Reflection Post #4

Hello Readers!
                Just checking in again to reflect on my experiences working through this Genius Hour as I am learning more and more about how to stay healthy as a student! My last post on hydration really made me realize that I am not always on top of my hydration. So since that posting I have been aiming to increase my water intake and make sure I’m on track by checking in when I go to the washroom. I must say, it is a challenge to drink enough water in the day! I am definitely guilty of waiting until I am thirsty to drink, and now that I know this is a signal that I’m already dehydrated, I’m trying to avoid getting to that point.
                As I mentioned in my previous post, I was gifted a pretty nice looking water bottle for Christmas! As silly as it may seem, this has been a great help in getting me on track with drinking water. It’s really cute and I probably wouldn’t have wanted to or been able to spend the money on a water bottle like this with my own money. Despite it looking nice, it also works really well to keep liquids hot and cold. This means when I fill up my water bottle with cold water in the morning, it stays cold all day long! I love drinking cold water, so this certainly encourages me to drink throughout the day.
                When I monitor my hydration I am usually in the right zone, and if I’m not it’s a really great reminder to get on top of it. I think having the awareness in itself is a big helping factor! I’ve also looked over the different aspects of my body as outlined by the Mayo Clinic and in understanding that I have a higher level of physical activity from working out five to seven days a week, I know that I need more water than the average person to stay hydrated! I certainly have a ways to go, but as I said, awareness is a first and big step in being successful here. I can’t wait for the summer season to come around so I can indulge on some sweet watermelon to help me stay hydrated!