. Sipping water throughout your meal can help with digestion. You should avoid excessive amounts, though, as it may dilute digestive juices.
- Post-workout. Rehydrating after physical activity is crucial to replace fluids lost through sweat, helping with recovery and performance.
- Before bed. Having a small amount of water before bedtime can help prevent dehydration overnight. Avoid drinking too much, though, to prevent waking up for bathroom trips.
- When you feel hungry. Sometimes, thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Drinking water can help alleviate feelings of hunger, leading to healthier snacking.
- Throughout the day. Aim to drink water regularly, even if you are not feeling thirsty. Keeping a water bottle handy can make this easier.
Listening to your body’s signals is important, so adjust your water intake based on your activity level, climate, and personal needs.
About the author: Michelle Ryan, an E-RYT 200 yoga teacher and fitness instructor, works as a marketing specialist for USA Health.
How can you lead a longer, better life? Follow weekly Wellness@Work tips from USA Health Integrative Health and Wellness. We cover ways you can eat better, move better, be more mindful, and find more balance to support your optimal health and well-being. Learn more at https://www.usahealthsystem.com/wellness.
