Most of us know that drinking water daily is essential to maintain one’s health and well-being. You can have it ice cold, hot, infused with fruit, and many other ways to quench your thirst. However, did you know that the times you choose to drink water can impact its effects on the body? Come along as we break down the top five best times to drink water in a day so that you can crush your hydration goals.
The Best Times to Drink Water in a Day to Maintain Optimal Hydration
1. Right When You Wake Up
Start your day off right with a big glass of H2O. Because you can’t drink water while you’re sleeping, you wake up dehydrated. Not only will drinking water every morning help satisfy your thirst, but it will make it easier to sustain healthy hydration habits in the long run. Plus, it can help to improve your mood, brain function, and energy levels.
2. Before and During a Meal
Drinking a cup of water before a meal can aid with weight loss because it can help you feel fuller and prevent overeating. On the other hand, drinking water with your food aids digestion, especially with high-fiber foods.
3. Midafternoon to Avoid the Slump
Lacking energy around 3 pm? Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, grab a bottle or glass of water. Consuming caffeine six hours before bed can disrupt your sleep, which can affect your mood the next day. Dehydration may be the root cause of this midafternoon slump, so drinking water can help combat fatigue and other unwanted symptoms.
4. Before, During, and After Exercise
Suppose you are prepping for a rigorous workout or active event. In that case, you should regularly drink water in the days leading up to the performance vs. consuming lots of water immediately before to avoid bloating. For moderate workouts, try to drink a cup of water 30 minutes prior to starting. Since you lose water and electrolytes through sweat, you should sip on water during and after your workout to keep your body hydrated and replenish any lost fluids.
5. When You Have a Headache or Migraine
Headaches and migraines are no fun, especially if they occur on a daily basis. A headache can be a common symptom of dehydration, so drinking more water can be the key to some relief. Dehydration is also a common trigger for migraines, so increasing your water intake may help decrease migraine severity, frequency, and duration.
With these recommendations in mind of the best times to drink water in a day, set yourself up for success in your routine. Implementing these small changes can make a world of difference in the long run!