Research suggests that a significant percentage of the human body is water. Therefore, drinking water is vital to keep the mind and body healthy and to function optimally. But randomly drinking water is not enough. There are specific times when drinking water is more beneficial than the rest of the day. We suggest you sip on a glass while we tell you more about the best times to drink water for maximum benefits!
Right after waking up
A glass or two of water first thing in the morning is an excellent way of priming the body and mind for the rest of the day. It energizes the cells and eliminates free radicals that accumulate in the body overnight. You might be tempted to sip on other detox beverages after waking up, but don’t fall for the fads and stick with the classic glass of water.
Before meals
Drinking water with your meals is bad because it slows down your metabolism. So, to support the body’s metabolism, drink water about 30 minutes before mealtime. It lines the stomach and prepares the intestine for the incoming food. It also brings a feeling of fullness, preventing overeating and the subsequent feeling of bloating and cramps.
Before workouts
If you haven’t had water in a while, hydrate before hitting the gym. Don’t overdo it, though, or it might knock off the electrolyte balance in your body, causing you to underperform at the gym. Be preemptive about the water you’ll lose while exercising, and you might even be able to prevent a bad case of DOMS.
After workouts
You might need to rehydrate with a glass or more, depending on how hard you worked out or the length of your routine. The sweat released during your workout indicates your body lost some hydration. Continuing in a dehydrated state can lead to fatigue and throw you off during the day. The best thing to do is rehydrate with an electrolyte to balance your sodium levels. Pro tip: Keep sipping on water during the rest phases of your workout.
Before sleeping
Research has found that dehydration is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Drinking a cup or two of water before bedtime helps bring down the risk of heart attacks and stroke in the middle of the night. Furthermore, dehydration is also known to impact the quality of your sleep and mood significantly. If you don’t fancy a middle-of-the-night trip to the washroom, have your last glass of water an hour before turning off the lights; you’ll be ready for a peaceful night.
When unwell
We know how important it is to stay hydrated when hit by a bout of flu or the common cold. Drinking water ensures the body isn’t dehydrated due to a runny nose, fever, and sweating. Water also relieves you of the headache that might accompany the flu. Additionally, it gets rid of the fatigue that hits you out of nowhere on days you’re already dealing with a headache. Drinking water helps immensely since fatigue is also considered an early sign of dehydration.