In the beginning of this month, we explained the reasons WHY drinking water is so important. Yet, even though you know you’re supposed to be drinking plenty of water, and you have every intention to do so, you may still fall short of your needs from time to time. First of all, you’re not alone. We hear a lot of people say that they try to drink enough, they just forget, or they don’t always have water with them, or they’re not thirsty. We want to share with you some everyday “hacks” that can help prompt you to drink water throughout the day.
And remember, thirst is one of the first signs of dehydration – so even if you’re not feeling thirsty, it’s important to drink up all day long!
Water Hack #1: Keep It Visible
One of the easiest things you can do to encourage yourself to drink more is to simply keep a water bottle visible and within reach at all times. Get a fun, reusable bottle that you can keep filling up and keep it on your desk at work or in your car. Give yourself some type of visual to keep track of how much water you’re drinking. For example, if you need to drink 6 bottles full, group 6 elastics together on your bottle. Each time you refill the bottle, move an elastic down or up. Continue this until all 6 elastics are grouped together again.
Water Hack #2: Incorporate Water into Your Routine
We all have something that we do every day. It might be drinking a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, taking a shower, or exercising before dinner. Figure out how to incorporate water in that regular part of your day and make it part of your routine. If you drink coffee in the morning, make it a routine to drink a glass of water while you’re waiting for your coffee to be ready.
Water Hack #3: Set a Timer
All new habits take some time to really sink in and become a mindless part of your routine – and that includes drinking more water. The ultimate goal is to drink enough without any outside triggers, but while you’re getting used to it, set a timer on your phone – or on your watch if it has the capabilities. Every hour on the hour, set the alarm to remind you to drink 8 ounces. When the timer goes off, stop what you’re doing and drink that water right away.
Water Hack #4: There’s an App for That
You can go a step further than your alarm on your phone and download an app whose sole purpose is to remind you to drink water. Many of these apps, like Water Log and Water Alert, not only to remind you to drink up throughout the day, but you can track how much water you’re drinking and how much you have left to meet your goals.
Water Hack #5: Make It a Competition
Start a challenge with your coworkers or family members. Okay, if you’re not a competitive person, consider it a friendly challenge. Make a common goal, such as 5 glasses during the work day, and use some type of form to track your intake in a common area like a calendar or on your desks. You can put a friendly wager on it, like the person who finishes last or doesn’t complete the challenge has to bring in the morning coffee the next day.
