What you know is that water is the basic component of life. What you may not know is that it is also one of the basic “tools” for your care kit. Here are some benefits to drinking more water during these times of giving care:1. It helps relieve stress. This is a common word of instruction from many who help others through times of stress like the Placer County Law Enforcement Chaplaincy. If you want to read more from a medical perspective go to
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/water-stress-reduction
http://www.webmd.com/diet/
2. It helps get rid of the toxins in your system. There is a lot of information on the internet regarding toxins not only from stress but also our environment.
3. It may give you more energy especially for the afternoon. I find that when I am drinking water I am less tired in the afternoon (if I have been consistent in drinking water throughout the day). Of course, if I have been running ragged a glass of water (I like the small ones as I’m not much of a water drinker but can handle it in small doses) and a nap always cure my afternoon slump.
When do you know when it’s time for water? Signs of dehydration (lack or low level of water) are thirst (I know this seems silly to say but how often are you running around doing chores while you are thirsty but keep on running around without stopping for a drink of water and a small bit of rest?) and if your pee is a dark or pungent.
How much should you drink? The Mayo clinic states that it depends on your body but a general rule would be 13 cups for men or 9 for women. That’s a lot of water! They also say the 8 glasses of 8 ounces a day also works although that is less than their initial recommendation. Check out what they say on this site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283
4. The final benefit is that you’ll get more exercise. How did I figure that? Easy, the more liquid I intake, the more liquid I need to get rid of which means I need to get out of my chair more often. Don’t underestimate that form of exercise!
Until next time have some water!
