For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a tough time staying hydrated. A big part of it has to do with the fact that I’m extremely easily distracted, so a glass of water or a plate of food can take me hours to finish. When you’re supposed to be drinking 8 glasses, and there’s only 24 hours in a day, so you can see my dilemma. Now that I’m pregnant, it’s ten times worse! I know I’m not the only busy mom who needs to stay hydrated, either, because I hear it from my girlfriends all the time.
Ladies, we have to get it together. Being dehydrated not only makes your skin, nails, and hair look terrible, but it can also present more serious issues. Did I ever tell you about the time my husband found me passed out in our bedroom from dehydration and had to rush me to the emergency room? Or the multiple times I’ve had to go to the hospital during my last pregnancy and this one for an iv because my heart was racing and my blood pressure was low due to dehydration? No? Well, take my word for it. We need to stay hydrated.
Now, I’m a work in progress. I still struggle with staying hydrated but I’ve picked up some great tips along the way. Here are some of the things that I’m trying to make sure I get all of the hydration I need.
Find a glass that is JUST your water glass.
If you’re having trouble staying hydrated, remove ALL obstacles. For me, that’s spending time finding the perfect glass. I don’t know why, but ice water tastes extremely delicious in mason jars or any other wide tooth glass. Find what works for you and christen it your water glass ONLY.
Use an app to remind you to hydrate.
It might seem a little extra to add an app to your phone to remind you to drink water, but hey…whatever works, right? Try Aqualert: Water Reminder, a simple app that pings you when it’s time to drink up.
Eat hydrating foods.
Watermelon, apples, and pears are just some of the foods that have lots of fluids. If you’re having trouble drinking your fluids, you might find eating SOME of it to be easier.
Keep a case of water handy.
I know folks are getting away from bottled water because of environmental issues, but you can always keep one case on hand in case you’re running super late and don’t have time to fill up your water bottle. Remember, you need to remove all obstacles that are getting in the way of you staying hydrated.
Try an electrolyte.
My husband recently bought me (affiliate link) Drip Drop, a hydration powder that supercharges my water. I also drink a TON of Gatorade. Icy cold water is still my drink of choice, but I often need a real kick in the hydration pants.
I know you’re busy, but I can’t tell you enough how important it is to take care of yourself by staying hydrated. If you promise to do better, I promise to do better, too.
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