Most people do not drink nearly enough water or realize the benefits. I’m not going to tell you how much you should be drinking, just know that water has AMAZING benefits for your body! These benefits include: improved skin texture, improve brain function, may help prevent and treat headaches, improve physical performance, increase satiety and boost metabolic rate. It’s not easy to ensure you are getting an adequate amount of water, but here are some helpful tips to get you started:
- Always keep it with you! If you have it available and ready, you are more likely to drink it. I always have water with me. Bring it in the car with you, even if it’s only a 5 minute ride. Keep it on your bedside table so you drink it before bed and when you wake up. Have a water bottle at your desk while working. You get the point, easy access=increased intake.
- Find a fun water bottle! I have so many different water bottles. There are so many great options and you can find some at great prices. I tend to use insulated ones as I love very cold water. Depending on if you like your water extra cold or room temp, you can find a water bottle that is perfect for you (and fun too)! I came across a really fun idea from Erin Kern at Cotton Stem. She will pick out a water bottle for the day that matches her coffee cup. She has them all set up in her kitchen cabinet and will pick her set for the day. I always start my day with coffee so this is a great way to grab your water also right at the beginning of the day.
- Use a straw! No matter what kind of cup or water bottle I’m using, if I use a straw I always drink more. There are a ton of water bottle options with straws or you can use a reusable straw if using a regular cup. Since I tend to use ice in my water, I find a straw makes it easier to drink as well. Try it and see if this works for you.
- Add fruit or veggies! Drinking plain water all day gets very boring. I love cutting up some fruit and/or veggies and throwing them in my water bottle. This provides a subtle flavor and you can change what you put in frequently. Some of my favorites to add to my water is cucumber strawberry, watermelon mint and apple cinnamon. There are endless options when it comes to flavor. Try a combo of fruit and veggies or keep it simple with just some lemon.
- Set a timer! Okay, I know this sounds crazy…but hear me out! I work at a desk most of my day and I find I can go hours (especially if I’m very busy) without stopping to take a drink. I will set a timer for at least every hour reminding myself to stop and drink some water. This also helps remind me to take a break from sitting and get up and move for a minute or two. Set your timer to whatever increments work for you. I find even if I set one for a few times a day, that will encourage me to be more aware of how much water I’m drinking.
Listen…I know drinking water is not always easy. But, I’m hoping these tips will make drinking water a little more fun and encourage you to increase your intake. Remember, these are just tips and you can adjust as needed. It would be beneficial to talk to your doctor to determine what is a healthy amount of water for you to be consuming. Feel free to comment below if you have different ideas to share!