I get asked a lot for my favorite mental health tips, and people are always surprised by one of my favorites– hydration.
I am serious. We all need to drink more water and be sure we drink it reglarly. Our bodies are primarily made up of water, and like any well-oiled machine, hydration keeps us moving and grooving at optimum capacity.
Have you ever seen the Sponge Bob episode where SpongeBob gets dried to a crisp? It is a hilarious scene- until it happens to you. Water is needed to keep our joints, bones, and teeth healthy, our blood circulating, and our minds clear. This applies to all of us, no matter our age. Modeling healthy water intake as a habit, can help kids seamlessly incorporate this practice into their daily lives.
Staying hydrated is a very simple, very practical, easily accessible mental health tool which is another reason why it is my go to mental health techniche. Back to Sponge Bob for a moment- I picture my brain looking the way he did in that episode if my brain does not get the water it needs. That is definitely how it feels anyway.
In my third picture book Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess, Tough As Tulle, Kayla takes a timeout and drinks a cool glass of water to help her think through something that is troubling her. The water helps her be more mindful about taking a break, sitting still, and taking care of herself while she reflects on what she is thinking and how she feels. This is a pretty big issue for all of us. There are many studies that have documented that Americans are chronically dehydrated. Some say as many as 80% of us do not drink enough water which has been linked to all kinds of health issues, including just putting us in a funky mood.
Our Brain is a Sponge
Just like Sponge Bob, we need water to function. Have you ever had days when you feel like your mind is as thick as oatmeal and you have a whopping headache to boot? That’s your body sending out the S.O.S. that it needs hydration!
When these moments hit, push away from your laptop, put your phone on silent, and head for the water—drinking water, to be exact. Hydration is just what your body needs and nothing else takes precedence at that moment.
Focus on the glass of water as you drink it and observe how it makes your body feel.
Keep a schedule or set an alarm to ensure that you regularly hydrate all day every day.
There are so many little things we can do throughout our day to be sure we are in better mental health and therefore, a better mood. Sometimes mental health tips are as simple as a glass of water!
The final Book in the Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess series is HERE!
A Little Magic is the fifth and final book in the Kayla 5-book series and we left the best for last!
Kayla always had a plan. The problem was that a lot of other people had a plan for her too. But as a modern-day princess, Kayla has grown into an independent young woman. So, when she tells her mom that she is on her way home from college with “big news,” the results are some surprises, some honest conversations, and the realization of a lifelong dream.
Mother and daughter soon see how all of the special princess gifts from the past will play a magical role and Kayla’s future. Each gift has a special memory, and each represents a noteworthy milestone in her life. But most importantly, these gifts are filled with confidence, determination, a mother’s love, and A Little Magic.
For ages 6 to 12, Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess—A Little Magic is a wonderful diverse picture book filled with gentle lessons and a vibrant example for kids of all ages that dreams can come true.
What do you think? We think she’s perfect. 🙂 Grab a copy of this vibrant diverse picture book on Amazon today! And don’t forget to check out the newest project from Make A Way Media (inspired by the Kayla Series!) called the K Club! GO HERE to sign up for the new K Club today!
