California is known for its heat. Every year it seems like things just get hotter and hotter. As temperatures rise, staying hydrated isn’t that easy.
There are a few things you can do to stay hydrated despite the heat. Dehydration is not something to be taken lightly. It can have serious medical consequences that could be long-term.
Here are a few tips on how to stay hydrated. These tips are good any time of year. After all, it can be hot year-round in California.
- Water
This may seem like a pretty obvious tip.
But most people don’t drink water properly. Jugging a lot of water at once can actually have the opposite effect.
When you digest too much water at once, your body will dispose of it quickly. Think about how many times you have to go to the bathroom after drinking a lot in one sitting.
The average person needs at least two liters of water every day. If you do sports or are out in the heat, you’ll need more.
The golden rule is one ounce of water per minute of exercise. When the heat is very bad, it’s not a bad idea to double that.
You lose a lot of water during exercise due to sweat. Drinking sports drinks or adding electrolyte tablets to your water can help you retain water.
Use an app to keep track of how much water you drink per day.
- Sober Activities
Alcohol is a dehydrant.
If you drink, you should always drink water with your alcoholic beverage. However, this can still dehydrate you.
The best option is not to drink at all. There are plenty of sober activities that you can enjoy that don’t involve drinking.
If you have trouble enjoying sober activities, it might mean you have a problem. It could be time to consider receiving professional treatment.
Centers like Studio 64 Recovery specialize in addiction recovery. They offer unique treatments known as IOPs, or intensive outpatient programs.
These programs allow you to receive treatment while staying at home. This helps you prepare for life after rehab. Most addicts relapse shortly after finishing rehab.
There are many reasons for relapses. One of the main reasons is that rehab doesn’t prepare you for the outside world.
During an IOP, you are staying in the comfort of your own home. Your friends and family are still there for support.
Staying sober will help you stay hydrated.
- Staying Indoors
Dry air will dehydrate you.
Your body absorbs water from the air. If you live close to the desert, you’ll need to drink more water than if you live by the beach.
See about getting a cool humidifier. This will help your body take in more water than it would otherwise.
Air conditioning systems aren’t always great for keeping the air moist. Some air conditioning systems actually dry out the house. See what type you have and make sure that you aren’t dehydrating yourself.
To naturally keep your house cool, close the curtains. Don’t let too much light or hot air inside. Keep the windows open at night.
Exercising outside might be nice, but if it’s too hot, head to the gym. They have plenty of water there.
If you choose to stay outdoors, head to the pool or the beach.
- Eat Well
Drinking water is not the only source of water.
In fact, only drinking water wouldn’t keep you hydrated. Your body needs food to help your stomach hold the liquid.
Here is a list of foods from Daily Burn that are good for hydration. Some foods have more water than others. And some have the nutrients that help your body store water.
Fruits and vegetables are a very important source of water. You should be eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
High fat foods and carbohydrates won’t necessarily help you.
- Self-Check
If you’re thirsty, you’re probably already dehydrated.
Set an alarm to make sure you’ve been drinking enough water. When it goes off, do a quick self-check. Think about everything you’ve eaten.
Make a note of how much water you’ve had to drink.
Check that you don’t have any symptoms of dehydration. These include headaches, an upset stomach, and fatigue.
Ask your friends if they’ve had enough water, too. Encourage them to self-check and to check in on you.
Be proactive and prevent dehydration.
Conclusion
Dehydration is a serious condition. Stay on top of your health and drink at least two liters of water a day.
