Feeling Off? It Might Be Simpler Than You Think.

Austina Brittain
Aug 1
4 min read

FUEL YOUR FIRE

Hi friends,

It's been a little over a month since my last newsletter. To be honest, this summer has been full so far. Between work, family, travel, community events & simply doing life, it's been a season of both beautiful moments & some challenging ones too (I'm sure we can all relate during different seasons of life).

One thing I've been trying to practice—and encouraging my coaching clients to practice—is giving myself permission to pause.

Instead of creating content just to stay consistent, I wanted to wait until I had the time & space to share something useful. Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is protect our bandwidth, simplify & come back with intention.

So today, I'm continuing with one of the simplest—and most overlooked—foundations of good health: hydration.

The last newsletter focused on eating your hydration-this one bumps it up to drinking. It may not be the trendiest wellness topic, but year after year, it's one of the habits that makes the biggest difference in how we feel.

Why Hydration Matters

With Texas temperatures spending plenty of time above 100°, it's easy to underestimate just how much fluid we're losing each day.

If you've been feeling more tired than usual, experiencing afternoon brain fog, getting headaches, craving sugar, or wondering why your workouts suddenly feel harder, dehydration may be contributing more than you realize.

While 64 ounces of water is often recommended as a general starting point, there isn't one perfect number for everyone. Your needs depend on factors like:

✔️ Activity level

✔️ Outdoor heat and humidity

✔️ Exercise

✔️ Medical conditions or fluid restrictions

✔️ How much you're sweating

Rather than chasing a specific number, learn to pay attention to your body's signals.

Some common clues include:

💧 Dark yellow urine

😴 Fatigue or brain fog

🤕 Headaches

🍭 Increased cravings

❤️ Higher heart rate during exercise

🚽 Constipation

Our bodies are constantly communicating with us—we just have to slow down long enough to listen.

A Simple Habit Can Change Everything

One of my coaching clients rated her energy as just 1 out of 10 each morning and around 3 out of 10 by evening.

One of the first habits we focused on wasn't a complicated nutrition plan or exercise routine.

It was simply drinking more water.

As hydration became consistent, her energy improved dramatically. Before long, she was exercising more regularly, preparing healthier meals & feeling capable of tackling other goals that had previously felt overwhelming.

That's one of my favorite things about healthy habits.

Momentum builds momentum.

One small change often opens the door to many others.

What About Electrolytes?

During these hot summer months, especially if you're hiking, working outdoors, exercising, or sweating heavily, water alone isn't always enough.

Electrolytes help your body maintain proper fluid balance and support normal muscle and nerve function.

Rather than reaching for sports drinks loaded with added sugars and artificial dyes, consider options like:

🥥 Coconut water (naturally rich in potassium & so many other electrolytes)

💧 Clean electrolyte powders or tablets with minimal ingredients

🍓 Blending coconut water with frozen fruit for a refreshing homemade hydration drink

As always, follow your healthcare provider's recommendations if you have kidney disease, electrolyte abnormalities, or are on a prescribed fluid restriction.

Before You Go...

Summer often brings vacations, weekend getaways, family gatherings & changes to our normal routines.

I've learned that healthy habits don't have to disappear when life gets busy—they simply need to become more flexible.

Whether you're packing for a trip, spending the day at the lake, cheering from the sidelines of a ball field, or simply trying to survive another Texas heat wave, remember that the small things still matter.

Fill your water bottle.

Take a walk.

Eat something colorful.

Rest when you need it.

Coach's Corner

One simple question I encourage clients to ask themselves throughout the day is:

"What would help Future Me feel better?"

Sometimes the answer is drinking a glass of water.

Sometimes it's taking a 10-minute walk, eating a nourishing meal, going to bed on time, or simply putting your phone down for a while.

Healthy habits don't have to be complicated. They simply need to be repeated.

Healthy living isn't about doing everything perfectly. It's about making the next best choice, one decision at a time.

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your wellness journey.

You've got this.

♥️Austina

Community Corner

The Rooted in Wellness Expo is Almost Here!

📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026 🕐 1:00–4:00 PM

We're just a few weeks away, and I couldn't be more excited!

Whether you've attended one of our previous expos or this will be your first, there's truly something for everyone. While this event is perfect for families getting ready for a new school year, you definitely don't have to have school-aged children to enjoy it.

We'll have 30+ local vendors who are passionate about helping our community live healthier lives. You'll find opportunities to learn about nutrition, movement, mental health, sleep, physical therapy, chiropractic care, reflexology, fertility support, clean personal care products, locally grown produce, raw honey, medicinal mushrooms, handcrafted soaps and candles, fresh sourdough, healthy treats, and so much more.

It's a chance to discover local businesses, ask questions, gather ideas, sample products, meet like-minded people, and maybe even find a new favorite resource for your health journey.

One of my favorite parts of these expos is seeing our community come together to learn, connect, and support local businesses that truly care about helping others.

I'd love to see you there!

If you have questions about the expo—or anything you read in this newsletter—simply reply to this email. I read every message and always enjoy hearing from you.

I hope to see you on August 22!