How To Drink More Water
Drinking water throughout the day is challenging, especially if you are always on the move. I remember on my surgical rotation in PA school I would literally never drink water for the fear of having to pee during a long operation. Truth be told, this is not healthy for us. Water affects every organ system in our body down to the individual cells. Staying adequately hydrated throughout the day has endless positive effects on our whole body. Sure we all know the benefits of staying hydrated, but easier said than done. Below are just a few methods I use to “trick” myself into consuming more water
Add flavor: When I add lemon or cucumbers to my water I find that I drink much much more. Perhaps just having that slight flavor makes it more enjoyable, who knows! There are multiple water bottles that have built in fruit diffusers that make this process simple and easy and they are perfect/ portable for work. Playing around with different combinations is also fun. For example, in the summer I do more citrus flavors like lemon and oranges with ginger. In the warmer months I often use cucumbers with mint or even strawberries.
Bring water wherever you go: If I am running errands, doing things around the house, or at work I always have water with me. Trust me on this one, Nick gets a tad frustrated with all of the water glasses around haha! I find this especially helpful for when I am driving in the car. I have a fairly short drive to and from work so on those commutes I try to finish my water bottles. Bottom line is that if you have the water readily available for you, it will become effortless.
Swap your restaurant drink: I truly enjoy sparkling water/seltzer. Instead of ordering sugary carbonated drinks when you are eating at a restaurant, switch it out for sparkling water. I promise you get that Pellegrino with a lemon and you are set. Sparkling water still counts but elevates the experience. There are also tons of seltzer options that are flavored without added sugar and preservatives. We always have sparkling water in our home and I find it more enjoyable to drink than just plain water.
Purchase a water bottle you’re excited about: Okay, seriously who does not enjoy buying water bottles?! I hope I am not the only one with this somewhat interesting hobby (if we can call it that?) . In PA school I used a S’Well, on hikes I use a Contigo, and running errands I use a fun mason jar style tumbler. Shopping online or heading to your local Target can make this fun. They even have water bottles that have tracking lines so you can see your progress throughout the day!. Carrying around something you enjoy will inspire you to use it more.
Set alarms on your phone: If you are truly that busy and forget more days than not to consume water, find yourself getting frequent headaches, dark urine, and other signs of dehydration this may be the best option for you. Set an alarm reminder every hour or two to drink a full 8-16 oz glass of water. That way you can stay on top of it and not get behind. Eventually, with consistency, this will become an effortless habit and part of your daily routine.