Make a New Year’s resolution to drink more water. We are quickly approaching the time of year where we look for a fresh start and make changes to improve our lifestyles. We create new resolutions and aspirations for the upcoming year. The thought of ringing in 2018 with a healthy start is one that excites many people and as the saying goes, “A new year, a new YOU!” Did you know that drinking sufficient amount of water and staying hydrated can bring positive impacts to your body? Entering the year with the resolution to drink more water is a great step towards a better well-being of the mind and body. Not only is water a vital resource for our daily routines and lifestyles, it is also an irreplaceable nutrient for the body that allows for proper health. According to The USGS Water Science School, as much as 70% of our bodies are composed of water that “serves a number of essential functions to keep us all going.” Over half of our bodies are made up of water, which can be an indicator of why being dehydrated has such detrimental impacts in a person’s mind and bodily health.

Healthline, an online site health information site, explains that “even mild dehydration (1-3% of body weight) can impair many of the brain aspects,” and provides evidence-based reasons that water is beneficial to our overall well-being. Water is an amazing resource and some key benefits from drinking more include:

1. ‘Water helps maximize physical performance.’ Physical activity is one of the major key players in leading a healthy lifestyle. Thus, staying hydrated is an important component for those who are committing themselves to a more active lifestyle in 2018 or who are already meeting higher levels of physical activity. The mental and physical energy needed to complete a full workout derives from both a balanced nutrition and adequate hydration. Additionally, replenishing lost water from physical activity is important to keep your body going.
2. ‘Hydration has major effects on energy levels and brain function.’ This essentially means that your state of hydration can impact your feelings of anxiety, fatigue, and mood. Nourishing your body with this resource can help boost energy in a positive direction while discouraging unpleasant feelings.
3. ‘Drinking water may help treat and prevent headaches.’ Of course this is dependent on the type of headache and other environmental factors but hydration still plays a key role. Since our brains are composed mostly of water, it makes sense that dehydration could have a negative impact on this aspect. Drinking water can deter this ailment and help you continue your day without the uneasiness of a headache!
4. ‘Drinking more water can aid in weight loss.’ This means that those who are drinking more water may see a drop in the scale as well! Weight loss is a common resolution for many people entering the New Year and drinking more water is a simple step they can take in order to help achieve that goal. If this is your resolution, you can lose weight and feel other positive impacts from staying hydrated!

As you can see, staying hydrated has multifaceted benefits that can aid in various parts of life. However, with busy schedules remembering to drink water frequently can be a challenge. Help stick to your resolution by setting ‘drink water’ reminders on either your phone or computer to prompt you to hydrate regularly. Have another family member, friend, or coworker join in the resolution for motivation and accountability. If you would like to take a more hands-on approach you could meet your goals by pre-filling up water bottles from home with tap water. Determine how much water you must drink by a certain hour of the day. Drinking the recommended ounces for your body type may seem less overwhelming and more achievable when compartmentalized. These are just a couple methods to help you meet your goals but whatever works best for you and your lifestyle is the best option. Happy New Year and have a healthy and prosperous 2018 from YourSoCalTapWater.org.