Summer brings sunshine, bright days, and longer evenings—but also heat, sweating, and the constant need to stay hydrated. For many of us, drinking water isn't just about thirst—it's about keeping our energy, skin, and body healthy. Personally, I’ve always felt a dry mouth if I step out without a water bottle, especially in the scorching summer sun. That one simple habit—carrying water—makes a big difference in how refreshed I feel throughout the day.
In this article, I’ll share my own journey with hydration, what works for me, how it connects to my health conditions like glaucoma and dry eyes, and some easy tips to help you feel fresh, hydrated, and energetic this summer.
Why Hydration Matters
My Daily Summer Hydration Routine
During summer, I usually stay indoors because I find the heat uncomfortable. If I have to go out, I wait for the evening when the sun is softer. Even when I’m inside, I make sure to drink water regularly. My typical routine looks like this:
- 2 glasses of water before every meal
- 2 glasses early in the morning
- 1 glass before bed
- And water every hour or so throughout the day
I don’t track my water intake through any app, but I know that if I follow this pattern, I feel active, fresh, and hydrated. It’s simple, and it works perfectly for me.
Water, Juices, and Other Drinks I Enjoy
Most of the time, I prefer plain water. But sometimes, just to add a little variety, I enjoy juice or Tang. I’m not into sodas, iced tea, or energy drinks—they just don’t appeal to me. I’ve also noticed that while flavored drinks are nice once in a while, nothing really quenches thirst like plain, cool water.
Sometimes I make lemon water or lassi at home—both are very refreshing, especially after coming back from the heat outside. And if I’ve had something heavy like fried chicken, I prefer to have soda water to feel lighter after the meal.
Favorite Summer Foods to Stay Cool
Food also plays an important role in hydration. For me, watermelon is the number one summer fruit—it’s juicy, sweet, and instantly refreshing. It feels like nature’s drink in solid form. Another fruit I truly enjoy is mango, which becomes a part of my daily routine during summer. I love having it in different ways—sometimes I eat mango with rice, which is a simple comfort food for me. Other times, I blend it into a smoothie for a cool, energizing treat. And on lazy days, I just pair it with a warm paratha, creating a sweet-and-savory mix that brings back cozy childhood vibes. These fruits not only keep me cool but also give a natural boost of hydration and energy. I don’t avoid any specific foods, but I always make sure to balance oily or fried meals with plenty of water or something light, like lemon water, to keep everything in harmony.
The Connection Between Hydration and My Health
Since I have glaucoma and dry eyes, keeping my body hydrated is even more important. Drinking enough water helps keep my eyes from feeling itchy or tired, and I notice that when I drink less, I immediately feel the difference. I don’t use any special hydration tools like apps or electrolyte powders—just regular, simple water does the job for me.
Hydration Tricks That Work Every Time
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few small habits that help me stay consistently hydrated—without even thinking much about it. One of my best habits is drinking two glasses of water before every meal. Not only does it keep me hydrated, but it also helps with digestion and even supports weight loss. Another rule I follow is never drinking water right after eating—I wait for at least one hour. I’ve noticed that this small step helps prevent bloating and keeps my stomach feeling light, especially during summer when digestion can feel heavier.
Also, whenever I eat something oily, like fried chicken, I always drink soda water afterward. It helps clean the system and makes me feel refreshed again.
These might seem like small things, but they’ve made a huge difference in how my body feels during the hotter months.
Common Mistakes People Make with Hydration
While I’ve always loved drinking water, I’ve noticed that many people don’t realize how quickly the body can get dehydrated, especially in summer. One of the biggest mistakes is not carrying a water bottle. I’ve made this mistake too. Whenever I go out and forget my bottle, I often end up walking around with a dry mouth, waiting to find a shop just to buy water. By then, I’m already feeling thirsty and low on energy.
Another big issue is only drinking water when you feel thirsty. But thirst is actually a late sign of dehydration. Our body needs water constantly, not just when it sends warning signals.
One surprising truth I’ve learned over time is that winter can be more dangerous than summer when it comes to dehydration. In summer, we feel hot and naturally drink more. But in winter, we don’t feel thirsty, so we drink less—and that dries out the body from the inside, sometimes even faster than in summer.
Simple Advice for Those Who Struggle with Hydration
If you’re someone who forgets to drink water or just doesn’t enjoy it much, here’s something simple that worked for me:
Keep a water bottle or a glass of water in front of you—on your table, your desk, or anywhere you spend time. Just looking at it is a reminder to take a sip. Over time, this becomes a habit, and you won’t need to remind yourself anymore. It becomes automatic.
Also, try drinking small sips frequently instead of waiting for big glasses. This makes it easier for your body to absorb and also helps in making hydration feel like part of your day, not a task you have to tick off.
If plain water is boring to you, try adding mint, lemon, or cucumber slices. You can also try homemade drinks like lassi or lemon water to break the monotony and keep it fun and tasty.
Make Water Your Summer Best Friend
Staying hydrated in summer isn’t just about drinking water—it’s about making water your constant companion. Whether you're inside or outside, active or resting, your body always needs that gentle flow of hydration to work well.
For me, water is more than a drink—it's a habit, a comfort, and sometimes even a cure. From preventing dry eyes caused by glaucoma to keeping my energy stable and my skin fresh, water has silently supported my health and well-being in ways I never noticed until I started paying attention.
So this summer, don’t wait for your mouth to feel dry. Start early, drink often, and stay cool from the inside out. Hydration is simple, but its impact is powerful.
%20Causes,%20Symptoms,%20and%20Treatment.jpg)
