You can pump up your energy levels by filling up with lots of fluids. You will find it impossible to sit still when you’re drinking enough ice-cold fluids daily.

Drink, drink, and drink when you are feeling tired. Filling up on fluids will make you more alert and puts energy in your tank. Let me show you why.

You know how it feels to be mildly dehydrated after a hot day in the sun, a hard day shopping, or an illness—it feels awful to be de-energized. Mild dehydration can produce headaches, muscle aches, back pain, and a lack of energy. As you get older, you start losing your thirst sensitivity fine-tuning, so you can become mildly dehydrated without even realizing it! While you can’t actually turn calorie-free fluids like water into energy (that would be a miracle), drinking eight to twelve ice-cold glasses a day can help you burn calories, hydrate your skin, muscles, and achy joints, and make you feel fully ready to take on today’s challenges.

So don’t sit around being a deadhead, just drink and drink and drink. If you were a plant, I would water you myself. But fortunately, you can use your own brain to think and drink.

If you don’t have regular access to ice-cold water or other fluids, carry a little bottle in your purse or briefcase. There’s no excuse to not drink enough daily. Drink ultra-purified water, if possible, to avoid toxins and high levels of inorganic matter found in typical spring and tap waters. Sip antioxidant rich tea (green or black) for extra skin and health benefits. I’m currently developing a new beauty water with liposomes containing skin- and body energizing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Caffeine can be a powerful ally if walked on a short leash. Teas will give you some caffeine but lap up more concentrated caffeinated fluids for an uplifting energy burst. Try iced coffee with skim milk for low calories and some extra calcium. Consume caffeine in moderation—if Starbucks contacts you about being their official mascot, or if you can’t remember the last time you blinked, you’ve had way too much caffeine. If you use exclamation points almost every sentence, you’ve had way too much caffeine! And no, coffee beans are not vegetables either!

Choose to put a hydrated spring in your step. In fact, why don’t you stop for a water break right now? Your tenacious tiger will swim laps around tired teenagers when watered generously.