Water is one of the major building blocks of life. Whether we drink it, immerse ourselves in it, or simply look at it, water is a major life force. Have you ever drank a cool glass of water on a hot summer day or sat by a lake or ocean and just felt at home? Water has the ability to replenish us physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Yet, just like breathing, water is something we tend to take for granted. Pause for a moment and think about the power of water in your garden… if the plants don’t get water, they droop, lose their vibrance, and begin to fade. Lack of water has the same effect on the human body!
Our bodies are made up of about 60% water that constantly needs replenishing. Being properly hydrated helps maintain your physical and mental well-being, keeping you energized, alert and vibrant! Here are just 15 of the benefits from drinking water.
If you want to kick it up a notch, try adding lemon to your water and drinking it first thing in the morning. Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, and have many health benefits one of which is helping to clean the liver and assist with digestion. Check out the 15 benefits of drinking lemon water from the Edison Institute of Nutrition.
3 ways to enhance your overall well-being with water
Build your appreciation for water while enhancing your overall well-being by committing to one or all of the following:
1. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Feel free to include pure juices and herbal teas. Sorry but alcohol and coffee don’t count—in fact, you need to drink an additional glass of water for each of these you consume.
Note that when you first start drinking more water, your body will take some time to adjust and you will find yourself going to the bathroom more frequently. Hang in there, this will pass as your body finds a new balance. At about the same time that happens, you will also begin to notice an increase in your overall energy level!
2. Water can also be good externally so immerse yourself in a relaxing bath several times a week. Take the time to appreciate the advantages of soaking in the tub. Set the stage by eliminating distractions, turning the lights down low, and putting on some soft music if you like. Be mindful of the touch of water on your skin and the warmth of your experience. Allow yourself to truly enjoy the relaxing power of the water.
3. Treat yourself to a new glass water bottle and help the environment at the same time—sure to make you feel good! When introducing a new habit, it’s a good idea to have a physical representation of the change you are making. Not only is a water bottle functional, it will also be a great reminder of the commitment you have made to drink more water.
If you have ever had to go without water for a length of time, you quickly realize what a valuable resource it is. We have come to expect the water running from our taps and the beauty of the oceans, lakes, and bays around us. Appreciating water requires us to be mindful of this life source. In doing so, we can treat our bodies with loving kindness and nourish it in the way nature intended.
If you would like to learn more about health and wellness, join me in a free 45 minute virtual/phone consultation to explore your wellness goals and what might be getting in the way. Connect with me today!
Ann-Marie Deas, M.S.W., R.S.W., R.H.& L.C.
Ann-Marie is a registered Social Worker and Health & Life Coach with over 30 years experience in School Social Work and Children’s Mental Health. She is the founder of ‘Sound Living – Transformational Coaching, Counselling, and Consulting’ and can be reached here.