10 easy ways to help you drink more water
Drinking water should be easy…a simple thing…a natural thing to do.
But in today’s times, it isn’t. With some many options so readily available (sodas, energy drinks, fancy coffee drinks, sports drinks and more), it’s more difficut than ever to drink water to stay properly hydrated.
So many of us get to the end of the day and realize, “oops, not enough water for me today”. But this is problem has an easier fix than it seems! You just need to build a few mindful habits into your day.
By creating new habits, you and your family can all drink more water with very little thought and effort.
Why drink more water?
There are numerous health (and beauty) benefits to drinking plenty of water. Here are 10 great reasons to drink more water every day.
- Skin Complexion improvement
- Maintains regularity/prevents constipation
- Flushes out toxins
- Boosts the immune system
- Natural headache remedy
- Improves mood
- Prevents cramps and strains
- Increases energy
- Promotes weight loss
- Improves memory and brain function
How much should you drink and how to tell if you are drinking enough
Men tend to have more muscle mass, which holds more water than fatty tissues, so they need to drink more than most women. Pregnant and nursing women also need to drink more. People who work out hard and sweat a lot need to drink more water as well.
Unfortunately, there’s no precise formula for just how much to drink. In my research, I’ve read anywhere between 64 oz a day (women) to 125 oz a day (men). I’ve also read that taking your body weight and dividing it by half then drinking that amount of water in oz every day (say you weigh 140 lbs – half would be 70 lbs; drink 70 oz per day).
I suggest that if you don’t know where to start with how much to drink, try starting with the method using half your body weight and adjust from there. Try it for a few days and see how you feel.
Things to keep an eye on:
Notice that you’re feeling thirsty? Drink up! That feeling of thirst comes on as the body’s hydration levels are dropping. Try drinking an 8 oz glass of water and see if you feel more satisfied.
Also, taking a look at your urine (or your kid’s urine) is a good way to help gauge how hydrated the body is. Shoot for a light yellow or clear urine. Medium to dark yellow means you need more water.
If you are noticing feelings of thirst or dark urine, adjust how much you are drinking by adding at least another 8oz each day.
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12 ways to add water to your day
Here are 12 simple ways to drink more water each day. Pick even just one or two, and your body will thank you!
1. Wake up with water
Are you like me? I tend to get out of bed and hit the floor running. Maybe later I think about drinking some water. If so, try having a glass by your night table and drink it when you wake up. The great thing about this is that you will drink a full glass before your brain even wakes up and your feet hit the floor.
2. Get a water infuser bottle
Cut up some of your favorite fruits and veggies then add them to you infuser bottle. Not only do you have luxurious spa water on the go, but you get the benefits of the fruits and veggies too!
If you’re busy, JUST Water has a great infused water collection you can purchase.
3. Start each meal with water
Drink a full 8 oz glass of water before each meal. Not only will you stay better hydrated, but you will feel more full during the meal. This will help prevent you from overeating, helping you keep your weight in check!
4. Set goals
You can do this a couple of different ways.
- Try setting a goal for having 2 cups of water down by a certain time of the day and continue with similar goals through the rest of the day. (2 cups of water by breakfast, 3 more cups by lunch, etc)
- Another way to do this is to have a favorite water bottle with oz marked on it and have a goal to drink the entire bottle-worth of water by a certain point of the day. This is my favorite way
5. Track it on an app
If you are someone who uses technology a lot and uses technology to help with giving you reminders, consider getting an app that tracks your water. Some great options: Daily Water, Water Drink Reminder, and Gulp – Hydrate and Track Water.
6. Keep it close by
Carry a bottle with you all day. Not only does the bottle serve as a reminder, but it also makes it easier to sip throughout the day as well as track how much you are drinking.
7. Drink it hot
If you aren’t a fan of cold water, try heating it up. Add herbal tea or lemon for flavor. Avoid teas with caffeine, because caffeine is dehydrating.
8. Track it with a chart
If you are a traditional pen and paper person, keep a chart handy and track your water intake that way.
Don’t feel like you have to change everything at once
Remember, any changes you make for the better, no matter how small, are great! Don’t feel like you have to try all these ideas or completely change how you drink water in a day. These ideas are only meant to help guide you in realistic and simple ways toward healthier living by drinking more water throughout the day.
Tell us in the comments: Do you think you drink enough water each day? How much do you currently drink?
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I currently drink about 90oz per day. That seems to be pretty good for me, but since I take meds that have a little bit of a diuretic effect, I’d like to increase my intake a bit more – maybe to between 100-120oz?
I am sure I need to drink more water. I usually drink 4 to 5 glasses a day.
I do drink enough water. I carry water with me as I travel in the car.
I quite enjoy water, and drink a lot each day. I think 8-9 large glasses (probably 2.5-3 cups per glass).
I really need to start drinking more water everyday..
I try and I think I do a really great job of it. Some days I don’t but I do for the most part. I like hot water and carrying around lukewarm water in glass bottles. I can’t stand cold water so I appreciate that you mentioned drinking hot water.
