Hydration Tips for Active Lifestyles

When you're always on the move, it's easy to overlook hydration. But proper hydration is essential for a number of reasons — from supporting brain health and organ function to promoting temperature regulation and joint lubrication.

Whether you’re hitting the gym daily or tackling busy days at work, it’s critical to prioritize your daily water intake to stay hydrated.

Fortunately, we’ve gathered some of our favorite hydration tips to help you stay refreshed and replenished throughout the day.

#1 Adopt an Emotional Support Water Bottle

Walk down any reusable water bottle aisle, and you’ll likely come across one or two that catch your eye. Whether they’re long and slender with a holdable handle or compact and sturdy, adopting a water bottle can help you meet your hydration goals throughout the day.

Choosing a bottle that resonates with your personal style or brings you joy can also make a significant difference in your hydration habits. When you carry a bottle that you love, you're more likely to reach for it regularly. You can opt for one as little as 32 ounces or as large as one gallon, based on your preference.

You can also consider selecting a water bottle with measurements marked on the side to track your water intake throughout the day and provide you with a gentle reminder to keep sipping.

#2 Keep Your Liquids Cool

According to some research, keeping your water at a regular 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit may support better hydration: Cooler liquids are believed to be more easily absorbed by the body.

To achieve this, consider refrigerating your water the night before or buying a water bottle with insulation to keep your drinks at the ideal temperature throughout the day.

If you prefer chilled water on the go, you can add a few ice cubes to your bottle before heading out. This will help ensure your drinking water stays cool, regardless of what the day holds in store for you.

#3 Add Water to Your Workout Routine

Integrating healthy hydration into your workout routine is essential for maximizing performance and recovery. Instead of viewing drinking water as an afterthought, consider it an integral part of what to do after a workout, during a workout and prior to one:

Pre-workout – Drink one to two cups of liquid, whether that’s water or an electrolyte drink, 30 minutes before exercising. This will help ensure your body is adequately fueled for the physical demands ahead.
Workout– As you exercise, drink a ½ cup to a full cup of liquid every 25 minutes, particularly if you’re engaging in high-intensity or strenuous exercise.
Post-workout – In the two hours after you’ve hit the gym, aim to replenish your body with all the liquids you lost through sweatduring your workout. Drink at least 16 to 24 ounces of water within the first hour, and if you’ve had an intense session, consider an electrolyte drink to replace lost minerals.

#4 Eat Water-Rich Foods

Proper hydration isn’t just about drinking enough water; incorporating foods with a high water content into your diet can significantly contribute to your overall fluid intake. These hydrating foods not only provide hydration but also deliver essential nutrients that support your active lifestyle:

Fruits – Many fruits are packed with water and can help quench your thirst while providing vitamins and minerals. Watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, strawberries and cantaloupe are all excellent choices. For a refreshing, energizing snack, slice up a watermelon or toss some berries into your morning yogurt.
Vegetables – Leafy greens like spinach, lettuce and kale have high water content and can easily be added to salads or smoothies. Other hydrating vegetables include cucumbers, zucchini, celery and bell peppers, which can be enjoyed raw, grilled or in stir-fries.
Soups– Warm up with a hearty soup or broth, which can be a great source of hydration. Opt for clear broths or vegetable-based soups that are low in sodium for a nourishing and hydrating meal.
Popsicles – For a fun and refreshing treat, make your own popsicles using fruit puree or blended fruits mixed with water. This is a great way to cool off and stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.

#5 Diversify Your Liquids

Keeping your hydration routine exciting is key to ensuring you hit your goals for daily water intake. To add some variety to your hydration game, consider:

Water flavorings – Infuse your water with natural flavors to make it more enticing. Add slices of fresh fruits like lemon, lime, berries or oranges, or toss in some herbs like mint or basil. Cucumber slices also provide a refreshing twist.
Herbal teas– Unsweetened herbal teas are a great way to add flavor without the extra calories. Enjoy them hot or iced, and experiment with different varieties such as chamomile, peppermint or hibiscus. These can also be soothing and hydrating, making them perfect for any time of day.
Coconut water – For a natural source of hydration, consider coconut water. It’s rich in electrolytes and has a subtly sweet taste, making it an excellent post-workout option. Plus, it can add a tropical twist to your hydration routine.
Smoothies and juices – Blend fruits and vegetables into smoothies or opt for fresh juices to mix up your hydration options. You can add water, coconut water or even nut milk to create a nutrient-dense drink that’s hydrating and delicious. Just be mindful of the sugar content in juices, and try to focus on whole fruits for added fiber.
Sparkling water – For those who enjoy carbonation, sparkling water can be a fun alternative to plain water. You can find flavored sparkling waters with no added sugars or make your own by adding a splash of fruit juice or a wedge of citrus.
CBD-infused water – CBD-infused beverages are gaining popularity not just for their potential relaxation benefits but also for their hydration properties. These drinks combine the benefits of CBD with the benefits of hydration, making them a great addition to your post-workout recovery routine. CBD can also help ease muscle soreness and reduce inflammation, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of hydration while supporting your body’s recovery process. Mix up a hydrating CBD tea instead to achieve the same effect.

Make Your Own CBD Water With Zebra CBD

Staying hydrated is critical to the health of our minds and bodies. If you struggle to stay motivated when it comes to hydration goals, consider mixing it up.

At Zebra CBD, we offer premium CBD hemp oil for sale in a delicious mint flavor that can be added to your favorite hydrating beverage. If you’d prefer to reap the benefits of CBD water without the added flavor, our oils also come in a natural, earthy flavor.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg — explore our CBD products today, from hemp pills to CBD gummies for sale, to see what else we have in store for you.

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