5 Tips to Beat the Heat with a Busy Schedule
It’s a fast-paced world out there, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up. One essential way to keep your energy going is to stay hydrated.
Try these five ways to stay hydrated in the summer—or any time of year—while you’re keeping up with your busy schedule.
5 Ways to Make Hydration an Automatic Part of Your Active Lifestyle
1.Set reminders to hydrate
If your calendar is filling up fast, don’t forget to schedule time to hydrate. You’re going to need to keep your energy and your electrolytes up to power through the day, and sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves when life gets hectic.
Setting reminders helps you stay on track, so you aren’t trying to guzzle all your recovery fluids at the end of the day. If you’re unsure of how often to set reminders, there are apps that can help. Not only do they remind you when to grab a drink but many of them use your biometrics to determine how much hydration you personally require.
2. Invest in a travel mug
When you’re constantly on the go, you might be inclined to buy drinks at the nearest coffee shop or convenience store when you are feeling thirsty. Not only are you spending inflated costs for a single beverage, but you’re relying on stores to have the replenishment you need to stay hydrated. When limited choices are available, it’s too easy to increase your intake of caffeine and sugar, which can both be dehydrating.
Instead, invest in a travel mug or water bottle that you can take everywhere. Look for something that can fit in your car’s cupholder and gym or work bag, so it’s always close at hand. Purchasing a thermal mug can also ensure that your drink stays cold for hours.
Your electrolytes can be portable too! Grab your favorite Ultima Replenisher stickpacks to take wherever you go, and you can fortify your water with the electrolytes you need any time of day. Electrolytes like sodium and potassium help your body hold onto fluids longer. Others, like magnesium and calcium, help enable healthy muscle and nerve function to keep you moving well and feeling good throughout the day.
3. Recognize the signs of dehydration
Staying hydrated in hot weather can be challenging as the temperatures rise, but it’s even more important when you have an active lifestyle. Whether you’re going to the gym, playing outdoor sports, or even going to the park with your kids, exerting yourself can make you sweat more and dehydrate faster.
Look out for signs of dehydration such as fatigue, headaches, and cramping. If you’re feeling dizzy, your skin is flushed, or you’re having difficulty cooling down, these are indicators that you need to take a break to hydrate and cool off. Making sure to drink before, during, and after activities will help you stay in the game.
4. Add hydrating foods to your diet
Of course you can drink water to hydrate, but did you know that there are also plenty of water-rich foods you can add to your daily menu? More than 20% of your water intake should come from the food you eat, so be sure to add smart choices to your diet. Snack on a few of these delicious suggestions to help supply the hydration you need:
- Cucumber
- Tomato
- Watermelon
- Celery
- Zucchini
- Radishes
- Strawberries
- Plain yogurt
- Kiwi
- Broccoli
- Peaches
- Okra
5. Party with purpose
Work hard, play hard! We all deserve a break from our busy lives, and a summer party or a night out with friends are great ways to unwind. It’s okay to enjoy some alcoholic beverages at the barbeque this weekend, but don’t forget to stay hydrated, especially if you’re out in the sun.
Alcohol can have dehydrating effects, so drink water in between beverages. Or, if water gives you drink FOMO, keep the party vibes going with Ultima Replenisher Mocktinis. Enjoy hydrating, non-alcoholic Strawberry Margarita, Cranberry Cosmo or Piña Colada Mocktinis, without the sugar these same cocktails would bring. You’ll stay hydrated and still enjoy festive refreshments. Beyond the fun plant-based flavors, the best part is they have zero sugar and no junk ingredients, so you can enjoy them with no guilt or worries!
Life is about balance, and so is hydration. By eliminating sugar, carbs and caffeine from much of your hydration and being conscious about replenishing electrolytes, you can better fuel your active lifestyle. Plus, staying hydrated can help you feel good enough to balance your competing priorities each day.
