It’s summertime! Summer means outdoor activities, going to the beach, and soaking up the sun. It can also mean that we let ourselves get dehydrated while we are baking in the heat. North Carolina certainly gets its fair share of sunshine, so it is important to understand how to stay healthy while enjoying summer weather.
The first step to staying hydrated is understanding why it’s important. When your body does not receive the fluids it needs, your brain slows down. That sleepy, slow feeling you get from laying out in the sun is not just cozy warmth. If you feel like you’re not firing on all cylinders, it might be time for a bottle of water. Many organs and bodily functions require water, so make sure you’re getting enough. If your body isn’t getting what it needs, it can even affect your mood. When we don’t feel our best, it’s easy to become cranky, so keep water on hand. Drinking water also helps with hunger and weight control. That ice cream cone sounds wonderful, but a glass of ice water is a much healthier choice.
Once you understand the importance of staying hydrated, you can consider ways to make sure that it happens. Obviously, drinking water will help you stay hydrated, but not everyone enjoys the idea of drinking several glasses of water each day. If you would like to try and increase your water intake, try a water bottle with times of day written along the side. Push yourself to have the water drank to that level by each time.
As an alternative to drinking water, try flavored water or Gatorade, which includes other valuable nutrients for your body. Though your body requires fluid, it does not have to all come from water. Even caffeinated beverages like soda and coffee contain water, but should not make up your entire daily intake.
Eating fruit is another way to take in fluid without drinking water. They also contain sodium, potassium, and other vitamins that your body craves. Add fresh fruit to your water for a healthy and tasty alternative to plain water.
Hav-a-Cup helps everyone at your organization stay healthy and hydrated over the summer by delivering coffee, water, and Gatorade right to your door. Having beverages conveniently on hand is a significant step toward avoiding dehydration. Keep your workforce happy and healthy with beverages, snacks, and supplies from Hav-a-Cup.
