Tag

Motivation

Nutrition

How to up your water game

For a long time we have been told how important it is to take water and for a fact we have been recommended to take about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids a day for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women; but no one ever tells us this exercise will not be as easy as it sounds. As matter of fact it is boring, a friend testified. Much as drinking water comes off as a given for me, I know so many people who struggle to even finish a glass of water in a day. I drink a minimum of 3 liters of fluids a day and I can go as far as 5 or more in a day. My friends have accused me of carrying a flask for a water bottle time and again but what many don’t know is that 10 years ago I was not in the category of people who drank water with ease and it is a discipline I had to cultivate until it became a default. I have lived through this struggle myself and I will share with you how to cultivate this discipline yourself because let us face it, we all need the benefits that come with it.

My famous water bottle/flask

Here are some suggestions you could try out.

Invest in a good water bottle

Our eyes are a great source of motivation to do things. Now go out and look out for a water bottle that pleases your eye and have it with you at all times. This will motivate you to take its contents and before you know it, it will become a part of you. I remember some time here in Uganda when it was on trend to carry a water bottle. I wish this hype could bounce back. You could choose to start with one that fits perfectly in your bag before you forget it at your friend’s shop counter when you visit.

Add a twist to your water

If you are one of those people who find water boring, you find the taste so bland to take a second sip, this is for you. Adding things like fruit or chopped cucumber and mint, chia seeds, slices of of fresh lemon, lime, orange or squeezing some of its juice will enhance the taste of your water. If you prefer your water icy cold, freeze the bottle overnight.

Chia seeds added to water

Identify or create your water taking triggers

This is one of the things that you have to consciously decide to do should you need to grow this discipline. For example find triggers that remind you to drink a glass of water whenever you wake up or when you are about to leave the house, and as soon as you get in the door. This could be placing a bottle of water by your bed side and/or in a place where you can easily see it as you leave or get into the house. Once the behavior has become a part of you, you will find yourself naturally doing it.

You can also set a daily reminder on your phone to grab some water as you go about your day. This can be a 3 hour duration.

Explore more fluid options

If your relationship with water always turns sour for some reason however much you try, it is time to get the water indirectly. With this I mean look out for fruits and vegetables with a high water content and take these as often as possible. We have fruits like watermelon, pineapples, vegetables like cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes to mention but a few. You can also up your intake of green tea, peppermint tea or your favorite flavor of tea throughout the day, and stock up on some nice relaxation teas for the evening. Sparkling water will also make you feel like a treat and can be a perfect replacement for regular soft drinks.

Given the immense benefits of taking water including; water lubricates the joints, forms saliva and mucus, prevents kidney damage, delivers oxygen throughout the body, boosts skin health and beauty, cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues, regulates body temperature, it makes minerals and nutrients accessible, the digestive system depends on it, flushes body waste, helps maintain blood pressure, the airways need it, boosts performance during exercise to mention but a few; it is time to up your game in this exercise.

Wishing you all the luck in the world!

Lifestyle

LISTEN

To the voices in the dark

The tip tap of the raindrops

To the melody of the birds in the trunks

The beating of the drums

Just listen

In the silence of your heart listen

In that heartfelt laughter

In the hoarseness of that cry

In the gaping of your yawn

Just listen

o that grateful person listen

To the mean one listen

Even to that cold one listen

Because often listening is the only thing you need to help yourself and someone.