H20 - Remembering to Drink!

Do you have a hard time remembering to drink water? I certainly do. My days can be hectic and when I'm focused on a project, whether at home or in the office (I work part-time at a print shop). It's amazing how quickly time can seem to fly by when you're concentrating on the task at hand - the next thing you know, 2 hours have gone by and I haven't moved from my desk. Or maybe it's a matter of distractions throughout the day... Children requiring your attention off and on, or multiple errands throughout the day. Let's face it, we've all got very busy lives these days!

Here's a simple trick that may help you remember to drink more. One of the things that I personally find very effective is to have a glass or water bottle next to my computer. I find that if there's something there, my hand automatically reaches for it, especially if I've added flavour to the water, which can trigger a 'pleasure response' in the brain. When it tastes good... my body seems to crave more. Here's a good example... I finished my first cup of coffee about 30 minutes ago... and suddenly I am craving another cup... It tasted soooo good! Lol! I have a dual-walled, stainless steel thermos at the office that holds about 16 oz and keeps my water nice and cool for several hours (I'll address water temperature in a future post) and I love it! I add a drop or two of lemon or lime (sometimes both) essential oil to my H20 for a little kick... and when that thermos is empty, I am more likely to get up and refill it because of the 'treat factor!' At home, if I place a glass in a prominent position, such as in the middle of the kitchen counter, it serves as a reminder - and it has been very effective these past few days as you've seen if you've been following along on Facebook! Find a trick that works for you - sticky notes around the house? A calendar reminder on your cell phone or on your computer at the office? Carrying a water bottle with you when you're out and about (you'll get into the habit of making note of where the public washrooms are when shopping... lol)? Anything goes! Chug-a-lug, Chug-a-lug!

Nancy Ehle is Founder & CEO of Witness 4 Fitness in Calgary, Alberta Canada. She holds several certifications in the fitness industry, including Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach and Master Walk 15® Instructor through organizations such as the American Council on Exercise and Walk at Home®. Walk Strong Calgary is a division of Witness 4 Fitness, focusing on low-impact group exercise programs suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Follow Nancy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalkStrongCalgary/