My son is taking an online fitness class this semester, so he’s been doing things like running around the block and taking his pulse or trying out an assigned yoga video. I’ve tried to get him to do Pilates in Holland virtual mat classes with me, but I’m just not as convincing as a teacher. Maybe you’ve experienced this phenomenon too: you tell your kids something which they completely disregard until a teacher or other trusted adult shares the same information, and it’s suddenly the most exciting thing they’ve ever heard. 🙂 It’s okay, I know I was the same way. I just keep trying to make sure my kids have good adults in their lives. (And why Mandy gets calls from me to tell said son the right way to do a lunge!)
Which is why I was so glad when I recently asked him about drinking enough water, and he “already knew that.” Being hydrated is SOOO important to your body, and it’s SOOO easy to neglect. I was reminded because a group of friends and I are trying to support each other in practicing better self-care: moving 30 minutes a day, making better eating choices, and being better hydrated, just to name a few. That means taking half my body weight (in pounds) and drinking that many ounces a day. So if you weigh 170 pounds, your goal is 85 ounces of water a day.
Some benefits of good hydration:
- Better overall health. Water is essential to maintain bodily fluids responsible for digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.
- More energized muscles. When muscle cells don’t have enough fluids, they don’t work as well and can get easily fatigued.
- Less joint pain. Since cartilage (in joints and disks) contains about 80% water, full hydration is needed to help them function as shock absorbers, reducing joint pain.
- Fewer cravings for sweets and overeating (thirst can often be mistaken for hunger).
- Clearer, supple skin. Dehydration can leave you vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.
Drinking enough water regularly is one of the easiest ways to look and feel better. A little self-care goes a long way. But if you don’t believe me, just ask my son. 🙂
