I'm a Health Coach, if You Constantly Feel Tired, Snappy, or Irritable, This Article Is for You.

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Have you been feeling off lately? Tired, short, irritable? Do even the simplest things feel hard? Maybe your skin is lacking a dewey glow or your jeans feel tighter.

There’s nothing about any of these that specifically screams out dehydration. But drinking more water may be the simple solution you need. Yep, plain old water. I know — way too easy, right?

But it seriously makes such a difference.

Dehydration majorly messes with us — our skin, digestion, mood, and even our weight! Headaches, even migraines, can sometimes happen because we didn’t drink enough water that day.

When we’re dehydrated, it affects how we look and feel.

Most of us aren’t getting enough water. The general recommendation is about 11 cups for women and 16 for men (though it varies based on activity levels, climate, and health).

Meeting that can feel like a challenge, and it’s easy to overlook. And sometimes it’s just easier and way more tempting to grab a quick soda, energy drink, or even coffee.

But those little choices? They start catching up, and not at all in the ways we want.

It’s like Tony Robbins says,

“It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.”

When we’re dehydrated, it’s like our inner light dims. We feel tired, unmotivated, and disconnected from our usual spark. Or we can’t stop filling up on junk food. Or maybe we just can’t seem to lift our heavy mood.

Of course, we all know we should drink more water. But knowing and doing something is not the same. And it can be especially hard when we don’t see or feel the differences immediately.

But, even when the changes aren’t obvious, they’re happening.

So, What’s Really Happening When We Skip Water?

1. Holding onto extra weight?
   Yeah, when we don’t drink enough, our bodies hold onto every drop. We feel bloated, sluggish, and tired. And half the time, when we think we’re hungry? We might just need water.
2. Feeling Down or Craving a Quick Fix?
   Even a little dehydration affects our mood. It can leave us feeling emotionally vulnerable, and that’s when we tend to reach for the chips or chocolate, rather than addressing the root cause.
3. Dragging Through the Day? Check Your Water.
   When you’re not hydrated, everything feels harder. But if you start your day with a glass of water? It’s a total game-changer for how you feel.

Simple Ways to Get Your Water Game On Point

1. Start Strong: Drink a big glass first thing each morning. It’s the easiest way to wake up your body and get your metabolism going.
2. Water Before Meals: Have a glass before you eat. It’s so simple, and it helps keep you feeling full.
3. Add Some Fun: Not into plain water? No problem. Infuse your water with cucumbers, berries, oranges, or a few sprigs of mint — whatever makes you want to drink it.
4. Sip & Snacks: Plain water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. Fruits, veggies, soup broths, smoothies, and herbal teas also count towards our hydration goals.

Why you should get a dedicated water bottle

Years back, I’d buy cheap plastic water bottles, until I learned about BPA. Research has shown BPA can leach into water from plastic bottles, which can negatively affect our health.

So, I made the switch to stainless steel. It took some getting used to, but now, I would never in a million years trade my bottle for another one. And having a water bottle I love makes drinking water so much easier.

Though stainless steel might cost a bit more upfront, it’s definitely paid off. They’re more durable than plastic, so you don’t have to constantly replace them. Plus it’s a small investment in our health and environment. A win-win.

My favorite is a wide-mouth (affiliate) Hydro Flask — the color choices are seriously amazing, and it keeps my water cold for hours. It’s hard not to want to take it with me. And when it’s right there, getting enough water in for the day becomes easy.

Whichever water bottle you choose, make sure it’s one you really like and it serves your purpose. Do you need a handle? Straw? Wide mouth? What colors make you feel good? It’s the little things that can make all the difference. Take time to consider which works best for your needs. It’s time well invested.

Make It Fun

Get your energy, mood, and weight goals back on track with a 7-day water challenge. Over the next week, track how much water you’re drinking each day.

Make it fun. Write it down or use an app — whatever works. See what changes — more energy or less snacking? Dewy skin, less bloating? Weight loss?

However you do it, keep yourself hydrated. It's vital to your body and comes with many benefits.