Though hydration might not be the sexiest resolution for the new year, it is one that can have infinite benefits to your mind, body—and golf game. Drinking enough water each day helps keep you healthy. Even more so, it’s important to stay hydrated on the golf course to replace the water lost from sweating (or dehydration from alcohol), prevent fatigue and even support brain functioning. Truth is, you should be thinking about hydrating in your pre-round prep—just like you’d make sure you have enough golf balls, sunscreen, etc. Here are a few easy tips to help you drink more water on the golf course.
Get a water bottle you’re excited to use
Commit to getting hydrated and decreasing your carbon footprint this year by purchasing a reusable water bottle. The key is finding a water bottle that you’re excited to use. Not only will this get you to drink more water more frequently, but you’ll also want to bring it with you wherever you go. And it might not even be a water bottle. This cup from Simple Modern is a favorite among our editors!
While having a go-to water bottle or cup is great, you will probably forget it from time to time, so don’t feel guilty if you have to buy a single-use water bottle in a pinch. It’s also a great opportunity to clean that reusable bottle or cup between uses to keep it from becoming a Petri dish for bacteria.
Add flavor and electrolytes
If you’re feeling dehydrated or just want a little extra flavor, electrolyte tablets are a great option to have on hand. They’re easy to keep in the pocket of a golf bag. Nuun’s electrolyte tablets are designed to be eco-friendly and come in a variety of fun flavors. Just drop a tablet into 16 ounces of water and start hydrating. Plus their signature formula uses clean ingredients and 50 percent less sugar than a typical sports drink you might grab at the turn.
Nuun has even developed four tablets tailored to your needs. Use the company’s vitamin electrolytes for everyday wellness. Boost your immune system with the antioxidant formula in their immunity electrolytes. Improve your performance and stay hydrated while competing with their sports electrolytes. Recover better after a round or a tough workout with their rest tablets that are packed with magnesium for maximum relaxation.
Using an app to track your daily water intake and incorporating hydrating foods into your diet are just a couple of ways that can help you make it a habit to get hydrated this year. Some water-tracking apps even “gamify” the process of meeting your daily water intake goals. That’s a way to make it more of a competition than a chore.
Another way you can adjust your mind-set is by setting a measurable goal for yourself. Whether it’s drinking every other hole or before each tee shot, try and stick to that throughout your round. If this still feels like work, try thinking of water breaks as a way to relax and calm your nerves out on the course.
The biggest thing is to not wait until you’re thirsty. Once you reach that point, you’re already dehydrated.