It’s no secret that drinking water is good for your health. By drinking more water, you can see improvements in your skin, energy levels and even your mood. But sometimes, it can be difficult to get in those recommended eight glasses of water each day.
It happens — we’re human, and humans forget things. But pouring a bit of extra focus into hydration can make a world of difference in your health, and you’ll find it to be well worth it once it becomes a habit.
If you’re struggling to get your daily dose regularly, here are a few tips that can help you out. Find what’s right for you, and soon enough you’ll be feeling like a total pro:
1. Start Your Day With Water
One of the best ways to ensure you’re drinking enough water from the get-go is to make it your first priority when you wake up in the morning.
Fill a tall glass or mason jar each night as a part of your bedtime routine and leave it by your bedside. When you wake up in the morning, down it before you leave the bed.
Many health gurus swear by this technique. It hydrates you first thing in the morning, and it can help clear toxins and balance your gut health
2. Eat Your Water
Hydrating is about drinking water, right? Well, as it turns out, there’s a bit more to it. If you’re really struggling to get your water in each day — or perhaps if you’re looking for an additional boost — you can make an effort to consume more hydrating foods.
Foods like watery fruits, broths, soups, vegetables and fruit juices are hydrating through their high water content, and eating them regularly can help you feel the benefits of hydration.
3. Keep It Handy
Though it may seem simple, keeping a large water bottle with you at all times will encourage you to hydrate more often. When you carry it around with you, you’ll be reminded of your responsibility to drink your water, and it’ll be a lot easier to access if you have it directly on hand.
Find any reusable water bottle and keep it on you wherever you go. Sometimes, it really is that easy.
4. Use an App
Tracking your water intake is easy to forget, which is why water tracking apps are so good for keeping you on top of things. Apps like Plant Nanny — where you water an imaginary plant every time you water yourself — function almost like a game and can motivate you. However, if you’re looking for an app that’s a bit more serious, options like WaterMinder can do the trick just fine.
Tracking your progress is especially important for those who tend to not follow through on their goals. Doing so can hold you accountable and remind you of how far you’ve come in your progress.
5. Cut the Bubbles
If you’re not drinking water, chances are you’re drinking something. Whatever could that be? While drinking soda is okay in moderation, you’ll likely turn to water much more often if it’s the only available choice. It doesn’t have to be a permanent change, but cutting soda and other sugary drinks for the time being can help you get your water in. Plus, the less often you drink soda, the less you tend to crave it.
Soda and other unhealthy beverages can be dehydrating, so if you’re trying to cut back, go for unsweetened teas and fruit juices if you’re looking for a little extra something. That way, you’re still getting some hydration.
6. Drink Water With Every Meal
Eating can be a great reminder to drink your water, and trying to drink a full glass every time you sit down for a meal can help you balance your food while reminding yourself to focus on the hydration you need.
Mealtimes are a great time to make sure you drink water, especially if you’re cutting soda and other sugary beverages.
Drink Up!
Everyone is different, and you can easily find the tips that work for you. Once you start feeling the boost of hydration, you’ll know what all the hype is about. Who knows? You might even join the water party for good.
Article by Dylan Bartlett
Dylan is a Alejandra’s Life Family Team
