Many people, myself included, don’t think much about our water intake. As a competitive swimmer, I often get into the pool and find myself tired, even after a healthy amount of sleep. Curious to debunk my tiredness, I turned to a reliable source: the internet; what I discovered was surprising.
According to the National Institute of Health, over 75% of Americans, specifically adults, are dehydrated. Some of the key symptoms of hydration include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue or tiredness. Most high schoolers don’t think much about their water intake when they’re trying to pass classes or cram for a big test. This may not seem like a big deal, but consider it this way: drinking water can improve your focus, prevent headaches, and give you energy. Studies have also shown that drinking enough water can improve your cognitive abilities, help your mood, and improve the quality of your sleep. All of these things are crucial in helping you learn and stay healthy. The amount of water you should be drinking depends on a lot of factors, like body weight, intensity of physical activity, and what you eat. Drinking too much water can lead to overhydration—just as bad as dehydration. You lose water when you sweat, so athletes should be sure to drink more water than others so that when they sweat, they don’t have to worry about being tired during the game.
If you’re like me and constantly forget to drink water, here are some good ways to remember. Carrying around a disposable or reusable water bottle at school is always good, and encouraging yourself to drink a certain amount during each class period can keep you motivated to stay hydrated. Setting reminders on your phone or drinking different liquids can also keep you hydrated. If you don’t like drinking water by itself, try it with fruit or a flavor packet to mix it up. If you don’t have water, consume lots of fruit or other liquids and keep you hydrated. Taking the time to care for yourself and learning what works when it comes to hydration is important. Everyone is different and needs different things.
Hopefully you take this reminder on hydration. Drinking water is a good habit to develop during high school—your body will thank you when you do.
