When and when not to drink water a day

When we breathe, perspire and pass urine, we lose liquid in our bodies. If we begin to lose about 2% of water, we become thirsty – the signal that tells us it is time to hydrate. Here is a schedule that will help you remember to drink water everyday.

Water is life. Such a commonplace statement and so true. We clean with it, cook with it, work with it, etc. Without water, our brains and entire bodily system will not function. Since our adult bodies are composed of 55-60% water, it is basic to replenish the bodily fluids we lose everyday.

Water is the driving force of all nature.
Leonardo da Vinci

Aside from Da Vinci’s statement about water being the driving force, science also defines water as the primary building block of cells. It aids in swallowing and digesting food. It also regulates internal body temperature, helps lubricate the joints, carries nutrients within our bodies and maintains good cognitive functions, such as attention and *memory*.

In addition to the above processes, when we breathe, perspire and pass urine, we lose liquid from our bodies as well. If we begin to lose about 2% internal water, we become thirsty or, in extreme cases, get dehydrated.

Water dehydration

What would happen if you didn’t drink water? – Mia Nacamulli by TED-Ed, on YouTube

Drinking water is like washing out your insides. The water will cleanse the system, fill you up, decrease your caloric load and improve the function of all your tissues.
Kevin R. Stone

Water replenishment

We have 24 hours a day, with 8 hours devoted to sleep. That leaves us with 16 hours to hydrate with potable water. Divide 16 hours by 2 and we get 8. That means we need to drink ever 2 hours, right?

I always have water, tons of water. It’s even in my bathroom because I used to be so bad at drinking water, and I want to stay hydrated.
Selena Gomez

If you are like me (and Selena Gomez) who forgets to drink eight daily glasses of water (or could not even drink a half glass of water right after meal), you can try my personal drink-water-a-day program (in lieu of any mobile phone drink-water-reminder app).

Drink water after waking up in the morning. I rise up at 6am.
Drink water (30 minutes***) after eating breakfast (or maybe between 7 to 9 for you?).
Drink water around 10am or 2 hours after your last hydration.
Drink water (30 minutes***) after lunch. Your food recharge could be 12 noon or 1pm.
Drink water around 2pm or during your coffee, err, water break.
Drink water at 4pm or maybe after your bathroom break.
Drink water at 6pm or (30 minutes***) after your dinner.
Drink water at 8pm or 2 hours before (not right before) you sleep.

The above is a schedule “I try” to do and I hope it kinda gives you an idea. You can be more creative on your own day-to-day routine. If you can drink 2 glasses at a time, good for you then! (That may also mean lesser bathroom breaks. 😆)

Also, please note that water is not only consumed by just merely drinking it. Some of the food we eat already contain water. Celery, strawberry, cucumber and even broccoli, to name a few, will help replenish lost bodily fluids while supplementing fiber and nutrients. Water is also in the rice or noodle soup you had during lunchtime (which means I don’t have to feel bad if I was only able to drink 1/4 glass of my water 😀).

Water intoxication

Before you start watching BRIGHT SIDE’s video below, I’d like to point this out…

***Some, including BRIGHT SIDE, say drinking water right after meals is not good because it dilutes the digestive juices necessary to break down food. Dr. Michael Picco contradicts this, via Mayo Clinic, saying water does not interfere with digestion. In fact, it aids in absorbing nutrients.

I am yet to find clinical studies and scientific evidences to explain the biological truth about drinking water right after meals. But for now, I’ll stick to drinking at least 30 minutes after eating breakfast, lunch and dinner.***

9 Situations When You Really Shouldn’t drink Water by BRIGHT SIDE, on YouTube

Conclusion

Optimal hydration or getting the right amount of water is proven to be effective in keeping your body, mind and *memory* healthy. On the other hand, over-hydration will cause more harm.

