I want to talk about a subject that I am very enthusiastic about: WATER. Before we dive into my deeply scientific approach to the essential, healing powers of water, I want to give high school students a thought to chew on. Now, I know you’re investigating schools—big and small, local and out-of-state, and D1, D2, or D3. Whether you’re aiming for a prestige program at the top of the nation or that coveted admission letter from the school of your dreams, heed my advice. Please make sure the dorm buildings on campus have water accessible for you. You’ll thank me later because you’ll have water readily available for you. Plus, you’ll save money on Brita filters and time making that arduous walk to the athletic center when you could be finishing an assignment in bed.

The benefits of water are innumerable from digestion, circulation, and removing toxins. Like any organ, our skin benefits from daily water consumption. Water helps make our skin appear radiant and healthy. It even mitigates the onset of a dull complexion, wrinkles, and the appearance of pores. In addition to hydrating, we can also keep our skin healthy by moisturizing daily. Our skin is like a sponge after we shower. Meaning, it’s best to moisturize after showering since our skin is most vulnerable and prepared for better absorption to take place during this time.

Over the last year, I’ve been challenging myself to drink more water. Believe it or not, the one goal that stayed consistent in my planner each month was “Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!” Don’t get me wrong, I still struggle to achieve my goal some days; however, when I do drink enough water, I definitely notice that I am less prone to acne and my skin looks less dry and tight. I’m putting this goal out there: each day during the month of May I am trying to drink three water bottles. My water bottle holds 700 mL, so I want to drink 2100 mL (8.86 cups) of water each day. Let me know how you remember to drink water throughout the day!!

~XOXO, STAN