5 Ways You Can Start Increasing Your Daily Water Intake

We’ve all heard it before: “Drink more water.” It sounds like such a straightforward piece of advice, right? Yet, for many of us, consistently hydrating throughout the day is a challenge that’s surprisingly hard to stick to. Despite knowing the myriad benefits of drinking water—ranging from improved physical performance to enhanced skin health—incorporating this simple habit into our daily routine can feel like a Herculean task. Fear not! Here are my best tips to help you increase your daily water intake and finally make this essential habit stick.

1. Start Your Day on a High Note

Begin each morning with a glass of water. Make it a non-negotiable part of your wake-up routine, similar to brushing your teeth. Not only does this help to kickstart your hydration for the day, but it also aids in waking up your metabolism and flushing out toxins. To make it more appealing, consider adding a slice of lemon for a refreshing zing. This simple act sets a positive tone for the rest of the day, making it easier to continue sipping regularly. In the winter, I will have a mug of hot lemon water before my coffee when it’s really cold outside.

2. Keep Water Within Arm’s Reach

One of the biggest hurdles to drinking water is simply forgetting to do so. Combat this by keeping a water bottle by your side at all times, whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go. Investing in a reusable water bottle that you love can make a big difference. Choose one that’s visually appealing and functional—think insulated bottles that keep your water cold for hours. The more you like your bottle, the more likely you are to use it, turning regular sips into a habit rather than an afterthought.

3. Flavor It Up

If the taste (or lack thereof) of plain water doesn’t excite you, there’s no harm in jazzing it up a bit. Infuse your water with natural flavors by adding slices of fruits, vegetables, or herbs. Think cucumber, berries, mint, or citrus fruits. These additions not only make your water more palatable but also add a nutritional boost if you eat them too. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorites, and you might find yourself reaching for your infused water more often than you’d think.

4. Use Technology to Your Advantage

In our digital age, there’s an app for everything—water intake included. Several free and paid apps are designed to help you track your water consumption, remind you to drink at regular intervals, and even gamify the process to make it more fun. If apps aren’t your thing, setting simple reminders on your phone or using a smart water bottle that tracks intake and glows to remind you to drink can also do the trick. Technology can be a powerful ally in building and maintaining healthy habits.

5. Pair Water with Daily Activities

Tie your drinking habits to specific daily activities or cues to create a natural rhythm for your water intake. For instance, drink a glass of water before each meal, after every bathroom break, or while waiting for your morning coffee to brew. These consistent cues can help embed hydration into your routine, making it feel like less of an effort. Over time, these moments of drinking water will become second nature, seamlessly integrating into your daily life.

In Conclusion

Increasing your daily water intake might seem daunting at first, but with the right strategies, it can become an effortless part of your routine. The key is to make drinking water as convenient and enjoyable as possible, turning it from a chore into a habit you look forward to. By starting your day with water, keeping it within reach, adding natural flavors, leveraging technology, and tying it to daily activities, you’ll be well on your way to better hydration and overall health. Remember, small sips lead to big changes. Here’s to a more hydrated and healthy you!