When you look at your glass of water do you see it as half full or half empty?  This is a trick question because, if you are following the general recommendations for water intake, that glass should be alternately full and empty approximately eight times a day!

Most of us are familiar with the benefits of adequate water intake; but just to refresh let’s consider some of the positive contributions to our health that the proverbial 8 glasses a day can make.  We can start by remembering that the human body is approximately 60% water, the human brain is close to 70%, and the lungs are about 90%.  Every single one of your 50 trillion cells requires water in order to function properly.  Water helps to flush impurities out of the body, facilitates digestion and elimination and helps to maintain healthy and glowing skin.  Drinking sufficient water supports lung health, kidney function, bone health, energy levels and even our ability to think clearly.  On the contrary, inadequate water intake can result in constipation, sluggish energy, dull mind, unclear skin and build up of toxins.

 Some of you may have cultivated the water habit and have no problem taking an adequate daily amount of this life giving beverage.  And it is possible that some of you resist water, perhaps even convincing yourself that you ‘don’t like the taste’.  If you are the type of person who prefers to reach for a cup of coffee when you are thirsty consider some of the following ways to improve the appeal of water.  If you begin to see that water can actually taste good you will gradually be able to move from the not so good coffee habit to the much better water habit.

1. Make yourself a ‘spa’ water pitcher.   If you have ever been to a spa, you have probably noticed the pitchers of water often come with thin slices of cucumber floating in them.  The aromatic appeal and refreshing taste of this little addition can go a long way toward making you want to refill your glass again and again.  Why not try it, and while you are sipping on your specially prepared glass of ‘spa water’ close your eyes for a few moments and imagine you are in the setting to go with it.  For those few moments your body will relax and tension will leave giving you an inward spa treat for body and mind.
2. Make it with lemons or limes.  These sour, alkalizing fruits pep up the taste of water and have the added benefit of helping to detoxify your body.  In addition, when you cut through the peel you get the intense aromatic experience of the uplifting essential oils.  These help to invigorate your senses though the olfactory system and can make you feel generally more awake and aware of your environment.
3. How about an herbal infusion?  This is an especially good option if you have any fresh herbs growing in your garden or in a pot in the kitchen.  Simply by placing a  few sprigs of lavender, fresh mint or even a couple of slices of ginger into a pitcher of water you can liven up the taste to suit your mood.  Lavender has a naturally calming influence, while mint is a little more lively and refreshing to the palette, ginger is a good, warming option that can help to settle a nervous stomach.

Add to these ideas and let us know your favorite tricks for making sure you maintain an optimal water intake.  How much is the right amount for you and what benefits have you noticed from being consistent?