Healthy Spring Habits: Why Hydration Deserves a Spot on Your Checklist
- Written by: Times Media
Spring is here, and it's arrived warm. Sydney recorded temperatures more typical of midsummer in the first week of September, a sign the season's heat is showing up earlier than usual. While many Australians use this time of year to refresh their wardrobes, travel plans and wellness routines, one habit is often left off the list: staying properly hydrated, something that becomes increasingly important as temperatures climb.
A YouGov study, commissioned by Hydralyte, has uncovered gaps in Australians' hydration habits, with just 20% of Australians consistently meeting or exceeding recommended daily fluid intake levels¹. For a season built around road trips, weekend getaways and being active, that's a gap worth closing.
Why it matters
Your body works hard to keep its core temperature steady at around 37°C, cooling itself through sweat and widened blood vessels near the skin. In warm weather, that system has to work harder, and if the fluids and electrolytes it loses aren't replaced, dehydration can follow, sometimes without you realising it.
“Dehydration can be surprising and often starts without severe symptoms. Thirst, being a bit fatigued and a headache should not be ignored. Make hydration a priority and avoid the progression to a heat induced illness.” said Fairlie Tucker, Director of Partnerships, Fundraising and Community Impact at St John Ambulance Australia.
Maintaining adequate fluid intake is important year-round, and fluid requirements can increase, during warmer weather, activity, travel or a long day outdoors. The tricky part is that dehydration builds gradually, and thirst isn't always a reliable early warning, especially for:
- Travellers on long drives or flights, where hours in the car or plane can add to fluid loss
- Weekend adventurers hiking, camping or spending long stretches outdoors
- Those fitting exercise around work and travel, often in the day's hottest hours
- Weekend athletes and active families back into spring sport
Know the signs
- Feeling unusually hot, tired or weak
- Dizziness, nausea or a racing pulse
- Trouble concentrating
- Muscle weakness or clumsiness
Building better spring habits
St John and Hydralyte are reminding Aussies that the easiest fix is also the simplest: drink water regularly through the day rather than waiting until you're thirsty. On hot, active or travel days, water alone isn't always enough, since sweat carries out electrolytes as well as fluid. Whether it's a spring road trip, a big weekend hike or an early morning session before work, restoring both fluids and electrolytes with something like Hydralyte can be a useful part of staying on top of hydration, and part of recovery afterwards.
Small habits go a long way this time of year. More attention to hydration, wherever spring takes you, can help you make the most of the season, safely.
What to do in cases of heat-induced illness
If someone is showing signs of dehydration or is becoming unwell in the heat, act early. Move the person into a cool or shady area and lie them down. Any unnecessary layers of clothing should be removed to assist in the regulation of body temperature. Wet the person with cool or cold water if possible and fan them continuously. Encourage them to drink cold water if they are fully conscious and able to swallow. If they are not conscious, or their condition does not improve within 10 minutes, call 000 for an ambulance.
Learn more about staying hydrated this spring: https://stjohn.org.au/get-involved/st-john-and-hydralyte/
