7 Tips to Help Teachers Drink More Water
“Drink more water”—Doesn’t sound too challenging, right?
Well, when you have a million other school day responsibilities, don’t have any bathroom breaks, and need to prioritize that coffee…many teachers reach the end of the day realizing they haven’t had more than a few sips.
But did you know that dehydration can contribute to burnout?
Dehydration stresses the body out, which isn’t helpful with the other stressors of the school day going on. Below, check out some suggestions to infuse more hydration in your school day.
Make your water exciting
If you get bored of chugging plain old water, then it’s time to spice things up. Try adding fruits, a splash of fruit juice or herbs, changing the temperature to see what you prefer between iced cold, hot water, and room temp, or switching it up with sparkling water and herbal iced teas.
Habit stack when you drink water
Take stock of the habits you already practice, and resolve to drink a cup of water before or after that habit. For example, maybe you pair the habit of drinking a glass of water with eating your breakfast. Maybe every time you use the bathroom, you come back and drink some water. Maybe every time you get in the car, you take a big couple of sips of water before starting the engine. Whatever you do regularly, preface it with drinking water. The more consistent the original habit, the more consistent your water drinking habit will likely become.
Bring the perfect water bottle
You want to make any new habit as easy and enjoyable as possible - because those are the habits you will stick with over time! Make water drinking easy by having a water bottle on hand that is super easy and quick to drink from. Straws and spouts are ideal over screw caps, for example, because you can drink from them without missing a classroom beat.
Create water-drinking deadlines
Commit to drinking a certain amount of water before a certain time of day. Choose whatever feels like a comfortable next step for you. An example could be drinking half your water bottle before lunch, and the other half before the end of the school day.
Ask for bathroom breaks
Don’t drink water because you don’t have bathroom breaks? We are all human, and sometimes we just need to ask for staff support so we can run to the bathroom. This isn’t always possible (schools are busy places!), but it never hurts to ask for that support.
Take small sips
If bathroom breaks really aren’t in the realm of possibility, small sips are better than none! Staying hydrated during the day can help boost energy and concentration, but you can do that without chugging water and risking bathroom emergencies.
Don’t stress
Still reached the end of the school day without a drop? The day isn’t over! You can compensate for having a little extra water the rest of the evening and know that tomorrow is a new day where you can nail your water-drinking goal :)
