I Resolve To . . . Hydrate!

Water. You have to drink it to stay alive. But how much is enough, or too much? I'm the first to admit that I really have to work at drinking water. I don't drink much soda, but I love coffee, and I have acquired a taste for water and a daily 'water habit'. I am careful to hydrate during daily exercise, hot spells, walking-marathons, and so on, so that I don't dehydrate. It's the rest of the time that I scratch my head a bit. I get busy and the question of how much water I've I consumed pops up, and I have to calculate whether I've had enough. It must be enough because I'm rarely thirsty and never dehydrated.

In fact, I intend to 'Drink Plenty Of Water', as part of my I Resolve To . . . Challenge: 365 Resolutions For Health & Happiness. Why not join me? The objective is very simple: Do at least one thing each and every day to promote health and happiness for 'YOU'. Banish the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome'. Instead, make every day New Year's Day. Make every day count. The list of possibilities is infinite and can be tailored to your own dreams, resolutions and daily goals. If you need some help - a little nudge, a bit of inspiration, tips, advice, and news about the best ways to make resolutions a reality - please use IResolveTo.Com and the I Resolve To . . . Group at Gather as two of your resources. Resolve365 in 2009.

In an effort to educate myself, I've read a wide array of articles and studies that talk about how much water a person should drink. I also talk to my doctor about things like this, as she typically is current on a very wide array of medical news and provides wonderful advice. I must admit, I like the advice that some doctors and experts are now giving that simply urges folks to drink when thirsty, but other experts say that if you're thirsty you may already be slightly dehydrated.

I grew up hearing that I should drink around eight glasses of water each day, and have heard a number of other 'recommended daily amounts' over the years, and it all seems to come down to good, old-fashioned, common sense; at least for me. I sip water throughout the day, drink coffee and juices, and get water in the foods that I eat. I'm careful to drink more water when I'm exercising. All in all, I probably come close to six-to-eight glasses of water already, but it doesn't hurt to be keep track of my daily water habit to be sure. I have never been dehydrated that I am aware of, but I do feel better when I'm 'well-watered', more awake and alert, for instance. For expert views on this important issue, and how to calculate what is right for you, here are some websites and articles that I find to be interesting and useful:

Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!

Kim Simpson, a former journalist, provides communications, fundraising services and strategic planning, for Members of Congress, non-profit organizations, corporations, and associations in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. A self-employed entrepreneur, with more than 30 years of experience, she launched IResolveTo.Com in 2005 in an effort to help others to achieve their New Year Resolutions, Dreams and Goals. Her motto is: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year." Let's 'Go For It'.

Get your daily dose of inspiration at: http://www.iresolveto.com - As added incentive, why not make and keep your New Year Resolution by wearing it? Drop by: http://www.cafepress.com/iresolveto

Comments: 10

Debbie W. Mar 9, 2009, 1:43am EDT

I really have to force myself to drink more water. I tend to drink more coffee and sodas.

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Cara D. Mar 9, 2009, 2:15am EDT

I carry a water bottle around with me all day & drink from that when I am thirsty. If I go to a fast-food type restaurant I drink from my water bottle instead of ordering a drink. It helps a lot, just having the water bottle already with me all the time!

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Trish A. Mar 9, 2009, 2:16am EDT

This is one I have to keep reminding myself to do.

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Tim T. Mar 9, 2009, 7:20am EDT

Water, water everywhere! 10! Tim

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Rose S. Mar 9, 2009, 7:26am EDT

Guilty, I need to drink more water. I just drink so much coffee.

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Georgiana S. Mar 9, 2009, 7:41pm EDT

I don't like water on its own much, I have sparkletts deliver and it is fresh, but too much water seems to wash away some of the good bacteria. of course, ANY liquid is towards your quota for the day.

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Desiree T. Mar 9, 2009, 10:14pm EDT

great goal

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B G. Mar 10, 2009, 12:25am EDT

I think I got started on my water habit when I was just out of college and not earning a lot of money. I ordered water instead of soda at restaurants as a cost-savings measure. Now it is my drink of choice.

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