Water plays a critical part in our everyday lives. We need it to survive. On these hot summer days, it is increasingly important to make sure that you are hydrated properly. Dehydration can cause problems such as dizziness, sluggishness, not sweating during exercise, chills, and many other potential problems. Are you drinking enough water? The best way to make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day is to drink throughout the day. Here are 10 Tips to Drink More Water Everyday:
1.) Set a Goal
The first step to take when setting out to drink more water is to set a goal for yourself. How much water do you want to drink daily? The answer to this question can vary depending on the person. Figure out how much water your body needs to stay hydrated. For adult males, that means about 3.7 liters of fluids per day (nearly 16 cups), while ladies need roughly 2.7 liters (or 11 cups) per day, studies show. Pick a goal and stick to it.
2.) Invest in a Good Water Bottle
This step is one that I would label as “Most Important.” Without carrying my water bottle around everywhere that I go, I would not drink nearly as much water as I do daily. It is helpful to find a reusable water bottle that you can grow attached to so that you are motivated to not forget it. Having water available to you at all times is a critical factor in staying hydrated. The water bottle I use is the made by Brita, so that I always have filtered water at all times.
3.) Use an App
A good way to track your progress is to use an app on your phone. There are a few apps that help you measure how close you are to meeting your goal. My favorite is Waterlogged on the Apple iTunes App Store
4.) Buy a Water Filter
Enjoy clean, better-tasting tap water in your home at all times by installing a water filter in your fridge. Your fridge filter uses activated carbon to filter out unwanted particles in your tap water supply such as mold and bacteria. A water filter in your home provides crystal clear water that tastes good.
5.) Infuse Your Water
If the taste of water is too bland for you, try sprucing things up by infuse cold fruits into your water. Lemons, oranges, apples, even strawberries can be cut and put into cold water to give it a little kick as well as tickling your sweet tooth.
6.) Make it a Game
For those of you with a competitive side like me, I make a little game out of how much water I drink. I set deadlines throughout my day stating I must drink a certain amount of water before that time. This race of against the clock is a fun way to keep me drinking my water bottle throughout the day.
7.) Set Timers
Use your phone to set alarms are alerts for when you should drink a glass of water. If you’re anything like me, your daily life can get pretty busy. An alert on your phone is a good way to keep yourself reminded to stay on track of your goals
8.) Water You Can Eat
Many foods you can eat that are composed so much of water, they’ll actually help you stay hydrated by eating them. Cucumbers, lettuce, celery, melons, tomatoes, berries, and many other foods all have high amounts of water in them as well as providing essential vitamins and nutrients.
9.) Use a Straw
Believe it or not, simply adding a straw to your drink will help you drink more water. Studies show that a straw actually makes you drink beverages faster. So if you’re in a pinch and need to drink some water fast, plop a straw into your cup.
10.) Drink a Glass When You Wake Up
I can’t get out of bed most mornings without this tip. Drinking a glass of water right as you wake up will rejuvenate your body after going all night without drinking water. This is a good way to start the day, as your body feels refreshed and more awake after downing a glass of cold water. I fill my water bottle before I sleep and set it on my nightstand so that it’s ready for me when I wake up.
Following these simple tips will help you feel and stay hydrated throughout the day. You may start to feel more awake and alert as your body grows accustomed to drinking more and more water. Water truly is one of the best things you can put into your body so make sure that you are getting the right amount each day.
