Drinking enough water provides the body with numerous benefits, no matter when you drink. However, there are times during the day when it is particularly beneficial to drink water. Drinking water during these times enables you to stay hydrated and improves your cognitive functioning and overall health. Additionally, drinking water can help prevent common body issues such as fatigue and bloating. Here are the best times to have a large drink of water every day:

1. First thing in the morning
It is a good idea to drink your first glass of water of the day immediately after waking up. Experts believe that drinking two glasses of lukewarm water when you wake up improves your health, longevity, and beauty. Water can remove the free radicals and toxins that accumulate in your body organs through the night. Additionally, water can make you feel refreshed and ready to start the day. To get the best results, avoid eating anything 30 minutes after drinking the water. During this time, the body uses the water to rehydrate and energize the cells.

2. Before each meal
Drinking a glass of water half an hour before every main meal of the day can help digestion and control your calorie intake. Water prepares the intestines before food goes through them and prevents overeating by reducing your appetite and making you feel fuller after consuming a smaller portion. When you drink water, it satisfies the hunger hormone and makes you feel full and calm. If you feel hungry before mealtime, drink a glass of water—you might think you are hungry when you are just thirsty.

3. Before exercise
Drinking one or more glasses of water before exercising is always advisable to prevent dehydration during your workout. Since you will lose some body fluids while exercising, it is essential to drink enough water before you start to replace the fluids you will lose through sweating.

4. Post-workout
Since you’ll lose body fluids through sweating when exercising, it is also important to sip some water afterward. Drinking water after working out will help regulate your body temperature and compensate for the fluid lost through sweat. The amount of water you will need will depend on your health, weight, workout duration, and whether you exercised in hot or humid weather conditions.

5. Sip throughout the day
While there are specific times during the day when you should drink water, drinking more water in small portions throughout the day, at any time, is essential. You should drink at least eight glasses of water daily to achieve the maximum benefits water provides to the body, such as preventing dehydration, boosting your physical performance, and improving your energy levels and brain functioning. Additionally, water may prevent and treat headaches, relieve constipation, and aid weight loss, among other benefits.