When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thing you do? Some may rush to brush their teeth, while others may run straight to the kitchen for breakfast. Regardless of your routine, reaching for a glass of water immediately after waking up could benefit you. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your skin, or increase mental clarity, beginning your day with a glass of water is a great place to start. Plus, it’s refreshing to drink some water in the a.m.
Putting a glass of water or a water bottle by your bedside at night can make this task quick and easy for the morning. Whether you drink the whole thing or take a couple of sips, drinking water right after waking up feels good and has plenty of health benefits. It’s a simple habit to adopt that can help you start your day off on a great note.
Hydration And The Body
According to WebMd, immediately after waking up is an ideal time to drink water. This simple action rehydrates your body after a long night without any water intake. The human body is made up of roughly 60% water, meaning it’s essential for basic functioning. Everything from regulating the body’s temperature to moving nutrients depends on water. Drinking water in the morning is a way to kickstart hydration and keep things running smoothly.
Water in the morning – especially cold water – can help boost your metabolism. Physician, scientist, and New York Times bestselling author William Li, M.D., told Real Simple that drinking cold water sends a signal to the body to initiate cold-activated thermogenesis.
He explained, “This means your body warms the water by turning on your metabolism, by as much as 30 percent, for about an hour.”
Furthermore, drinking water can help decrease caloric intake. This applies to drinking water before any meal as well, not just breakfast. A PubMed study found that those who drank more water were less inclined to reach for a sugary drink, and more likely to eat fruits and vegetables. While drinking water won’t necessarily turn you into a health machine, it just might help lead to more healthful decisions.
Look Good, Feel Good
Drinking water in the morning and throughout the day – and doing so everyday – can help prevent acne, wrinkles, and fine lines; it can also improve your mental clarity. Since your skin is made of a relatively large amount of water, it’s important to keep it hydrated so as to have healthier skin.
Dermatologist Kenneth Ellner, M.D., told WebMD that being hydrated plays a significant role in giving your skin the appearance of being in tip-top shape. He also noted that once hydrated, excess water gets flushed out by your kidneys, so drinking large amounts of water won’t improve your skin any more than when you are properly hydrated. Dr. Ellner explained that adding moisturizer can help take skin hydration to the next level.
In addition to being a helpful step in skincare, morning hydration can boost mental clarity. According to another PubMed study, dehydration, as little as 2%, can impair short-term cognitive functions such as focus and memory. If you have a busy work day, test, or any task that requires your full attention, proper hydration can help your mind stay sharp and focused.
