Wellness Challenge: the H20 factor

Last week, I started a series about a topic that I'm passionate about and that is so important to all of us...wellness. Last week's focus was our motives behind it.

This week, is about the H20 factor: the importance of water. We all know that water is the source of life. People, plants and animals cannot survive without it. In fact, it's a luxury in some parts of the world and the lack of it is detrimental to many communities.

Water is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle and bodily function. It helps eliminate toxins from the body. It aids in preventing dehydration, which can become serious in many cases. It adds life to the skin. Water replenishes the water that is lost through sweating and it is obviously the best thirst quencher. Water is especially necessary if you drink significant amounts of caffiene as caffeine depletes water from the body.

If there is any place to start in this Wellness Challenge, it is making drinking water a priority in your day. For some people, it may be a matter of making it a habit. Some tips for getting your eight or so glasses in are:

Make a chart or a log where you check off the amount of water you drink each day. For the techno "geeks", I'm assuming there might even be an app for that. : )

Fill two quart containers in the morning and drink from them throughout the day until they are empty (or pour them into glasses/bottles to take with you).

Set aside several bottles of water to take with you throughout the day. (I know this is not the most "green" way to do this.)

Set certain times throughout the day at which you will stop and drink a glass of water.

If this is an area in which you need to/want to improve, start today. Baby steps are valuable. Try to get in your eight glasses everyday this week. Happy drinking!

Next week, I will be discussing "feeding the machine": healthy eating habits.

If you already have this water thing down pat, how do you make it a point get your daily water quota?

(Note: The content of this series is intended for informational use only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Everyone is different in their level of health and fitness. It is advised to consult a physician before beginning a fitness or nutritional plan.)