As the holiday season ramps up, life gets busier than ever. We expect more travel, family gatherings, school events, and an endless to-do list.
It’s hustle, bustle, and excitement, but in all the commotion, some things, like staying hydrated, can easily fall by the wayside (just like those healthy eating habits).
In other words, during the holiday season, we tend to neglect our hydration, even if unknowingly. And that can affect our overall health, including our mood and ability to handle stress. Nothing good comes from dehydration.
This season, staying hydrated doesn’t have to be a struggle. With a little planning and a bottle of Eternal’s alkaline water by your side, you’ll be set to take on the holidays with ease. We’re here to share some simple tips that will keep you refreshed, energized, and ready to enjoy every festive moment.
The Demands of the Holiday Season
The holiday season brings with it a dramatic increase in travel, parties, and definitely food. It’s easy to see why staying hydrated often gets pushed aside when you’re juggling busy schedules, holiday feasts, and social events.
Travel, whether by car or plane, throws off our usual routines and can make it harder to keep up with hydration. Air travel, in particular, is notorious for dehydrating us with its dry cabin air.
Meanwhile, holiday parties are filled with alcohol and sugary drinks that add to the problem. If you’re interested in diving deeper into hydration basics, check out our guides on Hydration 101 and Dehydration Symptoms.
So how does dehydration sneak up on us during the holidays? Easier than you might think.
Hydration Tips for the Holiday Season
The holidays create the perfect storm for dehydration, with busy schedules and indulgent eating taking the spotlight. Whether it’s from salty snacks, alcohol, or just being out of your regular routine, the holiday season can be a challenge for hydration. But don’t worry — small changes can make a big difference.
Poor Diet
Diet plays a significant role in hydration, and the holiday season isn’t exactly known for its healthy food choices. It all kicks off with Halloween, and before you know it, you’re surrounded by indulgences at work, home, and family gatherings.
We’re not saying to cut out all the fun foods but balancing them with good hydration is key.
Alkaline water, for instance, can help counteract some of the dehydrating effects of these less healthy choices while adding a refreshing taste to your meals. (learn more about incorporating alkaline water into your cooking).
To keep things in check, try to avoid consecutive days of heavy eating — one indulgent meal often leads to another. Keep your trusty bottle of alkaline water on hand, and include hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and berries to help replenish fluids naturally.
Danielle Harms, a wellness influencer dedicated to guiding others toward a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle, says, “Nutrition is not just about what you eat; it's about how food makes you feel and the choices that empower you.”
“Remember, hydration is a vital part of your health journey — let’s make it a priority together with Eternal Water!” she continues.
Holiday Parties
Holiday parties are a time to relax, have fun, and yes, sometimes overindulge.
With alcohol, rich foods, and late nights, they’re a common source of dehydration. But you don’t have to skip the fun to stay hydrated; just be strategic about it.
Bring your own water bottle to the party and make it a habit to alternate between alcoholic drinks and water. Another simple trick? Set a goal to have a glass of water between each cocktail. If you’re hosting, consider setting up a hydration station with infused water options like lemon, mint, or berries — it’s a festive way to keep everyone hydrated while enjoying the celebration.
Travel
Travel is practically synonymous with the holiday season — and with travel comes dehydration. Whether you’re on the road or in the air, staying hydrated can be tricky.
Road trips offer more flexibility to bring your own water, but it’s not always easy to keep enough on hand, especially when traveling longer distances. And rural gas stations might not stock your favorite alkaline water, which can be frustrating. The good news is you can bring your own water along for the trip. If you like it cold, complement it with an inexpensive portable ice chest that holds a number of cold bottles of alkaline water. This obvious solution often gets overlooked during the stressful packing phase, so it’s important to prioritize it. You’ll feel better when you arrive at your destination if you’ve continued to hydrate with great tasting water.
Air travel has its own set of challenges. You can’t bring water through security and buying it at the airport can be ridiculously expensive. The best bet is to bring an empty reusable bottle to fill at hydration stations once you’re past security. And if you run out, do what you can with what’s available. There is no perfect solution while trapped at an airport. And purchasing water from airport stores can certainly be expensive. Try hydrating before passing security to get a head start.
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General Holiday Hydration Tips
Whatever hydration challenges you face, these tips can help keep you on track:
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Start your day with alkaline water. Kickstart your hydration before anything else. Yes, this means even before coffee. This sets the tone for the rest of the day.
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Set hydration reminders. Apps like Plant Nanny, My Water Balance, and WaterMinder can help you remember to drink water throughout the day with simple reminders. Or just use your smartphone's built-in alarms and reminders.
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Plan your stops. If you’re traveling, scout out grocery stores near your hotel that carry your favorite alkaline water. For instance, Eternal Water is available at Publix if you’re traveling in Florida.
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Sometimes, you’re thirsty: There, we said it. When you feel hungry, you might actually be thirsty. Try drinking some water the next time you feel a tinge of food cravings setting in, particularly when you’re craving a sugary snack. It may help placate those feelings.
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Infuse your water for a festive touch. Adding slices of fruit or herbs can make drinking water feel like less of a chore and more of a treat.
In our next section, we’ll explore a creative play on this.
Create a Fun Holiday Hydration Drink
For a festive way to stay hydrated, here’s a refreshing holiday mocktail concept that features our alkaline water. The good news is that it’s simple and easy to make. You’ll only need a few ingredients and some holiday cheer!
Ingredients
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6 oz raspberries
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10-12 mint leaves
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1/2 oz lemon juice
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1/2 oz simple syrup (optional for a touch of sweetness)
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2 oz Eternal Water
Directions
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Add raspberries and mint leaves to a shaker and muddle thoroughly.
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Combine the simple syrup, lemon juice, Eternal Water, and ice and shake well.
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Pour into a glass, garnish with a mint leaf, and enjoy a holiday-inspired, refreshing drink!
Whether you’re sipping solo or sharing with friends, this mocktail is a great way to add a little hydration to your holiday fun. Find Eternal Water at a store near you to get started on your next refreshing creation!
Conclusion
As the holiday season unfolds, staying hydrated doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a little planning and a bottle of Eternal’s alkaline water by your side, you can enjoy all the festivities while keeping your hydration on track.
Make sure to grab Eternal Water at a store near you for a refreshing way to stay ahead of dehydration this holiday season.
