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You all must have the poster – “Drink more water” stuck up somewhere to remind you to drink at least 8 glasses of water. But how many of you are actually sticking to the goal devoid of your smartwatch's constant reminders? Sometimes in your busy lives, it’s easy to forget to drink water, even though it's really good for you. But guess what? You can feel amazing and energetic by making a few easy changes.
So why is hydration so important, you ask? For starters, studies have proved that water is the foundation of life itself – the essence of your existence. Water plays many essential roles in keeping your body functioning at its best, from regulating body temperature to lubricating joints, aiding digestion, and flushing out toxins. Yet, despite its undeniable importance, you might struggle to drink enough each day, leaving you feeling sluggish, foggy-headed, and far from your best selves.
But don't worry; this guide has ten simple tricks to help you drink more water daily. From starting your day with a glass of water to adding yummy flavours, setting reminders, and getting your friends involved, it will cover everything you need to know to become a hydration expert. So grab your water bottle, fill it up, and begin your journey to feeling awesome.
Start Your Day Right
You wake up scrolling through your phone messages and walking towards the coffee machine. Sounds familiar? Just add one pit stop before you get that cup of coffee towards the water bottle on your nightstand. Starting your day with a tall glass of water rehydrates your body after a night of sleep, jumpstarts your metabolism, and helps flush out toxins. Plus, it's a great way to tick off one of those eight glasses before you even step out the door!
Get Creative with Flavours
It’s true, plain water can get boring really fast. But fear not because there are plenty of ways to jazz up your water game and make it more appealing.
Add slices of fresh fruit like lemon, lime, or orange for a citrusy kick, or toss in some cucumber and mint if you need a refreshing kick. You can even try infusing your water with herbs like basil or rosemary for a flavour sensation that will have you reaching for refills all day long.
Invest in a Quality Water Bottle
Having a trusty water bottle by your side is key to staying hydrated on the go. Invest in a durable and reusable bottle that you can take with you wherever you go, whether it's to the office, the gym, or just running errands around town. Go for a size that suits your needs and choose a design you love; after all, who says hydration can't be stylish?
Set Reminders
There’s no denying the fact that your to-do list is filled with tasks, and barely have the time to stop and think about your water needs. And that’s where technology can go a long way. If you have a smartwatch, you might already be familiar with water intake reminders. If not, you can set reminders on your phone or use a hydration-tracking app to nudge you throughout the day. You can even get creative with your reminders – set alarms with catchy phrases like "Sip, sip, hooray!" or "Just 4 more glasses to go!" to keep things fun and lighthearted.
Make it a Habit
Researchers say it takes 21 days to form a habit, so why not make hydration a daily ritual? Incorporate drinking water into your routine by pairing it with other regular activities. For example, drink a glass of water every time you check your email, or take a sip before every meal or snack. Before you know it, staying hydrated will become second nature.
Eat Your Water
Who says you have to drink all your water? Many fruits and vegetables have high water content and can contribute to your daily hydration goals. Snack on juicy watermelon, crunchy cucumber, or crisp celery throughout the day for extra hydration. Not only will you quench your thirst, but you'll also get a dose of vitamins and minerals as a brownie point.
Track Your Progress
Sometimes, seeing is believing. Keep track of your water intake throughout the day by marking off each glass or bottle you drink on a chart or in a journal. Not only will this help you stay accountable, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment as you watch those tally marks add up. Plus, who doesn't love a good old-fashioned sticker chart?
Set Realistic Goals
While eight glasses of water a day is the standard recommendation, it's important to remember that everyone's hydration needs are different. Factors like age, weight, activity level, and climate can all affect how much water you need to drink. Instead of fixating on a specific number, focus on listening to your body and drinking when you're thirsty. Trust that your body knows best, and don’t be hard on yourself by setting unrealistic expectations.
Buddy Up
Everything's better with a buddy, and hydration is no exception. Get a friend, family member, or coworker to join you on your goal of drinking 8 glasses of water. Doing so, you’ll have someone to hold you accountable, and you can also motivate and celebrate each other’s success.
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Last but not least, don't stress if you don't hit your hydration goals every single day. Life happens, and sometimes you can fall short – and that's okay! What matters most is that you're making an effort to prioritise your health and well-being. So drink up, listen to your body, and remember that every drop counts on the journey to a happier, healthier you.
