Beat the heat this summer with these easy tips for staying hydrated and keeping cool this summer.
Drink water first thing in the morning. It gets the day started on the right foot by replenishing the water you lost overnight and helps boost your metabolism. According to the USDA, proper daily hydration supports everything from digestion to cognitive function, making that first glass of water one of the most impactful habits you can build.
Take a probiotic. Probiotics — live beneficial bacteria that support gut health and digestive balance — are essential to many body functions and help with water absorption.
Eat your fruits and veggies! Yes, to stay hydrated, you need to eat your veggies. Cherry tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, green cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, pineapple, and watermelon all have high water content. In fact, cucumbers and lettuce are over 95% water by weight, meaning a generous salad can contribute meaningfully to your daily fluid intake. Boost your hydration by boosting the fruits and veggies in your diet — and growing your own with a Rise Garden makes it easy to keep these high-water-content greens within arm's reach all summer long.
Infuse your water with fruit and herbs. When water tastes better, you are more likely to drink it! Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and lemon verbena are especially effective — hydroponically grown herbs can contain up to 50% more aromatic compounds and flavor intensity than store-bought equivalents, making your infused water taste noticeably more vibrant. You can start growing your own infusion herbs right at home using seed pods designed for countertop hydroponic gardens.
Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day. Having water on hand ups the likelihood that you'll sip more during the day.
Drink coconut water. Electrolytes — minerals like potassium, sodium, and magnesium that regulate fluid balance in the body — are super important and dehydration can cause an electrolyte imbalance. Coconut water is packed with electrolytes to help balance your body.
Track your water intake. Keeping track of how much water you drink will help you meet your daily quota and keep you hydrated. Research from Cornell University's Center for Controlled Environment Agriculture suggests that people who build plant-forward daily routines tend to make more consistent healthy choices overall, including staying on top of hydration. There are apps and bottles with special little marks so pick what option works best for you and start tracking.
Limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugar-filled drinks. They stimulate the bladder resulting in frequent urination and loss of water.Frequently Asked Questions
How can fresh herbs from a Rise Garden help you stay hydrated?
Infusing water with fresh herbs like mint, basil, lemon verbena, and cucumber mint makes plain water more appealing, encouraging you to drink more throughout the day. Hydroponic herbs are especially aromatic and flavorful, which means even a few sprigs transform a pitcher of water into a refreshing, spa-quality beverage. Keeping a Rise Garden on your counter puts these flavor-boosting herbs within arm's reach so staying hydrated becomes effortless and enjoyable.
What are the best herbs to add to hydrating summer drinks?
Mint is the classic choice for hydrating beverages, adding a cooling sensation that makes drinks feel more refreshing even without ice. Lemon balm and lemon verbena offer bright citrus notes that pair beautifully with cucumber and sparkling water. Basil, especially Thai basil or lemon basil, adds an unexpected aromatic complexity to summer infusions that your guests will love and wonder about.
Which fruits and vegetables have the highest water content for hydration?
Cucumbers, strawberries, watermelon, celery, and lettuce are all over 90% water by weight, making them among the best foods for staying hydrated in summer. Leafy greens like the lettuces you can grow in a Rise Garden also contribute meaningfully to daily fluid intake, especially when eaten in generous salads. Combining a diet rich in high-water-content produce with herb-infused beverages is one of the most delicious strategies for summer hydration.
How does growing your own herbs encourage healthier summer habits?
When fresh mint, basil, or lemon balm is growing right on your counter, it becomes a natural, visible prompt to incorporate more plants into your daily routine, in your water, your meals, and your snacks. Having an abundance of fresh herbs also makes it tempting to experiment with new recipes, which tends to increase overall vegetable consumption. Many Rise Gardens growers report that their garden subtly shifts their entire approach to food and wellness over time.
