How To Build A Water Habit That Works For You
The health benefits of drinking plenty of water are innumerable. Staying properly hydrated will aid your digestive system, help you feel hungry less often and improve your energy levels—and that's just for starters! Many people find it hard to build a water-drinking habit that sticks, though, so what can you do to make it a little easier to get your two litres a day?
Get yourself a set of several water bottles.
It's best not to drink all your water in a few big gulps; sipping it throughout the day is usually the better choice. Keeping a water bottle with you at all times is a great way to do this, but no one bottle is the right choice for all occasions! You could try keeping a large 1.5-litre water bottle on your desk at work, having a medium-sized 600ml one by your side through the evening and tossing a 350ml miniature bottle into your bag to sip on the go.
Look into flavouring your water with fresh fruit.
Many water bottles now come with 'infusers' built into the lids. These are a great way to add some taste to your water without compromising on the health benefits. Try packing one with a handful of summer berries, or look into water infusion flavour bags now sold in the tea & coffee aisle of many supermarkets. Water is delicious all by itself, but if you don't like the taste or find you get bored quickly, then this is a great way to switch things up a bit.
Set hydration reminders on your phone.
Chances are you have a device of some sort with you pretty much 24/7, so use it to help you get your eight glasses a day. Set periodic hydration reminders for yourself, and there's no chance you'll forget to keep sipping!
Don't forget about other hydration sources!
Pure, clean water is the best way to keep hydrated, but that doesn't mean that other forms of hydration are worthless. Beverages with a lot of caffeine, sugar or alcohol counteract the hydrating effect in other ways, so your morning coffee and evening beer don't count in that regard. However, juice, cordial and smoothies are all hydrating, as are foods such as cucumber that have high water content. You probably can't adequately hydrate yourself from these things alone (that would be a lot of cucumbers!), but every little bit helps.
Nothing is a miracle cure, but water is about as close as they come for everyday health and wellness, so make a resolution to drink a little more of it.