Are you one of the millions people who aren’t getting the right amount of water into your daily routine? There are a lot of water-related benefits that can be achieved once you start drinking more.
A minimum of eight glasses of water a day is recommended. You should aim for more if it is really hot, or you are working out and sweating a lot. Getting enough water in your body will prevent you from getting dehydrated.
I like to think of water as the fuel that keeps my body running. I know this is an overused analogy, but it’s an apt one. The same way your car needs gas to run, your body needs water to stay hydrated and healthy.
Here are a few tips to help you remember to drink more water, and to make it a little more pleasant or interesting.
1. Keep a Log
This can be as simple as a little piece of paper on the fridge, or a page in your day planner. Just make a little checkmark, or dash on the piece of paper every time you drink a glass of water.
The log will help you keep track of how much water you have had in any given day. You’ll also be surprised how motivating it is to try to get those eight little checkmarks on there every day. Another idea would be to use little stickers instead.
2. Add Some Lemon Juice
I tend to get bored with drinking just water after a few days. Change things up and add a little flavor by adding a teaspoon or less of lemon to your water. You can also try some other fruit juices.
Just make sure you are still drinking mainly water. Just a splash of juice should be enough to make things interesting and give the water some flavor without adding a lot of sugar and calories.
3. Drink Some Water When You Feel Hungry
Unfortunately many of us have gotten so out of tune with our bodies that we feel hungry when we are actually thirsty. If you feel hungry, try drinking a glass of water first. You may just be thirsty.
4. Carry A Water Bottle
It’s much easier to drink water when you have it readily available. Carry a bottle of water around with you in the car, at work, while running errands, in the yard, and even while you are working around the house. You’ll be sipping away the water without even noticing it.
Conclusion
Drinking enough water is an easy thing to put off. And it’s also something that we often fail to do. But whether you’re an active or sedentary person, staying hydrated is essential for optimum bodily function. Your energy levels will suffer without adequate hydration, and your health will take a hit in the long-term too. So instead of putting it off any longer, make a concerted effort to drink more water today—and every day from now on.