The Benefits of Drinking Water: The Mind Map

What began as a way to utilize creativity and share thoughts /with others has morphed into an innovative career for Paul Foreman, a self taught mind map artist. "With a pencil, a rubber, a determination for forming what you want to see on paper, and a degree of patience," Paul has produced a vast work of mind maps for inspiration and motivation. Drawing from his own personal experiences and observations Paul has produced beautiful mind maps that many call works of art.

Our favorite mind map that Paul has crafted highlights some of the great benefits of drinking water, something we here at ReThink Your Drink can definitely appreciate. Click on the image below to explore the mind of Paul Foreman.

For more information about Paul Foreman's mind maps visit http://www.mindmapinspiration.com and http://www.mindmapart.com/

Put your Re:Thinking Cap on

You've probably had someone tell you to "put your thinking cap on," another way of saying think hard or reflect very seriously. Or maybe you've heard of the actual thinking cap scientists created that works by zapping electricity through the left side of the brain encouraging the more creative side into action. Maybe not. Well ReThink Your Drink encourages you to put on your "ReThinking Cap" and contemplate the great benefits of drinking water. So have some fun and make your very own "ReThinking Cap." Hold the option key and click on the image below, print it out, and follow these easy steps.

1. Fold the printed page in half lengthwise.

2. Fold the corners down to the middle of the page making a point at the top.

3. Fold one piece of the bottom of the paper up.

4. Flip and fold the other bottom strip up.

5. Pull the opening in the hat apart to make a hat shape, put on your "Rethinking Cap," and enjoy.

From Waste to Wonder - Used Water Bottles Get an Artistic Facelift

Ecological Art, or "Eco Art," incorporates natural and recycled materials to create stunning visual masterpieces. This contemporary form of art was developed by artists who express concern for their local and global environments. While there are a variety of interpretations of Eco Art, the primary goal is to represent a positive relationship between humans and nature through artistic expression.


Used water bottles have become a popular material for eco artists. A majority of water bottles end up in landfills rather than being recycled. Eco artists are bringing new life to the seemingly plastic waste by constructing unique works of art, bringing renewed life to otherwise "trash." Here are some beautiful examples of Eco Art using water bottles:

Miwa Koizumi PET Project - In 2007, Miwa launched her PET project in which she uses #1 plastic bottles to create jellyfish and other sea creatures. The name PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a resin used in the process of making water bottles. On her website, Miwa states, "I love the idea of using liquid containers to make water animals. Contained/containing, trash/not-trash, like the jelly-fish or anemone: Living/non-living. And I wanted some pets..."


She continues to make her "pets," and now sells prints of her artwork.

Anthropologie - Anthropologie, a shop for women's clothing, accessories and home decor, installs amazing sculpture art pieces in their store front each season. In Spring 2010, the store unveiled their new display, adorned with a plethora of hand-crafted flowers assembled from water bottles. The company also sent an e-mail to customers providing how-to instructions to make your own plastic flowers and statistics on water bottle waste.

Sarah Turner - Eco artist and designer Sarah Turner has created a ReDesigned Lighting Collection in which lighting fixtures are made from a variety of plastic drink bottles. Table lamps, floor lamps, lampshades and other decorative items are available for purchase on her website. Sarah's work is also featured in various fashion and home exhibits across the world.

Finding new uses for old water bottles can be a fun, hands-on project. Next time you go to throw away your bottle, challenge yourself to create something beautiful out of it.


What are some of the creative ways you have reused a water bottle? Share your ideas with us or any other pieces of water bottle art you have stumbled upon.

What's With The Number 8?

We've all been told at least once that we should drink 8 glasses of water a day. We hear it from our doctors, our parents, and other nosy people around us. Just yesterday, as I was filling up at my office water cooler, my coworker (let's call her Maureen) walked in and said, "Hope you're getting a solid 8 glasses today." I simply smiled and walked away, but inside I was a little miffed. Who was Maureen to comment on my drinking habits?

I don't know about you, but I've always wondered why 8 is the magic number. It seems like 8 glasses of anything in one day is a little much to ask. So I did a little digging on the subject, and here's what I found: there is no magic number.

Our bodies are 60% water, which is used for cleansing out toxins and carrying nutrients to our cells. We lose water every day through our breath, perspiration and (gross factor) urine and bowel movements, so it's essential that we replace the water in our body regularly. Surprisingly, 20% of the water can be replaced by our food intake, so the other 80% is replaced by the water we drink.

The amount of water people should consume is based on several factors. On average, the recommended intake is 8 eight-ounce glasses a day, which equals about 2 liters (that aforementioned 80%). However, men are actually advised to consume 13 cups a day. But don't gloat just yet, ladies. If you are pregnant or nursing, the recommended intake is around 11 cups a day. Oh, the joys of motherhood.

If you exercise regularly, and you should, you will need to consume 1.5 to 2.5 more cups a day. If you live in hot and humid weather or at a high altitude, factor in another 2 cups. And I'm sure you've heard this before, but if you're ill you'll need to increase your intake by at least 2 cups. I know, the numbers are adding up. But it's not as hard as you think to hydrate.

Although it's good practice to drink water with every meal and to keep it within reach throughout the day, you don't need to rely on drinking water to meet you fluid requirements. Many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and tomatoes, are 90% water. Beverages such as milk, juice, wine, beer and even coffee contribute to your water intake. Also, drinking tea or adding some flavor to cold water are great ways to add variety to your day.

So, while 8 is a nice, even number that's easy to remember, it's not magic. As long as you hydrate enough during the day so that you're rarely feeling thirsty, you're doing just fine. And tell those busybodies to mind their own business.