In the UK we have hit our summertime, and with that comes temperatures that can reach 25-26-27 degrees.  In this heat, it can be really easy to not get enough hydration into our systems and, as a result, can start feeling the effects with headaches, tiredness, dry skin and a host of other symptoms.  It is really important, any day of the year, to be well hydrated, but in the summer months, this is even more essential.  Today’s Top 10 are my favorite ways to make sure I stay hydrated.

1.  Set an alarm on your phone at 1-hour intervals, and if you have not had a glass of water in that time go and get yourself a glass and drink it.
2. Avoid salty snacks.  I find that these can make you feel dehydrated quite quickly.
3. Go easy on the coffee.  Caffeine is a mild diuretic, making you pee more.  Can’t give up the caffeine fix?  Have a glass of water with every cup of coffee you have.
4. Ease up on drinking anything too sugary, like fizzy drinks.  I find that they can accelerate the symptoms of dehydration (especially headaches) rather than lessen them.
5. Eat fruit and veg with a high water content – watermelon (or any kind of melon), cucumber and salads are great at providing extra water for your body.
6. Make your own healthy ice lollies (I shared some ideas here) and snack on them during the day.
7. Make sure to carry a (reusable) bottle full of water around with you in your bag.  You never know when you might get thirsty.
8. Listen to your body…Hunger pangs and thirst often manifest in similar ways.  If you feel hungry then have a glass of water as it may be thirst you are feeling.
9. Don’t like plain water?  There are loads of different things you can do to make water more interesting, from fruit infused water to adding cold brew fruit tea bags, play around until you find something that you love!
10. Ice cube chips in a glass can be really refreshing to crunch on and help to cool you down in the process while adding to your hydration levels!

Do you have any favorite ways to stay hydrated?  Let me know in the comments!