A significant percentage of our body is made up of water, so there’s no denying that it is essential to our overall health. While most people understand that they must drink approximately eight glasses every day, they don’t know that there are certain times when the habit can be more helpful. So, understand when to drink water for maximum benefits instead of chugging multiple glasses whenever you feel like it.

Immediately after waking up
Drink a glass or two of water first thing in the morning. Supplying H2O to your body on an empty stomach has numerous benefits. It helps cleanse the bowels, flush toxins, boost energy levels, improve skin health, and even strengthen the immune system, among other things.

Before and during meals
A glass of water before a meal enhances the feeling of fullness and curbs the tendency to overeat. On the other hand, drinking water during a meal helps with digestion, especially if you’re eating high-fiber foods like beans, lentils, and oatmeal. That said, don’t drink too much, as it may dilute the natural juices that aid digestion.

Before and after exercise
For moderate-intensity daily workouts, drink a glass or two of water about 30 minutes before starting. The body loses both water and electrolytes through sweat. So, sip on another glass or two after exercising and an electrolyte drink to replenish the lost reserves.

Midafternoon
If you lack energy midafternoon, don’t reach out for coffee. While it can give an instant energy boost, coffee may disrupt sleep at night. You need to address the root cause of the midafternoon slump: dehydration. Drink a glass of water or more to fight fatigue and boost your energy and mood.

Before bedtime
Don’t hit the bed in a dehydrated state. Hydration before bedtime can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, don’t drink too much water. The urge to go to the bathroom might wake you up in the middle of the night, disturbing your sleep.

When tired
The body may not always need rest when tired or sleepy. Water may be enough to combat tiredness. It can power up the brain and improve cognitive functioning since the organ is made up of approximately 80 percent water. So, the next time you feel tired at work or have to conduct a big presentation, drink water for maximum benefits.

Drinking purified water is important too. Both home and municipal water treatment systems use technologies like filtration, reverse osmosis, and distillation. Storing water in reusable steel water bottles is preferred as they don’t leach chemicals. Opt for trusted brands like Takeya or YETI if you’re looking to buy steel bottles.