The Memory of Water
During the long, dry winters of Central Oregon, when I feel stuck inside and confined by the cold, I often find myself daydreaming about water—floating on my back in the salty Atlantic, the ocean gently holding me beneath a big summer sky.
That feeling of freedom and lightness is, to me, the spirit of summer.
And now… we’ve arrived.
Just days past the solstice, we’re heading into the brightest stretch of the year—full of light, heat, and (let’s be honest) plenty of sweat!
It’s the perfect time to check in with your hydration habits and ask:
How can I stay ahead of the hydration curve?
Water Before Coffee
I get it—I love my morning coffee too.
But it’s easy to forget that while we sleep, we’re naturally losing hydration—especially if you breathe through your mouth.
Then we wake up, and what’s the first thing we often reach for?
Coffee.
Which is inherently dehydrating.
Dr. Breus reminds us in Sleep, Drink, Breathe:
“Once you’re thirsty, you’re already mildly dehydrated.”
That’s why it’s so powerful to begin the day with 16 ounces of water—before caffeine.
It’s a small act with a big impact:
💧 Rehydrating your cells
💧 Optimizing blood flow to your brain
💧 Setting the stage for better energy, digestion, and clarity throughout your day.
My favorite trick?
Slap a sticky note on the coffee maker that says:
WATER FIRST!
Hydration as Ritual
This isn’t only functional—it’s also sacred.
Many traditional systems of medicine emphasize the power of water as part of a daily rhythm:
💦 In Ayurveda, warm or room temperature water first thing in the morning helps flush toxins and stimulate digestion.
💦 In Traditional Chinese Medicine, warm water supports your stomach and spleen meridians, which aid in energy flow and metabolic balance.
💦 In many tribal and indigenous traditions, water is life-giving and spiritually purifying—a daily practice of renewal and connection to nature.
Hydration Tips:
How to Stay Ahead of the Curve All Day Long
Don’t wait to feel thirsty!
💧Sip water regularly throughout the day—don’t gulp
💧Keep a favorite water bottle with you wherever you go
💧Add electrolytes or herbs (like mint or lemon balm) for variety
💧Try room temp or warm water if cold makes you feel sluggish or gives you a headache
Do your best to be consistent.
Gentle Invitation:
Water is more than hydration—it’s healing.
So this week, I invite you to honor water as more than a health tip.
Let it be a daily act of self-respect.
A reminder of your natural rhythms. A reconnection to the elements.
Hydrate first. Hydrate often. Hydrate with intention.
Warmly,
Dr. Krista
Olive Says:
Wading > Swimming
Olive wants you to know that while she’s not big on immersion, she’s a formidable wader.