Like they say, too much of a good thing is bad. So, just be cautious of your own body. If you thirst, then that is the signal you already lost 2% of your bodily fluid. Let’s drink to that! 🍹

References:
(1) Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D., How Much of Your Body Is Water?, September 28, 2018, https://www.thoughtco.com/how-much-of-your-body-is-water-609406
(2) Pico, Michael F., M.D., Does drinking water during or after a meal disturb digestion?, May 3, 2018, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/digestion/faq-20058348

7 healthy ways to start your new year right

Starting your morning right may set the tone of your day. From putting your bed in order to prepping yourself up, it’s like you already put your day in order, too. Here are five more ways to a daily feel-good vibe…

A happy new year vibe starts by getting into a good morning habit. Below are merely reminders to make your 2019 a whole lot better.

😉

Today, December 31st, is the last day of the year. Goodbye, 2018 👋. I would say, “What a journey! I hope it’s been wonderful for you.”

Tonight, New Year’s Eve, be prepared for the beginning of a new dawn as it unfolds into a new day. You will be writing your personal journey books 📚 once again…

How should you start a chapter?
How about if we write together?

Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one.
Brad Paisley

✨

So, let me tell you my plan and maybe you can join me… I will begin the upcoming day with an inspiring thought 💭 and do my best to keep it going. I will creatively write my first page – 1 of 365 – in such a way that moves and relates to someone. It would be nice to touch many and one of them could be . . . you 👈🏼. So for you (or us), I will fill these pages with awesome ideas so no worries would ever come into our senses. Sounds good? I would also love to hear your thoughts.

“I will creatively write my first page – 1 of 365 – in such a way that moves and relates to someone. It would be nice to touch many and one of them could be . . . you.”
lancelonie quote

In doing the above, it would be great to have a nice routine in the morning. Don’t you think 🤔 starting our day bright and early will create a good vibe? If you think so, then let’s remember these:

7 ways to start your day right

Wake up early. This means going to bed early the night before just so you get enough sleep 😴 and get fully energized the next morning. This also means there will never be a morning rush moment. Getting up early allows you to move calmly or leisurely at home and on your way to whatever destination.
Make your bed. Because you beat the alarm clock ⏰, you may still have time to tidy up your bed before heading out the door. It sure feels good to leave your bedroom seeing all sheets and pillows in order . . . like you have already put your day in order, too.
Dress up and groom. Now, there is definitely enough time to make yourself look neat and polished. Putting yourself together well, even if there is no meeting nor special event, adds up to the feel-good vibe. You not only dress to impress others; but most importantly, yourself. So, ready for another selfie? 😍
Eat breakfast. Your breakfast should not be just cereal as it may be sugary. Opt for fresh fruits 🍎🍌 , lean meat and whole grains. This important meal of the day should not be skipped as studies show a good breakfast links to good health. Good health equals good life!
Drink water. You have slept for hours and it is about time to hydrate when you wake up. That just makes sense. Drink it warm to flush out build-up toxins. Better yet, squeeze in lemon 🍋 as sourness, in lieu of caffein, sure wakes up the senses.
Read something positive. Reading words of wisdom, positive quotes or anything that may spark ⚡️ inspiration first thing in the morning is healthy. This may also set the tone for your entire day. Check out Aristotle’s quote below…
Smile. Even if you are just smiling at yourself in the mirror or a selfie camera, good. This is a positive attitude that reflects outwardly and infects anyone in your path. How about updating your social media profiles with new pearly-white portraits? 😁

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Aristotle

✨

I hope the above ideas 💡 are not those would-be-neglected-soon new year’s resolution. These are rather simple suggestions that will definitely improve the quality of your life this coming year.

Of course, after new year’s eve, you may be recovering from the stroke-of-midnight celebration. If still sleepy 💤, that is totally fine. You still have the day after January 1st and the next and then the next . . . to finally commit to your daily habit.

If you can beat drowsiness because you are so compelled to start your new year’s day as planned, great! But definitely not to the expense of risk-driving please. Stay at home or on bed because it is an official holiday anyway. If you really need to go places 🚙 in the morning, get Lyft, Uber or a friend.

✨

So, reiterating…
Today is the last day of the year. Tonight is New Year’s Eve. Tomorrow is New Year’s Day – the start of something better.

Have a blast! Have a Happy New Year, friend!!! 🎉