8 Ways to Remind Yourself to Drink More Water

Drinking plenty of water is one of the best things you can do for your body. We not only need water to survive but to become and stay healthy. Water helps lubricate and cushion the spine and joints, protects your brain, regulates body temperature, boosts metabolism, cleanses the body of waste, and the list goes on. When it comes to daily consumption of water, are you reminding yourself on how to drink more water everyday?

When your body becomes dehydrated, you may suffer from low blood pressure, dizziness, headaches, dry skin, and fatigue. So, how much water do you really need? The general rule has always been eight 8oz glasses of water a day. But the actual amount can vary. The average-sized woman should drink about 9 cups daily, and the average-sized man should drink about 13 cups. This is because men tend to be larger and have more muscle mass.

If this seems like way too much water to you, then you may be in trouble. Remembering to drink can be hard, but it’s not impossible. Here are 8 ways to remind yourself how to drink more water.

1) Get a Water Bottle that Reminds You to Drink

Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of your water intake. Now that we are officially in the future, there are smart water bottles that can help us keep drinking until we’ve reached optimum hydration. You can find water bottles that light up to remind you to drink, ones that integrate with a smartphone app, one with a built-in Bluetooth speaker, and one with a timer that counts down until you hit your quota. And then there’s the low-tech version that comes with colored bands you move to the top until you’ve hit your mark.

2) Drink a Glass after Each Bathroom Break

This old-school method is tried and true for a reason – it works. It links your water intake to one of your most common activities. Whenever you get up to go to the bathroom, drink a glass of water. It’s that simple. It’s especially easy if the water cooler is on the way. And, since you are drinking more water, you’ll be making more trips to the bathroom, and so on.

3) Avoid Sugary Drinks

If you replace sodas and other sugary drinks with water, you’ll automatically drink more water. This goes for diet sodas and juices as well. You’ll be more hydrated and much healthier in no time.

4) Flavor Your Water

Many people complain that they don’t like the taste of water. You can easily make your water taste better by infusing it with combinations of fruit, veggies, and herbs to give it a little flavor. Try cucumber and lime slices, lemon with mint, or just mint on its own. Or come up with your own combinations. Freeze fruit and use it as ice cubes. You can even buy a special pitcher that has an infusion rod that can be filled with whatever combination of fruit and vegetables you like.

5) Bring Water with You Everywhere You Go

If you always have water with you, there’s no way you’ll be able to skip drinking it. Carry a water bottle with you everywhere and fill it up whenever you can. There are tons of pretty ones to choose from. Once you get into the habit, you’ll never be without one.

6) Gamify Your Hydration

Gamification makes everything more fun, so gamify your water. You can make a bet with yourself and reward yourself when you hit a milestone. Or you can up the ante and have a friendly competition with friends or co-workers. Once you’re done, you’ll be in possession of a healthy habit.

7) Chew on Your Water

While sugary drinks and juices do nothing for your hydration, eating plenty of vegetables does. Many vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, celery, and tomatoes have high water levels. If you’re tired of drinking water, then increase your intake of water-rich veggies to compensate and stay hydrated.

8) Try Some Herbal Tea

Adding herbal tea to your hydration arsenal is another great way to drink more water. From refreshing and fruity to calming and warm, you can find enough flavors to suit any mood. And the best thing? You can take a teabag or two with you, this way you’ll have flavored water whenever you need it.

When you drink enough water, your digestion is better, your sleep is better, and your thinking is clearer. Use these tips to reach your hydration goals, because every sip you take is one more step towards increased health and wellness.