5 Easy Ways to Make Drinking Water a Part of Your Daily Routine

November 23, 2019

The amount of water you are recommended to consume daily can sometimes feel overwhelming. Yet drinking enough water can be vital to our overall health and wellness. So if you are having trouble figuring out how to fit extra water into your schedule or simply remembering to do so, we have five easy habits that can help!

1. Drink a Glass of Water Before You Go to Bed And When You Wake Up

Your body tends to become dehydrated during the 6-8 hours you are sleeping at night from sweating, movement, and simply not drinking any water for that long. Help your body out and give it a head start with a glass of water before bed. Recent studies have also found that drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning is one of the best ways to start your day! It’s a great way to energize yourself and wake up your organs. A simple trick to help you remember this is to start keeping a glass or a reusable bottle of water next to your bed.

2. Drink One Glass of Water For Every Alcoholic Beverage You Consume

Alcohol can quickly dehydrate you because it is a diuretic— meaning it causes your body to get rid of fluids. Not only can this cause the dreaded next morning hangover, but it also can hurt things like your skin, immune system, and brain function. Healthline recommends you “have at least one 16-ounce glass of water with every 12-ounce beer or 4 to 6 ounces of liquor” to keep yourself properly hydrated for your evening of fun.

3. Drink Water With Your Meals

If you eat three meals a day that’s three more times a day you’re working water into your schedule! If you eat six small meals a day that’s six more times! Replace your normal beverage of choice with water and infuse it if you want something a little more exciting to drink!

4. Drink Water When You Work Out

Drinking water is the best way to keep yourself energized and to keep your body temperature regulated during a workout. This is probably one of the more natural ways to work water into your routine as your body often craves extra fluids after doing something strenuous. The American Council on Exercise recommends that we should be drinking water all throughout our exercise routine— approximately 17 to 20 ounces 2 hours before we begin exercising, 8 ounces 30 minutes before, 7 to 10 ounces every 10 to 20 minutes during your workout, and then another 8 ounces within 30 minutes after you complete your workout.

5. Drink Water When You Feel Tired or Hungry

Replace that extra cup of coffee or midday snack with a glass of water. Feeling tired when you’ve gotten enough sleep can be a sign of dehydration. Similarly, feeling hungry when you’ve eaten enough can also be a sign of dehydration. When your brain can start making this connection you have the advantage of being able to give your body what it actually needs.

Remember, for the healthiest and best tasting water you should always use a water filter!
We hope these ideas were helpful to you and make you feel like hitting your water drinking goal is more attainable than you thought!

Sources:
https://familydoctor.org/athletes-the-importance-of-good-hydration/
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-alcohol-dehydrate-you#causes

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