I live a cup by the kitchen sick, so everything I go to the sink I drink a glass of water.
forgot to add = between 48 and 72 ounces/day.
Most days I am sure i am not drinking enough water, but carrying a water bottle does help remind me
I probably don’t drink enough water each day. Maybe about 5 glasses a day including tea.
Most of the time, I drink enough water. A reminder, though, it always welcome.
Yep! Normal is 64-96oz, sometimes 100+, esp day before/of long runs ?
Yep- I drink between 64-96 oz regularly, sometime manage 100+ oz, esp day before/ of long runs ?
I do not drink enough water, but I try. I seem to drink more when it’s flavored. I like lemons in my water the best.
I know I don’t drink enough water. I am trying really hard to increase my intake.
I do not drink enough water daily as I only drink about 3 or 4 glasses because I am bad for if I have to stop and get water, getting something else in a store.
I drink atleast 6 glasses of water everyday.
No I don’t drink enough water. I probably drink 4 8 oz glasses of water a day.
Thanks for all the tips, I usually drink a lot of tea even during the summer but I will try to replace with water!
There are days I do pretty good on drinking enough water and some days I could do better I definitely try to have more good days because I can really feel the effects if I don’t drink enough throughout the day.
I definitely do not but currently found me a great flavored water I like so plan on changing that.
I keep a water bottle with me constantly, so I stay hydrated pretty well.
It’s not hard to drink your water goals, once you get in the habit. Thanks for posting!
I try to drink at least 4 glasses of water a day.
My sweetheart helps me remember. I feel much better when I am properly hydrated. I shoot for 40 oz a day, usually drinking the first 20 before coffee to motivate myself.
I think that some days I do as I drink a lot of bottles of water some days when I am sitting at my laptop but when I have days on the go I know that I don’t get enough…and I tend to drink a lot of coffee at times too!
Sadly, I only drink about a cup of water a day. 🙁
These are great tips and definitely a great reminder to get the water intake up! I currently drink several glasses a day, but honestly I know it isn’t enough as I need. Totally working on that currently 😉
My drink of choice is water and I only drink it during the day, but I still don’t feel I get the recommended amount that I should.
We Learn Every Day, Great Info!
I definitely drink enough water during the day! I’m 20 weeks pregnant and thirsty all of the time! ?
Thanks for reminding us about the importance of drinking water.
Hey Eze! Sure! It’s always a good reminder for me too! Thanks for stopping by!
I definitely do not drink enough water. I am trying to get better about it though. I have been working outside and have a big covered cup I bring outside with me to help me stay hydrated.
After morning coffee I drink water for the rest of the day. I drink like 8 bottles of water per day.
I do not drink enough water on most days. I am currently working on this & have found that a reusable glass water bottle helps.
I don’t get enough water, but I’m working on it and adding a little each day.
I daily consume 35 or more ozs.
I think I drink sufficient water, I keep large jars with permanent straws in the refrigerator. I recently tried water drops, but I do like plain icy cold water. I often have a couple cups of tea or iced tea later in the day. You didn’t include it, but I do have coffee, too.
I didn’t say how much, I’d say at least 80 oz a day of plain water or tea. Then a couple big cups of coffee. On a hot day (no air conditioning) I do drink more ice water and sometimes feel like dumping it over my head.
LOL, oh man, Rosie, how I can relate to wanting to dump ice water on my head on hot days! You’re right, I didn’t include anything about coffee because coffee is naturally dehydrating and I wanted to focus on getting/staying hydrated 🙂 I love plain ice water too – yum!
I have to have water within arms reach of me all the time! I drink plain water with fresh lemon wedges in a 18oz cup and I drink about 4-5 of these a day
Do you think you drink enough water each day? – yes How much do you currently drink? – I drink when I’m thirsty and add extra when I’m perspiring or in the hot sun. thanks
Yes i drink enough water but it has taken years to get here.
I don’t drink enough water. I drink about 2 16 oz. bottles a day. Thank
I drink about 6 cups a day and I am not drinking enough water.
I don’t think I drink enough. Currently it’s 2-3 tall cups a day.
I should drink more water for it also helps from being constipated and I my doc told me you’re urine should be pale yellow in color to tell you that your’e drinking enough water.
I don’t drink enough water and I know it. Thanks for all of the tips, maybe I can make a few changes to get more water.
I definitely don’t drink enough water. Thanks for this post to remind me. Seems I start out good, and then little by little I’m back to my old ways unfortunately. Got to do better!
I drink about 80 oz a day so I think I’m getting enough. I start as soon as I get up with a 10 oz glass of water and just doing it throughout the day.
Lately ve been awful about drinking water. I’ve been at about three glasses but I’ll drink two teas. I know it’s not enough so I put a huge contigo 24 oz container mext to my bed after reading this article.
I’m one of those people if I can get in the habit I will drink it all day sometimes almost a gallon and half but if I stop for just even half a day I’m done for a month til I make my mind up. I dont understand myself honestly bc I feel so much better drinking water
Currently, I am drinking only 2 12 oz bottles of water: I haven’t yet decided on a way to remember how important it is to drink water daily.
