We all know that drinking water is important, but let’s be honest—most of us don’t think about hydration until we’re suddenly parched, wondering if coffee counts as water (spoiler: it doesn’t). While our organs are silently begging for hydration to keep us alive, our skin is out here throwing a dramatic fit the moment it senses the slightest dryness. The truth is, dehydration doesn’t just make you feel sluggish—it turns your body into a desperate, moisture-hoarding mess.
Let’s start with your organs, the responsible members of Team Hydration. Your kidneys are constantly filtering out toxins, your heart is pumping fluids, and your brain—oh, your poor brain—is trying to function despite your three-sip water intake. When you skimp on H2O, your body goes into full survival mode, holding onto water like a clingy ex, making you feel bloated yet somehow still thirsty. Meanwhile, your blood thickens, your energy plummets, and your organs whisper, "Please, just one more glass of water.”
Now, let’s talk about your skin, the diva of dehydration. Unlike your organs, which suffer in silence, your skin makes sure everyone knows it’s upset. Dry patches? Check. Fine lines suddenly looking like the Grand Canyon? Double check. And if you’re really dehydrated, say hello to that dull, flaky complexion that screams, “I survive solely on iced coffee and vibes.” No fancy moisturizer can fully fix this—your skin needs hydration from the inside out, and no, misting your face with overpriced water spray doesn’t count. As we age the barrier to the insides, aka skin, is less thick, and we can get itchy or have scabs, welts, cuts and sores from just scratching an itch or laying in bed for an extended period of time, such as after surgery, or during the rest period of a cold or flu.
The good news? Hydration is literally the easiest self-care step ever. Here are a few fun ways to keep water intake on track: Use a motivational water bottle with markings like “Keep going!” and “Almost there!” to guilt-trip yourself into sipping. Set hydration alarms on your phone because, let’s be real, we forget. If plain water bores you, infuse it with fruit like lemon, berries, or cucumber for a spa-like experience. Snack on water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges. And finally, make a game out of it—every time you scroll social media, take a sip. Hydrate, glow, and keep those organs and your dramatic skin happy!
But let’s get serious for a second—prolonged dehydration isn’t just about feeling thirsty or having dry skin; it can lead to some serious health risks. When your body doesn’t get enough water for an extended period, it can result in kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and even kidney failure in extreme cases. The liver can not work as well, due to dehydration. Your heart has to work harder, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and dizziness that can lead to falls. Severe dehydration can also cause brain fog, confusion, and heat exhaustion, especially in warmer months. In extreme cases, dehydration can even become life-threatening. So, while forgetting to drink enough water might not seem like a big deal today, your body will absolutely keep score—and trust me, you don’t want to find out what happens when it does.
Need more tricks? Try drinking a glass of water before every meal—it helps with digestion and sneaks in extra hydration. Use a reusable straw—for some reason, we always drink more when sipping through one. Turn hydration into a friendly competition with a friend or coworker—whoever drinks their daily water goal first wins bragging rights. Keep a designated water spot in your home, like a glass by your bedside or on your desk, so you’re always reminded to drink. And if you need a little reward system, let yourself indulge in a fancy, overpriced iced tea or coconut water once you’ve hit your daily water goal. Because staying hydrated should be fun, not a chore.
Sincerely,
KJ Landis
@superiorself on Instagram and X
SuperiorSelf channel on Youtube
[email protected]
Books available everywhere!
Let’s start with your organs, the responsible members of Team Hydration. Your kidneys are constantly filtering out toxins, your heart is pumping fluids, and your brain—oh, your poor brain—is trying to function despite your three-sip water intake. When you skimp on H2O, your body goes into full survival mode, holding onto water like a clingy ex, making you feel bloated yet somehow still thirsty. Meanwhile, your blood thickens, your energy plummets, and your organs whisper, "Please, just one more glass of water.”
Now, let’s talk about your skin, the diva of dehydration. Unlike your organs, which suffer in silence, your skin makes sure everyone knows it’s upset. Dry patches? Check. Fine lines suddenly looking like the Grand Canyon? Double check. And if you’re really dehydrated, say hello to that dull, flaky complexion that screams, “I survive solely on iced coffee and vibes.” No fancy moisturizer can fully fix this—your skin needs hydration from the inside out, and no, misting your face with overpriced water spray doesn’t count. As we age the barrier to the insides, aka skin, is less thick, and we can get itchy or have scabs, welts, cuts and sores from just scratching an itch or laying in bed for an extended period of time, such as after surgery, or during the rest period of a cold or flu.
The good news? Hydration is literally the easiest self-care step ever. Here are a few fun ways to keep water intake on track: Use a motivational water bottle with markings like “Keep going!” and “Almost there!” to guilt-trip yourself into sipping. Set hydration alarms on your phone because, let’s be real, we forget. If plain water bores you, infuse it with fruit like lemon, berries, or cucumber for a spa-like experience. Snack on water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges. And finally, make a game out of it—every time you scroll social media, take a sip. Hydrate, glow, and keep those organs and your dramatic skin happy!
But let’s get serious for a second—prolonged dehydration isn’t just about feeling thirsty or having dry skin; it can lead to some serious health risks. When your body doesn’t get enough water for an extended period, it can result in kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and even kidney failure in extreme cases. The liver can not work as well, due to dehydration. Your heart has to work harder, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and dizziness that can lead to falls. Severe dehydration can also cause brain fog, confusion, and heat exhaustion, especially in warmer months. In extreme cases, dehydration can even become life-threatening. So, while forgetting to drink enough water might not seem like a big deal today, your body will absolutely keep score—and trust me, you don’t want to find out what happens when it does.
Need more tricks? Try drinking a glass of water before every meal—it helps with digestion and sneaks in extra hydration. Use a reusable straw—for some reason, we always drink more when sipping through one. Turn hydration into a friendly competition with a friend or coworker—whoever drinks their daily water goal first wins bragging rights. Keep a designated water spot in your home, like a glass by your bedside or on your desk, so you’re always reminded to drink. And if you need a little reward system, let yourself indulge in a fancy, overpriced iced tea or coconut water once you’ve hit your daily water goal. Because staying hydrated should be fun, not a chore.
Sincerely,
KJ Landis
@superiorself on Instagram and X
SuperiorSelf channel on Youtube
[email protected]
Books available everywhere!
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