6 Helpful Tips to Help You Stay Hydrated

We don't know about you, but the fall season always puts us in the mood to practicing healthier habits and make some thoughtful shifts in our lives. For many of us, this includes getting better at drinking water and staying hydrated.

On the surface, it sounds simple—just drink more water!—but that can be a lot more easily said than done. People can get so busy and distracted that they forget, only realizing their mistake when they're feeling parched, fatigued and headachey at the end of the day. If that sounds like you, read on to discover our favorite useful tips for staying hydrated at all times.

Find a Reusable Water Bottle That Suits You

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's a lot easier to drink plenty of water when you have a full bottle on hand. While it may be trendy to collect lots of water bottles in different beautiful designs and styles, we recommend settling on just one that really works for you, based on things like carrying capacity, weight and portability, and sticking with it. Focusing on just one or two bottles at a time makes it easier to make a habit of filling them, bringing them with you and drinking from them regularly, as well as keeping them clean. We also suggest buying dishwasher-safe bottles, allowing for easy washing, and being able to alternate between them so you're never caught without your water on hand.

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Start the Day With a Glass of Water

Before you do anything in the morning, drink a glass of water (or the equivalent, about eight ounces, out of your water bottle) to start things off right. This will this hydrate you right away and start waking up both your body and mind in the morning, and if you use the bathroom before you head out, you don't have to worry about an added potty break disrupting your day too much.

 

Also read about: Why You Should Embrace JOMO, or the Joy of Missing Out

 

Set Reminders on Your Phone

If you, like us, are guilty of forgetting to drink water, don't hesitate to rely on technology for helpful reminders throughout the day. You can set your phone to remind you periodically to drink water, or even download an app to help you track your water intake and nudge you when you haven't been sipping. Further, you can try manually tracking how much water you're drinking, whether on your phone or in a physical journal, to see your progress. You can also try slowly increasing how much water you drink over time until you're feeling at your hydrated and most healthy best.

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Make Your Water Less Boring

Some of us struggle to drink water because it's bland, or because certain tap water and bottled waters have an unpleasant flavor to them. If you're putting up with it and forcing yourself to drink water that tastes weird, you're unlikely to stick to the habit, so instead, try flavoring your water. Add fresh fruits or herbs for a kick, or even flavor enhancers or herbal tea bags. Some people also prefer the taste and texture of their water when it's hot, warm, room temperature or ice cold, so experiment there to find out what you like best. Ice cubes are another addition that many people love—and bonus points for additional water in the ice.

 

Also read about: Everything You Should Know About Staying Properly Hydrated, According to a Doctor

 

Make Your Water Do More for You

Drinking a ton of water without the right minerals can mean you're not properly absorbing that water, allowing it to pass right through you (and sometimes resulting in totally clear pee). Electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, are also essential for maintaining hydration, and if you're not getting them from your diet, you can benefit from adding electrolyte mixes to your water. They can help you get more out of every sip of water, and since many of them are also delicious, they'll encourage you to drink more water, too.

 

Remember That Hydration Doesn't Just Include Water

Lots of people are convinced that only drinking plain water contributes to your level of hydration, when nothing could be further from the truth. Other drinks, including teas, milk, sports drinks and juice, are just as hydrating, and even coffee and soda count, though they should be consumed in moderation.  Most fresh fruits and veggies are also packed with water, so don't discount their water content. And yes, soup can be super hydrating as well.

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For more the subject, click HERE to discover our favorite methods for staying hydrated, beyond drinking water.