Stay Hydrated: Drink Some Water
So I’ve been extremely busy over the past week or two because it’s midterm season here at Penn State. I found myself not getting enough sleep, not eating well, and, most importantly, not drinking enough water. I combated not getting enough sleep at night with taking naps, fought the unhealthy foods I was eating by working out, 
but I just didn’t drink enough water. So, I decided to look into what that could do to me and why it was actually important for people to drink water and I was shocked by what I found.
The first thing that I found out is that by drinking water, not only are you regulating the stasis (state of being) of your body, but also you are actually regulating your body temperature as well. It’s getting hot again here in State College and that means that you’re going to be sweating more than you were during those few cold weeks. It is even more important to drink water now because that is how your body will maintain homeostasis and your blood cells won’t start to lyse (explode). Your body starts to sweat because your surroundings are hotter than your body is used to and that is how you tend to stay cool, but it is incredibly important to refill your body with the water that you are losing through your sweat.
The next thing that I found is something that I learned in AP Biology in high school. By drinking water, you actually help protect your spinal cord, joints, and other body tissues as well. Water essentially acts as a lubricant for your joints and can help protect your body while you engage in physical activity. This is especially important for anyone who enjoys going on runs or lifting because if you do not drink enough water, you can put yourself at risk for joint damage and increased scar tissue.
Finally, the most interesting thing that I learned about why drinking water is important is that it can actually help you fight illnesses. For example, you can help defend yourself against illnesses such as arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease, fevers, and many more. Obviously, you can’t defend against coronavirus, but it can still help you avoid a bunch of painful illnesses that you should try to avoid getting anyway.
We’ve always been told that drinking water is really important, but no one ever actually told us why. After reading about it and figuring out that water has so many properties that can help me, I won’t forget to drink water again.
October 25, 2020 at 5:45 pm
I never truly knew the science behind drinking water so this was very informative. My friend Emily always says “a gallon a day keeps toxicity away” and I live by that.
October 25, 2020 at 6:16 pm
When I was living at home I would drink water constantly. It was so easy to just go to the fridge and got nice, cold water whenever I wanted (which was often). Now in college it is a bit more of a commitment to get water. I’ve noticed I’ve had increased headaches and that is solely due to not drinking enough water. I definitely need to remind myself more of the importance but also the benefit of drinking water.
October 25, 2020 at 7:04 pm
I found out the importance of drinking enough water the hard way. During my third grade play rehearsal, I was so dehydrated that I passed out and almost started a domino chain of knocking my other classmates off of the risers. After that fiasco, I have definitely made sure to keep track of how much water I am drinking. In paranoia, as that was not the only time I had passed out and embarrassed myself, I also always keep a water bottle on hand wherever I go.
October 29, 2020 at 3:08 am
Water is so powerful not only for your body but for your mind. It’s such an underrated form of wellness that must be incorporated into daily life. I often find myself not drinking enough water, as I immediately feel a headache or nausea. I love reading your blogs because they truly force me to consider healthy habits I should be developing throughout my college experience!
October 29, 2020 at 11:30 pm
I think that many of us here have realized that water is not as accessible as it was at home and it requires a little more thought and effort to drink enough. I don’t think I’ve ever really drunk enough water but especially since I’ve been here so thanks for this reminder! And it’s so true that everyone always says water is good for you; keep drinking it but they never really say why. Good topic and interesting writing!