The Positive Effects From Drinking More Water

Feel Whole Challenge Day 3: Drink More Water

Day 3 of the Feel Whole Challenge encourages you to drink more water. So how do you stay hydrated?

At the end of last year, I made my annual eye doctor appointment. Everything was routine, you know — “look here,” “read this chart,” “cover one eye.” Then he sits on his chair, spins to look at me and says, “You haven’t been drinking your water.”

Busted.

At this point, clearly the doctor was aware of my transgressions, so I say, “No, how do you know?” He proceeds to tell me about a condition where you dehydrate your body to the point that the coating on your eyeball deteriorates over time as you blink. Then the kicker: mine was at a point where it was almost irreversible, and if I didn’t change my ways I could be faced with losing my eyesight.

I let that sit, then I asked more about the condition. He pulled out a handy chart to show me what the spots looked like on my eyeball, and how over time the condition either corrects itself or the situation gets worse.

I’m always trying to stay on the right side of things so I gathered my thoughts and immediately started to think of ways to hold myself accountable, because clearly this here was nothing to play with.

I get home and take to Instagram Stories to tell my story to encourage others to make their annual health appointments. I also wanted to stress the importance of drinking enough water.

Since December, I now average 75 – 100 oz. of water a day. Some days I don’t make it, but I’ve put systems in place to remind me, and to keep this very important part of my health at the forefront.

Once I became intentional about drinking more water, I noticed some positive changes that, while small, added up to making me feel so much better daily. Here are a few.

I’m Not As Tired

While I probably need more sleep overall, once I started drinking more water, I found I was tired but not sluggish. There is a huge difference between the two.

My Skin Clarity Has Improved

I think that is a given, but I had no idea what a big difference it makes when you consistently drink more water. Not only do I rarely get blemishes, but the overall condition of my skin has improved. My pores shrunk, it always looks moisturized, and I noticed during the winter months the indoor heat doesn’t bother my skin as much.

Over Time, Restroom Breaks Lessened

When I first started drinking more water, I felt like I was in the bathroom every 10 minutes. After a week, I found bathroom breaks disrupted my day less than before. I suppose your body gets used to the additional water over time? I’m not an expert, so take that with a grain of salt, but know the need for breaks does lessen — at least it did for me.

I Wake Up Thirsty

It’s almost like my body is like, “Sis, let’s start the day off right.” I wake up and down 8 oz. of water in a gulp. Great way to start the day.

I’m Not As Hungry, and I Lost Weight

My unhealthy snacking lessened, and as a result, I lost weight. I noticed my arms were smaller and my clothes fit better without me having to try.

I Developed an Aversion to Sweet Drinks

For once in my life I would drink something and say this is too sweet.

Drinking Out of a Pretty Bottle and a Straw Makes it Easier

I’m sure a pretty bottle and straw are psychological factors that make drinking water more appealing, but they work! I drink water much better out of a straw; I sit the bottle on my desk and mindlessly sip as I work.

As a matter of fact, I’m doing it now.

I Feel Accomplished When I Hit My Goal

I’m a task-oriented person: I write things down, I track my behaviors. Nothing makes my day like checking off the box having completed my water intake for the day. I use paper trackers in my planner, and an app when I’m on the go.

If I Complete My Goal Before Noon, I’m More Likely to Get It In

I strive to have all of my ounces consumed before noon. Looking at my personal behaviors, the afternoon is crazy with kid activities. I don’t want to have to use the restroom during the afternoon rush, therefore I strive to have my goal met before 12 pm. All of the water I drink after that is a bonus.

These are just a few things I’ve noticed. While they may seem small, they have made a huge difference in my behaviors and how I feel. Now, if I can just get consistent with my fitness, I’m sure I’ll feel a thousand percent better.

The key is baby steps — nail one good behavior and add on as you go. Before you know it you’ll be operating as your best self!

Hope this inspires you to drink more water!

Writer: Mimi Scarlett Mimi is a mother and business owner. She built her online retail store from the ground up while being a full-time blogger. She documents her life’s ups and downs to show others that everyone has the strength to overcome any obstacle that life throws at them.