The message to drink  at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day is not a new one.  So why is water so important? Because you reap so many health benefits it is unbelievable. That is why we have it as a suggested activity for the Change 3 Challenge. It might be the best and easiest thing you can do for yourself.

So let me tell you what have to gain and about my journey with incorporating drinking more water into my life:

Water is your body’s principal chemical component and makes up almost 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water.

•  Flushes toxins out of vital organs.
• Carries nutrients to your cells.
• Provides a moist environment for tissues.
• Keep your cartilages soft and hydrated.
• Gives you energy.

We all know that lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. But did you know that even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired?

Need even more motivation:

Drinking water and keeping yourself fully hydrated can:

1.  Prevents Joint Pain by keeping the cartilage soft and hydrated.
2. Prevent headaches. Sometimes headaches can be caused by dehydration, so next time your head hurts, try drinking water.
3. Make your skin radiant. Regular and plentiful water consumption can improve the color and texture of your skin by keeping it building new cells properly.
4. Loose weight. Dehydration slows bodily functions and metabolism. Your metabolism will slow to conserve energy when you haven’t had enough water to drink.Drinking water has been proven to contribute to your body’s ability to burn calories. Not only does it increase metabolism but it also can make you feel full. So reach for a glass of water before you reach for a snack.  Tip: Try drinking ice-cold water first thing in the morning as an easy way to speed up your metabolism.  It’s a simple step to add into your daily routine.

If you don’t drink that much water every day then you should think about this as an easy challenge to take on and and it is so worth it!!! Give it a try I did. I have always struggled with drinking enough water. Why did I strugge with this? Because I reached for sugary or caffeine-laced drinks and it had become my habit. I certainly was not “mindful” about what I was drinking. So last year I made “drinking more water” my primary change activity.

Within a week I felt more energized, my skin started to have a glow, it reduced my chronically dry eyes, I wasn’t as hungry and I just felt better overall. After the first week I found myself craving water and not reaching for caffeine filled drinks as much. All of the benefits that I experienced in the first week continues to be my motivation. There is nothing like seeing and feeling the benefits right away to keeping you motivated.

The most important thing I do is drink water as soon as I wake up. It gives me instant energy to take me out of my “not a morning person” mode and get going. Having water first thing after waking up seems to set the tone for the rest of the day. You feel so good right away that this becomes your default drink of the day.

Drinking more water continues to be one of my activities for the 2015 Change 3 Challenge because it has profoundly and positively impacted the way I feel. I do not want to fall off the water wagon! I want to ensure that I will continue to recognize the importance of this activity to me and my health and it serves as a remidner not to fall into old bad habits.

Hope you join me on this easy to do transformation!