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baddeeds
08-Dec-14, 19:39

Hydration
Keeping yourself hydrated is important in chess as in life. One time only, I played without enough water, and it was hot and humid. At the time, my rating was about 917, around the time I had my first training session on this site, that is where I got training. But, during that negative experience, there was something else which affected a different game. It was dehydration and the need to drink a lot. Because I was beyond thirsty, I made mistakes that you generally don't make. And, it was within the first 5 moves. I quickly learned something that GM Carlson now emphasizes in the 13 tips. Staying hydrated, and by remembering that, I was able to play much better. A perfect example happened about 2 or 3 years ago, against Jack. Sure, I lost but it was a very good, and I played extremely well. I was thirsty from the previous day because of how busy it was. But, what kept me going was the milk and a cup of coffee before that. Plus, there was a good snack, which I had. By doing so, I was able to keep that energy and concentration. And, it helped me play much better. Plus, two summers ago, there was another case. This time, it was hotter and more humid then the last as we were under a Bermuda where it remained hot for about a week.. Was about 95F with heat indicy of 105F And, I just came back from work, the day before, still feeling thirsty, yet I drank a ton. When all was said and done, by the end of the day, I had an equivalent to nearly a gallon of cold water. And, that, alone gave me enough energy to continue and did extremely well. So, the moral is that part of concentration is hydration, so you want to make sure that you drink a lot and don't let yourself get thirsty, or it could have consequences, both in chess and in life.
redfoxrising
14-Dec-14, 05:35

Hydration with more than just H2O
Water doesn't get the same media attention as green tea, antioxidants, and the latest fad diets. Yet it plays a much more critical part in our daily lives and our bodies.
Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and every system depends on water. So water is important for healthy skin, hair, and nails, as well as controlling body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.
You can stay fully hydrated throughout the day by drinking water and other fluids, as well as eating foods that are hydrating.
What Counts as Water?
Fruits are an excellent source for water. Watermelon is 90% water, so it ranks highest on the list. Oranges, grapefruit, and melons like cantaloupe and honeydew are also strong contenders.
Vegetables, though not as full of water as fruit, can also provide a nutrient-rich water source. Stick with celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, and Romaine lettuce.
There are plenty of hidden sources of water in your diet, says White. If you want to tap into these foods, reach for oatmeal, yogurt, soup, and smoothies.
Besides guzzling water, milk is a top choice to refuel. Sodas, even diet ones, get a bad rap for lacking nutritional value, but they can still be hydrating. Juices and sports drinks are also hydrating -- you can lower the sugar content by diluting them with water.
Coffee and tea also count in your tally. I used to believe that they were dehydrating, but that myth isn't true, The diuretic effect does not offset hydration.
Alcohol is a huge dehydrator try to offset with equal ratio's of H2O.
baddeeds
14-Dec-14, 13:56

I agree. All these things are good for you. The idea is that you need to stay hydrated to play well. Getting thirsty not only makes you feel uncomfortable but takes away needed concentration, and makes you fatigued, especially when analyzing the board.



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