If you’re a college student, you’re smart enough to know the importance of proper hydration. But finding water might be difficult, whether you’re at the library, parties, or classes. Here’s what not to rely on to stay healthy and hydrated:
- Coffee & Energy Drinks – Leads To Headaches & Insomnia
- Soda & Sugar – Leads To Gut & Teeth Trouble
- Beer & Alcohol – Leads To Nausea & Loss Of Coordination
These all dehydrate you and can make you tired and run down, which is not ideal for class.
Top Tips For Staying Hydrated On & Off Campus
Here are some of our favorite ideas for maintaining hydration in college. Remember, nothing works better than water (or the occasional sports electrolyte beverage).
- Limit the amount of caffeine.
- Keep a filled bottle with you at all times.
- Seek out refillable water bottle stations.
- Set reminders on your phone to drink regularly.
- Infuse your water with flavors.
- Invest in a water filtration system for your dorm room.
Kick Sodas & Energy Drinks To The Curb
As we said, sugary, caffeinated beverages might taste great but will not keep you hydrated. Caffeine, especially, is a diuretic. Treating yourself to an energy drink or soda occasionally is okay, but water should be your mainstay. The side effects of too much caffeine can include:
- Sick Stomachs
- Trouble Sleeping
- Shakiness & Restlessness
- Anxiety & Rapid Heart Beat
Make A Reusable Water Bottle Your Best Friend
You can’t drink water if it’s not readily available. So make sure you always have a bottle or two on you. It’s best to ditch the one-time-use bottles and invest in high-quality portable water bottles for students. It’s even better to get one with a filter that removes impurities and improves the taste, such as the Sport Berkey Water Bottle from USA Berkey Filters.
Map Out Where To Refill Your Bottle
Many colleges have installed refillable bottle stations throughout the campus, including dorm common areas. Use them to keep your bottle topped off, so you can drink as much as you need without worrying about running dry.
Sound The Alarm: It’s Time To Drink
You’re probably already dehydrated if you wait until you’re thirsty. Many nutritionists recommend drinking eight 8 oz glasses (or bottles) of water daily. It’s hard to do that if you wait hours before taking a sip.
You can set regular reminders on your smartphone using your calendar or a specialized app. When it comes to hydration, there are apps for that!
Dress Up Your Water With Flavor
If plain H20 just isn’t your cup of … we were going to say tea, but you know what we mean. Not everyone enjoys drinking plain water. So don’t be afraid to flavor it up. You can add flavor drops and powders, slices of fruit, or even herbal teas to make your water taste delicious. Just avoid those containing sugar.
Invest In Water Filters For Dorm Rooms
A variety of filter models will work even in a tiny, crowded dorm room. Berkey water filters are the best on the market and are surprisingly affordable, not to mention low maintenance. Consider these smaller-sized Berkey systems, which are perfect for students.
These should fit on your desktop or dresser. Or, you can convince your roommates to go in on a larger system, like the Big Berkey, so that you can all enjoy the benefits of pure, clean water without seeking out a filling station.
Stay Hydrated With The Help Of Berkey Filters
Following the above tips and tricks, staying hydrated on and off your college campus should become a habit, not a hassle. And what better way to up your intake than with the help of Berkey filters? These allow you to enjoy clean, pure water without wasting a lot of plastic.
To learn more or place an online order for a Go Berkey water bottle or desktop filter system, visit USA Berkey Filters today.