Thirsty for Wellness

The cool winds of fall start to blow in, and a few things are certain: Uggs and pumpkin spice lattes will make their return, everyone will be thrilled about the new seasons of their favorite shows, and many will start to have problems that they blame on it being “that time of year again.” The start of fall is often the start of symptoms like dry skin, itchiness, decreased energy, constipation, headaches, and a sleepy, all-around icky feeling. Why is it that such a beautiful time of year can cause so many people to feel so uncomfortable?

There's one answer that, although easy and logical, is often overlooked. When you look at those symptoms of that “icky fall feeling,” what do they all have in common? They're signs of mild dehydration. It's easy to remember to stay hydrated in the summer. We're always sweating and warm, so everyone's reminding us at every turn to grab a water bottle and stay hydrated. Once the chill of autumn settles in, though, it's easy to forget. It's remarkably easy to slip out of the routine of checking on this vital wellness factor.

Water is not only valuable for feeling well. If you're trying to lose weight, it's an essential part of your plan. Being properly hydrated helps us to feel full sooner and to more easily digest our meals. It has even been linked to a consumption of fewer calories and a loss of more weight in studies. Participants in a 2010 Virginia Tech study who drank 2 cups of water before each meal lost an additional 5 pounds over just 12 short weeks compared to the group who wasn't making sure to hydrate. Plus, if you're hydrating with water, you're less likely to grab sugary sodas and energy drinks. This boosts your calorie savings over the course of a day, and every bit adds up over the course of a week or month of trying to slim down.

If you've been feeling down or you're trying to take off a few pounds, try checking in on your hydration level. Pay attention for a while what you're drinking and how you're feeling. This is super easy to do if you're already keeping a food log or bullet journal. The results in your overall wellness may surprise you.