Maintaining good health starts with staying on top of your water intake.
However, during busy days, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. Making hydration a priority can help you feel more energised and focused throughout the day.
Why dehydration is a problem
Dehydration affects your body and mind, leaving you more tired than usual and making it harder to concentrate. We’ve all experienced that fuzzy-headed sensation, right? This happens because your body, which is made up of 50-80% water, isn’t functioning as it should without enough fluids. Your body temperature may also rise since hydration plays a key role in regulating it.
Water is essential for everything from brain function to waste elimination, and a shortage can really slow down your system. The Australian Dietary Guidelines highlight that losing just 2% of your body weight through dehydration can impair your performance and overall health.
The best way to avoid dehydration? Drink water regularly throughout the day, before you even feel thirsty. By the time your body signals thirst, you’re already dehydrated, and this can be even more severe if you’re sweating from exercise or battling a fever.
Drink up!
Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s Principal Nutritionist, Mathew Dick, stresses the importance of staying hydrated, even if you don’t feel thirsty. He suggests sipping small amounts of water frequently, especially when you’re unwell and may not have the energy for larger drinks.
It’s also worth noting that staying hydrated can help curb unnecessary snacking—something many people turn to with the increase of working from home. On top of that, with summer heat and outdoor activities back in full swing, keeping your water levels up is essential to staying cool and healthy.
How much water do you need?
Your body needs water for everything from keeping your temperature steady to aiding digestion. The amount of water you need can vary depending on factors like your age and activity level, but a good rule of thumb is to aim for 8–10 cups a day. If you’re wondering whether you’re hydrated enough, a quick look at the colour of your urine will give you an idea—aim for a pale yellow.
Simple tips for drinking more water
If you find it tricky to drink enough water, here are some easy ideas to up your intake:
- Begin your day with a glass of water.
- Keep water bottles filled up and placed around your house.
- Carry a water bottle with you as a reminder to drink regularly.
- Drink water at mealtimes.
- Keep a water bottle handy by your bed or couch if you’re unwell.
- Store chilled water in the fridge.
- Add fresh fruits, vegetables, or herbs to your water for a tasty twist.
- Use a bottle with measurement markings to track your daily intake.
- Try reusable straws to make drinking more fun
- Pack a frozen water bottle in your lunchbox to keep your food cool and give you cold water later.
Staying hydrated doesn’t have to be difficult—these small habits can make a big difference. So, drink up and keep your body running smoothly!
This blog article was supported by AI generation and while intended to be helpful, should not be relied upon as individual health advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making health decisions. The accuracy, completeness or recency of the information cannot be guaranteed and we cannot be held responsible for any loss incurred from acting on this information. Content developed in partnership with Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
Information source: https://hw.qld.gov.au/blog/go-for-h20-why-hydration-matters-when-you-are-on-the-mend
