How to Drink More Water Without Overthinking It

How to lose weight? Drink more water. Take better care of your teeth? Drink more water. Want smooth, glowing skin? Drink more water.

We have to drink water to thrive; it is the second most important thing we need to live (what’s the first?) I’ve written before about why water is important to keep your energy up.

But there are still days even I don’t drink enough!

Drinking water is boring compared to our coffee, tea, sodas, juices… things that stimulate our taste buds and our brains. Establishing easy habits and routines we don’t need to think about can help us get and stay hydrated. Here are some painless tips to drink more water in your day.

1. Get a smart water bottle

Water bottles come in all shapes and sizes. But the most useful and fun water bottles contain smart technology. They have features like beeping to remind you if you haven’t taken a drink in more than 30 minutes, keeping track of how much you’ve drunk, and even transmitting this information to an app on your phone. This can help you keep track of your current water consumption so that you know if you need to increase your intake or compare how you feel on days you drink more than others. Plus, they’re just dang fun. And when something is more fun, you use it more often.

Since I originally wrote this post, smart water bottles have come a long way! They have time trackers, lights and sounds to remind you to drink, motivational sayings, and even Bluetooth speakers built-in. Check out the top-rated smart water bottles on Amazon now! (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Doesn’t cost you extra, though.)

2. Drink more water as soon as you wake up

If I reach for coffee before I’ve had any water, it is usually mid-afternoon before I even start drinking the water I need for the day. This leaves me dehydrated, and it usually takes me days to catch up. However, if I drink a glass of water first thing in the morning, I feel so much more energized. Morning is the most important time to drink water because you have fasted all night and are in a slightly dehydrated state when you wake up. Do yourself a favor and drink that water first thing!

3. Take vitamins to drink more water

Vitamins are a good way to make sure you are getting important micronutrients, especially if your diet is heavily composed of processed food. But the other benefit is washing them down with a big gulp of water! Adding this habit to your day will help trigger more water consumption. Make it a habit to drink the whole glass when you take your vitamins.

4. Add a little flavor to trick your brain

Sometimes in the afternoon, I just need a little something that feels like a treat. What I really need is hydration, but at that time I crave something more. This is when adding some flavor to the water can really help you feel pampered, but also give your body exactly what it needs. Avoid drops and powders that are full of inflammatory chemicals. Instead, opt for some sliced fruit or a splash of juice.

A new trend sweeping the nation is flavored, sparkling water. Some of these are pure water with a few natural flavors. Others are laden with chemicals and sugar alcohols, which come with their own side effects. Personally, I have tapped into Arrowhead Sparkling Water – it’s my go-to in the afternoons and evenings!

Drinking water is boring but necessary. There’s no need to force yourself to choke down massive amounts of water whenever you remember you need it. Build healthy habits into your routine and you will get enough water without even thinking about it. That’s a win-win for your body and your brain! What are your favorite hydration tips?