How to stay cool and hydrated when you DIY.

Why you should stay hydrated during DIY

Drinking enough water each day has many health benefits. When it comes to DIY home improvement, think of staying hydrated like an athlete. Most projects are physical. Building a deck, gardening, repairing kitchen cabinets, laying new flooring, painting – they all require you to be moving around, on your feet, reaching for and lifting things.

Staying hydrated helps to prevent muscle cramps. If you’ve ever painting a ceiling, you know those are always lurking around the corner anyway. Drinking enough water can also prevent headaches, increase your energy level, improve your mood and help you regulate your body temperature, which is especially important for those outdoor DIY projects you do in the summer.

When you’re not thirsty, your DIY task might be just a bit more enjoyable. Now you can focus on making your home beautiful rather than fighting off aches and pains or feeling woozy because you got overheated. Healthline shares more signs and symptoms of dehydration so you can stay healthy.

Best water bottles for home improvement

Many different liquids can help you stay hydrated – milk, tea, juice, sports drinks with electrolytes – but water is often your best bet for all-day sipping. Here is some inspiration for reusable water bottles to keep you on task and healthy until the job is done.

Oversized water bottles

How much you need to drink can vary on your sex, activity levels, weight and more, but the general rule is to aim for eight ounces of water eight times a day. That’s 64 ounces, meaning this half-gallon jug from SOXCOXO has you covered. There’s a handle and carrying strap to help you lug this oversized water bottle from one project to the next.

Flavor infuser bottles

Does your water need a bit of pizzazz if you’re going to actually drink it? Then try a water bottle with a built-in infuser. Prevention named the Hydracy Fruit Infuser Water Bottle its top pick overall for infuser bottles. A bit of fruity flavor might be exactly what you need to stay motivated.

Insulated water bottle

We don’t know anyone who likes plain hot water. Choose an insulated water bottle to keep your beverage icy cold as long as possible and condensation off your hands. We like one like the Hydro Flask Lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series. Not only is the company known for its insulated water bottles, but the wide mouth means you have plenty of room to add ice cubes. And because it’s lighter than other similar water bottles, it’s easier to clip it to your tool belt and have it close by when you need a drink.

Durable water bottles

If you’re working out in the yard, the last thing you need is some dainty, breakable water bottle. Look for one like a Yeti Rambler. The Spruce Eats named this Yeti its most durable and praised the bottle for holding up well when dropped from as high as 30 feet.

Smart water bottle

If you just love tech or have trouble remembering to drink, a smart water bottle could be the answer. HidrateSpark tracks how much you’ve had, lights up when it’s time to drink up and connects to an app via Bluetooth.

Other ways to stay hydrated and cool

Have a watery snack

While drinking water is often the quickest way to hydrate your body, you can replenish some of your reserves by eating the same kinds of foods you use to flavor your water. Think berries, cucumbers, lemons and the aptly named watermelon.

Dress for the heat

Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. That doesn’t necessarily mean short sleaves or tank tops. Especially with some DIY projects where covering your skin is important for safety, look for shirts like what you might wear to go fishing or in the desert, which are designed to protect you from the sun while still keeping you cool. Don’t forget a brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face and head. Take some advice from Grand Canyon National Park and give your clothes a drink – douse your shirt and hat with water – too.

Use a cool neck wrap

It won’t keep you hydrated, but if you’re trying to stay cool, try a wrap like this one from KOOLGATOR. Just get it wet and wear it, no refrigeration necessary. Your hands will stay free for your project and your body stays cooler.

Take breaks

When you feel like you’re getting too warm or haven’t had enough to drink, relax. Go indoors or to a cooler room, take a cool shower and recover before getting back to work.

Avoid peak temperatures

Schedule your DIY projects, or at least the most labor intensive parts of them, during the morning or evening hours when it’s cooler.

For more DIY safety tips, visit the Schlage blog. You’ll find helpful guides to safely completing home improvement projects while pregnant, choosing essential gear for your next project and more.