20
Aug

Does Your Hydration Match Your Activity?

Summer can change how much we ask from our bodies.

Some days are fairly easy.

Other days might include a workout, several hours in the garden, a long walk, a bike ride, sports, outdoor work, hiking, or simply being on your feet much more than usual.

And that brings up an important wellness idea:

What you give your body back should reflect what you’re asking it to do.

A normal day and an active day

aren’t the same

If you’re spending most of the day indoors and following your normal routine, your needs may be fairly simple.

Drink water regularly.

Eat balanced meals.

Get the nutrients your body needs through a variety of nourishing foods.

But now imagine spending several hours outside in the summer heat.

You’re moving more.

You’re sweating more.

You’re using more energy.

And you’re losing more fluid.

That kind of day deserves a little more attention.

Think about summer activity on a

sliding scale

Light activity

Maybe you’re running errands, taking a short walk, or spending a relaxing day outside.

For most people, regular meals and water may be all that’s needed.

More active days

Maybe you’re exercising, playing golf, gardening, walking for several hours, or spending much of the day outdoors.

Now it becomes even more important to drink consistently and make sure you’re eating enough nourishing foods to support your activity.

Long, hot, strenuous days

Maybe you’re hiking, playing sports, doing physical outdoor work, completing a demanding workout, or spending hours sweating in the heat.

Now you’re using more energy and losing more water, that’s when replacing some of those lost electrolytes may become part of your hydration strategy.

It’s not about drinking electrolytes all day

This is where balance matters.

Electrolyte beverages aren’t something everyone needs constantly just because it’s summer.

Your body also gets electrolytes from the foods you eat.

The goal is to match what you’re consuming to what you’re doing.

Match the support to the activity

You don’t need a complicated formula. Just remember:

More activity may mean more fluid.

More sweating may mean paying attention to electrolytes.

More physical demand means making sure you’re also giving your body enough nourishment.

The goal is to give your body the appropriate support for what you’re asking it to accomplish.

And if you’d like to understand more about what electrolytes are, the different types, where they come from, and how they help support fluid balance, I’ve put together a deeper guide in the Wellness Center.

The Summer Hydration Equation: Water, Electrolytes & Balance