Have you ever overlooked something as simple as drinking water, only to realize later how much your body was craving it?
For years, I didn’t think much about hydration. I was always focused on controlling my body—what I ate, how much I exercised, and whether I was doing enough to stay “on track.” What I didn’t realize was that my body wasn’t just asking for discipline or control. It was asking for nourishment. And in the most basic way, I wasn’t giving it what it needed.
Missing the Signs
Like many kids in the '90s, I had unlimited access to snacks and fast food. Soda was a daily staple. Water? That was something you drank when there was no other option.
As I got older, I started to absorb messages about my body—comments about weight, casual jokes, warnings from doctors. These made me feel like I had to be more disciplined, more in control. My diet became an experiment in extremes: cutting out certain foods, over-exercising, swinging between restriction and indulgence.
But through all of it, I never thought about water.
In college, my diet became more erratic. Convenience took priority over nutrition, and I discovered quick fixes to control my body. In high-pressure environments, those habits stuck. My relationship with food became complicated, unhealthy and I continued to ignore what my body needed most.
The Turning Point
One day, exhaustion finally caught up to me. Lying on my back, staring at the sky, I felt my body shutting down. My energy was gone. My thoughts were scattered. I was running on empty, and I didn’t know how to fix it.
Then, something unexpected happened. As I closed my eyes, a phrase flashed in my mind: “Water Buzz.”
I sat up, startled. It was such a simple message, but it was clear—I needed water. Not caffeine. Not another extreme fix. Just water.
Why Hydration Matters More Than We Think
I had spent years chasing solutions for exhaustion, stress, and physical discomfort without realizing that one of the most essential factors in health is hydration.
Chronic dehydration affects more than just thirst. It impacts:
- Energy levels – Dehydration can cause fatigue and brain fog.
- Mental clarity – Water plays a key role in focus and cognitive function.
- Digestion and metabolism – Proper hydration supports digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Muscle and joint health – Dehydrated muscles feel stiff, sore, and more prone to injury.
How I Made Hydration a Priority
At first, I thought drinking more water would be easy. But habits are hard to break. I’d forget or get distracted, I needed a tool to help me which ultimately lead to developing WaterBuzz
WaterBuzz is a hydration reminder device that provides gentle vibrations throughout the day to encourage consistent water intake. It seamlessly connects to your smartphone, making it easy to stay hydrated without thinking about it.
This simple tool helped me rebuild my hydration habits. Instead of relying on willpower, which was exactly what I needed.
Hydration is Self-Care
As a chiropractor, I see firsthand how dehydration affects the body. Many of my patients struggle with chronic pain, fatigue, and headaches—all symptoms that can be tied to insufficient water intake.
A young patient once came in with severe back pain, only to learn that kidney stones were the real issue—caused by excessive energy drinks and a lack of water. Stories like this remind me that hydration isn’t just about drinking more. It’s about caring for your body in a world that often promotes neglect. We all need reminders- especially those of us who know better, but often get swept up in the busyness of life.
Simple Steps to Stay Hydrated
If you’ve struggled with inconsistent hydration, here are a few easy ways to start drinking more water:
- Start your morning with water – Before coffee or breakfast, drink a glass of water to wake up your body.
- Use a hydration reminder – Devices like WaterBuzz help you build better habits.
- Flavor your water – If plain water feels boring, try adding lemon, cucumber, or berries.
- Carry a water bottle everywhere – When water is accessible, you're more likely to drink it.
- Pair hydration with daily habits – Drink water before meals, after workouts, or during work breaks.
Final Thoughts: Small Steps Lead to Big Changes
We often think of health and wellness in extremes—big workouts, strict diets, drastic changes. But sometimes, the simplest shifts make the biggest difference.
Hydration is one of them. Drinking enough water is a small act of self-care that impacts everything—your energy, focus, digestion, and overall well-being.
If you’ve ever felt exhausted, foggy, or out of balance, ask yourself: Am I drinking enough water?
