We all know that drinking enough water every day is essential to good health, but that doesn’t mean that chugging plain water is easy. While a crisp glass of water is delicious here and there, we’re not always in the mood for it. That makes it extremely difficult to drink 2.7 liters a day if you’re a woman or 3.7 liters if you’re a man. That said, neglecting your water intake shouldn’t be an option. Instead, why not get creative with your water and make it exciting for yourself? Here are 7 sneaky ways to trick yourself into drinking more water:
Jazz up your water
If plain water bores you, get creative with it! Add slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or even strawberries to give your water a little bit of flavor without adding anything processed. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can also add a refreshing twist to your water. These things also make your water look fancy, which is a good added bonus. It’s the little things in life, you know?
Get a smart water bottle or use an app
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Yes, smart water bottles are a thing and they make it easier for you to track your water intake. They also remind you to drink water throughout the day, which is particularly useful if you have a hard time keeping water top of mind. If getting a smart water bottle is a little too much for you, you can just download an app! There are plenty of them and they will send you reminders throughout the day. You just have to make a habit of reaching for your water bottle every time you get that notification.
Set easy goals for yourself
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One common mistake with hydration goals is that people sometimes want to get it out of the way as soon as possible. However, chugging more than one glass of water at a time is unrealistic. That’s why breaking your goal into several smaller goals is a great way to trick yourself into drinking all the water you need. For example, one glass of water every hour is perfectly doable. By the end of the day, those small sips will add up without you even noticing. You have to follow through, though. Otherwise, you won’t create the habit. At first, you’ll need to set an alarm for every hour, but if you stay consistent, it will eventually become second nature.
Eat your water
If you struggle with drinking water consistently and you struggle with reaching your goals, consider eating your water instead. Water-rich foods are a great way to keep yourself hydrated without feeling like a slave to your water bottle. You should still drink a glass of water here and there, but if you munch on cucumbers, oranges, watermelon, and strawberries, you will need fewer water glasses. Soups, broths, fresh juice, and smoothies are another way to hydrate through food and it’s a lot more tasty.
Keep your water accessible
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When you have to get up to get a glass of water, you’re immediately discouraged from it. Especially if you’re focused on work or other things. To avoid that, keep a water bottle handy. You should 100% invest in an insulated water bottle that will keep your water cool and crisp. Plus, it will help you be more sustainable. Fill it up every morning and keep it on your desk or near your person throughout the day. If you keep it in sight, you will reach for it more often for sips and it will be easy to follow through with your water app reminders.
Incorporate water into your daily routine
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Drinking water is such a common thing, you may be saying to yourself, “Water is already incorporated into my daily routine.” But is it? Do you really incorporate water into your daily routine in a conscious way? If you don’t, starting will help you meet your hydration goals. For example, start your morning with a big glass of water before you have your morning coffee. Drink a glass of water before every snack and with every meal. Also, drink a glass of water before bedtime. These are all hydration rituals that can become a seamless part of your day and help you keep your water intake healthy.
Track your progress and celebrate it
Listen, drinking enough every day is a win. Especially when it’s a struggle for you. Like any other habit, it’s important to track your progress with it and celebrate it. For example, set weekly goals and reward yourself when you hit them. Treat yourself to whatever makes you happy, whether that’s a cookie, a new book, etc. Positive reinforcement works and it’s a good way to keep yourself motivated. Eventually, staying hydrated will be second nature to you and you will have won the war!