Welcome back to our series, *Remaining Calm through October,* and beyond. I know how challenging October can be, especially for those who've faced breast cancer or other traumas.

I'm Karin Del Maestro, your health and calmness coach, and today we're talking about one of the simplest yet most crucial aspects of wellness: hydration. No judgment here; we're just diving into why staying hydrated is vital and how it can benefit you. 

So, let's quench our thirst for knowledge...

1: The Mind-Body Connection

- Hydration and Mental Health: Staying hydrated is essential for your brain's proper function. Dehydration can lead to cognitive impairment, memory issues, and brain fog. If you're experiencing any of these post-breast cancer or during treatments, it's time to consider your water intake.

- Improved Mood: Studies have shown a direct link between dehydration and an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Dehydration negatively impacts serotonin, your brain's feel-good hormone, which can worsen depression symptoms. Drinking enough water can help manage these symptoms.

2: Enhancing Your Health with Hydration

- Boosting Energy: Dehydration can lead to feelings of fatigue and sluggishness. Staying hydrated can improve your energy levels.

- Pain Relief: Proper hydration can reduce muscle and joint pains, which are common side effects of both breast cancer treatments and certain medications.

- Promoting Weight Loss: Drinking enough water is crucial if you're looking to lose weight. It helps fill you up and aids digestion, so don't underestimate its importance in your weight loss journey.

3: Practical Tips for Staying Hydrated

- Listen to Your Body: When you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. So, drink when you're thirsty.

- Morning Hydration: Start your day with a glass of room-temperature water to kickstart your metabolism and cleanse your liver and kidneys.

- Travel Water Bottle: Invest in a glass or stainless steel bottle, so you can stay hydrated on the go. Avoid plastic, which can contain harmful chemicals.

- Set Alarms: Set reminders on your phone to help you remember to drink water at regular intervals.

- Associate with Habits: Tie your water intake to daily habits, like drinking water before meals or after brushing your teeth.

**Calm Action of the Day:**

- Begin tracking your daily water intake for a week, and be honest with yourself. Gradually increase your water consumption to reach your recommended daily goal. Small, consistent steps lead to significant results.

Start your hydration journey today, and you'll be amazed at how it contributes to your health and calmness. I'll catch you in our next episode. Until then, stay hydrated and well!