Just Drink It: 5 Healthy Tips to Drink More Water and Stay Better Hydrated
Water is imperative for life and is essential for our health.
According to Harvard University, water makes up roughly 60% - 70% of the human body, making it crucial for optimal bodily functions like digestion, absorption, circulation, metabolism, and excretion just to name a few.
But why is it so easy to drink 3 glasses of wine with dinner while our water glass stays untouched? Why is four beers in four hours ‘no biggie’, but the bottles of water remain untouched?
Water isn’t necessarily exciting; I get it. But it is important.
Below are a few little tips and tricks to help you get more water into your system to keep your body happy and healthy!
PRIORITIZE
The same way that you prioritize brushing your teeth or making coffee as a part of your morning routine, prioritize hydration in there too!
Find a time in your morning routine where you grab some water and get it in your system first thing.
ORGANIZE
Use technology to keep you on track!
Set up reminders or notifications throughout your work day that go off every hour. At each alarm, drink a cup or bottle of water. Even if you have to chug it, just do it and get it over with.
FLAVOR
For some, it’s the flavorless flavor of water that keeps you from drinking it. Change things up by adding in some natural flavor.
You can do this by squeezing some fresh citrus fruits into your water: orange, tangerine, lime, lemon, grapefruit, etc. Muddle some fresh mint leaves in the bottom of your water bottle for a crisp mint taste.
Invest in a water bottle that has an infuser insert built in, allowing you to infuse your favorite fruits or berries without having to chase them away from your mouth as you drink.
TEMPERATURE
Whether you heat it up or cool it down, changing the temperature is a great way of changing the monotony of water.
Hot herbal teas are a great means of hydration. Some herbal teas are even rich in antioxidants, help fight inflammation, and boost your immunity.
If you’re one to prefer ice cold water, invest in cups and mugs that are freezer-safe. Pack those full of ice, fill them with water, and you’re ready to go!
TEXTURE
Sparkling water can be a real game changer for some, but be cautious of those that have added sugar in them. You can buy sparkling water at the store, or you can invest in a small kitchen appliance that you can use at home. Adding flavors like those mentioned previously into the sparkling water can really enrich your boring water.
Staying hydrated might seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of strategizing you can set yourself up for success!
Whether you change the temperature, add some flavor, or just chug it and get it over with, little adjustments to your water habits can make a huge impact on your health. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water, just drink it!