Are you drinking enough?

Your body is incredible, it sends signals when it's craving more fluids - but in the daily chaos of womanhood, those signals can be easy to miss. Here are some key signs you might be not drinking enough:

• Dark yellow urine (aim for pale straw-coloured)
• Feeling thirsty or having a dry, sticky mouth
• Headaches or brain fog
• Fatigue or low energy that coffee can't fix
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing
• Dry skin or chapped lips
• Muscle cramps or tension
• Constipation
• Reduced urination or going less often than usual

If you're breastfeeding, dehydration can also show up as reduced milk production or feeling unusually wiped out after feeds. Your body is working hard to nourish your baby, and it needs adequate fluids to keep up.

Not All Drinks Hydrate Equally
Not every beverage in your cup is helping you hydrate, some can actually encourage your body to lose more fluid than it takes in.

Drinks to limit:
Alcohol – a strong diuretic that increases urine output and can dehydrate you quickly. 

Excessive caffeine – while moderate tea and coffee can contribute to your daily fluid intake, large amounts (think 4+ cups of strong coffee or multiple energy drinks) will have a diuretic effect that can tip the balance.

Sugary carbonated drinks and energy drinks – high sugar content can disrupt your hydration balance, irritate your bladder, and leave you feeling sluggish rather than refreshed.

You shouldn't ban your morning cuppa, but balance is key. If you're enjoying caffeinated drinks, pair them with extra non-caffeinated drinks throughout the day.

Simple Ways to Up Your Hydration Game
Small, consistent habits can make all the difference:

• Start your day with a glass of water before reaching for tea or coffee
• Keep a reusable bottle nearby as a gentle reminder to sip throughout the day
• Add a sachet of Get Up & Glow Electrolyte powder to your water for a hydrating boost, packed with benefits
• Eat water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, oranges, and berries
• Pair every caffeinated drink with an extra glass of water

Womanhood is demanding, beautiful, exhausting, and everything in between - staying hydrated is a necessity for the body that never clocks off...