8 Best Tips to Drink More Water
Is “Drink more water” one of your health goals for the New Year? Sometimes life takes over and the basic necessities fall to the wayside. Water. We all know the importance of drinking water, yet it can be one of the major things we lack when looking at our overall health. Thankfully, drinking more water is one of the easiest things to correct.
Our bodies are made up of over 60% water. Water is the catalyst for proper blood flow. It moves nutrients throughout our body, aids in proper function of vital organs and helps regulate internal temperature. The benefits of getting proper water intake throughout the day are insurmountable.
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Signs You are Not Drinking Enough Water
When we don’t drink enough water, our bodies, which are like a sponge, dry out and dehydrate. Our bodies are well-oiled machines and communicate to us when things are not flowing in sync.
For instance, when I don’t drink enough water, I get a headache or my mouth becomes dry which is physical ways my body is signaling to me that it is not getting what it needs to function properly. Too much of my body working in overdrive to compensate for a lack of water can lead to many other dangerous consequences. Some other signs you are dehydrated are overall sluggishness, fatigue, low blood pressure, dry skin, and dizziness.
But fortunately for us, drinking more water is one of the easiest things to fix. You just need to do it.
How Much Water is Enough?
The amount of water one needs varies from person to person depending on a number of factors: one’s weight, level of physical activity, overall health, and environmental conditions.
But the general rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces. But be mindful that if you are working out, exerting a lot of energy, or in hot or humid climates you’d want to up your water intake- replenish what you sweat out.
Ways to Drink More Water
As simple as it sounds to just “Drink more water”, it isn’t always as simple to do. I actively have to remind myself to drink more water throughout the day. Below are suggestions, tips, and hacks that I have used to get more fluid into my body.
Always Have Water an Arms Length Away
Having a readily available water bottle leaves me with no excuses to not drink water. When I leave the house, even if it is for a walk in the neighborhood or hopping in the car to run errands, I make sure to always have a full water bottle with me.
I love the Swell water bottles for when I’m on the go. They keep your water cool or hot for up to 12 hours and offer great sizes. They are not too heavy to hold, fit nicely in my diaper bag, stroller, and car cup holders.
When I am at home, you will find a big 32-ounce Wide Mouth Mason Jar by my side. Keeping this full throughout the day lets me know exactly how much I drink. I know if I drink two full jars of water I will get at the very least the bare minimum of what I need.
There is also some great Time-Marked Water Bottle to literally remind you to drink a certain amount of water throughout the day.
Add Flavor to Your Water
This one is my favorite! Who doesn’t love a little somethin’ somethin’ every now and then to spice things up? Let’s face it. Water can and often is boring. That is why it can be so hard to get your daily intake. I literally forget about it until my body screams at me for more. Getting creative with water has made drinking it much more enticing.
There are many options for adding flavor to your water. You can drop fresh slices of fruit such as lemons, limes, oranges strawberries, or grapefruit. You can add fresh herbs such as mint or basil. You can be transported to a spa and add cucumber or ginger. You can get really creative and make a delicious combination of them all. Lately, I have even dropped a few drops of juice into my water. My current favorite that I can’t get enough of is spiking my water with grapefruit juice. So refreshing!
You can take it a step further with a Fruit Infuser Water Bottle.
Eat Your Water
Raw vegetables and fruits contain water. So eat your water by consuming your daily vegetable and fruit intake. Along with the nutrients that you think of when you eat fresh vegetables and fruits such as watermelons, strawberries, cucumbers, celery, lettuce, etc., you will also get obtain water. So here is another reason to eat your veggies!
Make a Juice or Smoothie
Incorporate a daily fresh juice or smoothie into your diet. Not only is this a great way to get a healthy dose of veggies and fruit but it is also a great way to drink more water.
Add Some Bubbles
Another household favorite around here is carbonating our water with this Soda Stream. There is something that is so nice about sparkling water. Except for the price. It’s a luxury when water is free and indulging in sparkling water adds up at the grocery store. Investing in a Soda Stream has saved us SO much money. It has been great to have sparkling water on hand whenever we want.
Add Drinking Water to Your Normal Routines
- Start the day off with a glass of water upon waking.
- Drink a glass of water before every meal. This will not only allow you to feel fuller longer but the water will aid your body in digesting the nutrients it is receiving from the food.
- Drink a glass of water after every bathroom break. Literally, replace what ya lost.
- Before, during, and after working out, drink water.
- Instead of grabbing a snack at first signs of hunger drink a glass of water.
- Keep a glass of water next to you in the bed.
Get a Water Filter
Growing up in a city I used to always have a hard time drinking tap water. This led me to be dependent on bottled water and if I didn’t have bottled water on hand I wouldn’t drink water. No good.
My bottled water habit was not only unrealistic but also expensive. I turned this around once I bought this Water Filter Pitcher. As a result, I now find myself drinking more water throughout the day.
Set Reminders to Drink More Water
Use your phone to set alarms throughout the day to remind you to drink water. Or download an app.
Immediate Benefits When You Drink More Water
There are many unseen benefits when you drink more water. Such as flushing toxins out of your system, aiding in the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and supporting heart health.
Then there are the benefits that are seen such as improvements in complexion, dry skin, and supporting healthy weight loss.
And then there are the benefits that are felt. Such as preventing cramping muscles, headaches, and increasing mood and energy levels.
Challenge Yourself to Drink More Water
Drinking more water is one of the simplest steps you can take towards your health. Challenge yourself to take this step. Use these suggestions to up your health game.
Cheers to your hydrated health! Drop a line below and let me know which tips work for you and if you have any whispers to share.