I drink 64 ounces of water a day. I know that it is not enough but having suffered from CHF some time back, I try to be careful and not over do it.
Great suggestions! don’t drink enough water.
Incredible tips, thanks!
You’re welcome, Jodi! I hope they help!
No i do not drink enough water .
I do get enough. I drink anywhere from 100 to 125 oz per day. I do have a lot more muscle than the average woman so I have to be sure to keep hydrated.
Hey Jennifer! Great awareness! Muscle tissue does require more water than fat does. Great water intake!
NO, I DO NOT DRINK ENOUGH WATER.
Hey Annette! Thanks for stopping by!
No I do not drink enough water but have stopped drinking soda.
Gloria, well, hey, you can’t do it all at once! Great job cutting out soda! Try to build up your water intake, and you’ll feel better 🙂
I drink about 8 glasses of water a day.
Great job, Belinda!
I drink mostly water.
No, I don’t drink enough water. I only drink about 16 oz. per day.
I’ve been drinking about 3 large glasses of water a day.
No I don’t drink enough water maybe one glass a day
I don’t think I drink enough water. My 4 year old drinks more than I do.
I drink one cup of coffee and about 8 to 10 cups of water a dy.
In my opinion I should drink more daily. Right now I drink 2 bottles of water per day.
In my opinion I should drink more daily. Tight now I drink 2 bottles of water per day.
I work outside so I definitely drink enough water . Probably about 5 bottles a day just at work .
I do not drink enough water a day, currently I drink 3-4 glasses
Yes, I think I drink enough… maybe 6-8 cups. I follow you on instagram (Kellywcu)
I COULD PROBABLY DRINK MORE WATER THAN I DO IN A DAY. I REFILL MY WATER BOTTLE PROBABLY 2 OR 3 TIMES A DAY.
I constantly drink water.
I try to drink at least 4 bottles a day.
I know that I do not drink nearly enough water per day! I mostly drink diet soda and 1-2 glasses of water per day.
I drink between 20-40 ounces of water a day, it varies. I also drink Crystal Light, no carbonation.
Hey Roberta! 20-40 oz a day is a great starting place. I recommend trying to increase that number to closer to 72 oz – it’ll make a difference in how you feel 🙂
I drink like 15-18 glasses of water a day, so plenty
I don’t think I drink enough water, but I try 😛 I probably drink 3 or 4 glasses.. I know that is not enough :/
Hey Erin! 3-4 glasses is a great starting point! For a long time, I didn’t even drink that much.
I would love to get a water infuser bottle
Right?! Me too! I don’t have one yet, either, although I’ve tried a friend’s and it was fabulous!
I don’t drink enough water. I try to get in 4-5 glasses a day
Hey Lester! Great awareness! Adding a little more would be a great goal 🙂
i try to drink about 7-8 glasses per day
Great job, Diane!
At one time I had kidney issues that required me to track about a gallon of water a day. I no longer track and no longer drink that much water. Now the amount I drink vaires with the seasons. I like to add some cucumber slices and a lemon wedge to make it easier to drink more.
Wow! A gallon a day! That’s a lot of water! I would agree that how much I drink also varies by the season, but I try to have a baseline of roughly 72 oz for the day. Cucumber water is super yummy!
I believe that I drink enough water everyday. I drink about 3-4 glasses a day.
Believe it or not, Stephanie, 3-4 glasses may not be enough! I recommend trying to drink more than that on hot days when you sweat more.
I drink about 2-3 glasses a day. Definitely not enough right now but am working on cutting back on pops and coffee
Hey Cloe! Yep, those flavored drinks (especially anything that has caffeine) are counterproductive to staying hydrated, but they taste so good! Keep up the good work of cutting back on those and replacing them with water!
I have never been a good water drinker, but I am trying to start drinking at least 6 to 8 cups a day.
Hey Thomas! 6-8 cups is a great goal! Keep it up!
Yeah I drink adequate water.. like 15-18 cups a day
Great job, Calvin!!
When I am work I drink enough water however when I am at home I do not. I usually drink 3-4 glasses a day.
3-4 glasses is a great start, Marlene! If you’re doing it in one environment, it probably only takes a small tweak to carry that across all environments so you get enough water each day.
I don’t drink enough water right now, but am working on cutting back on pop and replacing it with more water. I am probably drinking 20-30 oz of water right now.
Everyone has to start somewhere, Stephanie! It sounds like you’re doing the right stuff – keep at it!
I have had kidney stones in the past and I am very aware of how much I drink. I must say it does take a lot to remember to push the fluids especially water with lemon.
It does take a lot to remember to drink, Maureen, but you know from experience how important it is! Just keep working at it!
i try to remember to drink water every day, sometimes it is hard when you are busy
I totally understand that, Janine! It can be hard to remember to drink water when you are running around like crazy. That’s why I suggest keeping a water bottle with you at all times. That way you don’t have to stop to find water and drink AND it serves as a reminder to keep drinking 🙂