We are halfway through the week and continuing with our series “Make a Fresh Start.” Today we shift focus to consider small changes we can make to refresh our bodies.
Diet and exercise are often the top two new year’s resolutions. This isn’t surprising. We are coming off of the holiday season where we may have indulged a bit and/or been too busy (or unable) to go to the gym. Still, how we feel physically impacts how we experience our lives. Therefore, taking a few steps to benefit our bodies is worth the effort.
I am neither a dietician nor personal trainer, so I’m not trying to overhaul your life. Instead, I will be making a few suggestions over the next week for tweaks we can make to improve our health. Remember, it is small changes – sustained over time – that can have the biggest impact.
The first one is to begin each day by drinking a glass of water.
Our bodies are dehydrated after a night of sleeping, but we are often too sleepy to pay attention to our thirst. Most of us reach for a mug of coffee or tea when we wake up, and while this is fine, it is not as hydrating as water. In fact, caffeinated drinks actually dehydrate us further.
Starting today (or tomorrow when you wake up), try drinking one glass of water first before you eat or drink anything else. Add ice if you like your water extra cold. The rush of water to your body will actually help you wake up while making all of your body’s systems happy. This habit is affordable and easy. Believe it or not, once you’ve done it for a couple of weeks, you will start looking forward to that first sip of water.
Do you drink water in the morning? If not, are you willing to give this a try?
Seana, this is really good advice. I do this. I drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. I like the water room temperature so I take it right from the tap. I’ve been doing this for years. I can’t imagine a morning without a nice glass of water. I read somewhere that by the time you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated. So, it’s a good practice to just sip on water throughout the day. I aim to drink something between 6 and 8 glasses of water a day.
That’s terrific, Diane! Drinking water is definitely one of the best things we can do for ourselves. I once heard from an ER doctor that half of the patients who come in feel better after he gives them IV fluids. I thought that was pretty startling. It’s so true that once you start this habit, you really want that glass of water in the morning!
That’s a good tip. I really need to improve on that front. I am better than I used to be but need to try harder. Thanks for the nudge.
You’ve got this Dianne. The more you drink water, the more you will desire it!
I am willing for sure. The breastfeeding dehydration is FIERCE, It’s like I’m never satisfied. And that first morning glass of water can really save me.
Drinking a ridiculous amount of water when you are nursing is one of the simplest ways to help you feel good. Nursing is draining, so keep those fluids coming!