I mentioned yesterday that we've all had some health issues going on, part of which ties back to the fact that we've been too dang busy to focus on a good routine for ourselves. Finding ways to drink more water tops every doctor's list of health tips!
Oma's actually a nurse, and she's the first one who gave me a kick in the pants to start drinking more water a few months ago. “I'm just so tired all the time,” I complained. “I can sleep eight hours but I'm still exhausted when I wake up!”
I rattled off a list of my usual suspects including thyroid and iron levels – all of which had recently tested normal – and she pointed out a glaringly unhealthy habit she saw taking shape in my daily routine. “You down a ton of dehydrating coffee, but how much water do you drink?”
Oh, that.
Contemplate YOUR Personal Top Ways to Drink More Water
I was determined to find ways to drink more water. Ways that would actually work for me, a person who is often on-the-go. The methods needed to be simple and compact (so no fancy filtration systems or setting out a zillion bottles). After a bunch of trial-and-error with countless little tricks, I've found five ways to drink more water that I've been able to stick with long-term.
Flavor it
The water-infusing trend has been a thing for awhile. Some of us, however, have a tendency to stock up on fruit and berries and shove them in a refrigerator drawer and then get distracted with our children for a week or two. True Citrus all natural water enhancers are the perfect solution. They're available in all major grocery stores and provide REAL flavor from real fruit. If your kids have gotten hooked on sugary soda or juice, this is also a great-tasting way to get them to embrace a healthier habit.
Invest in your very own water bottle
Nobody else is allowed to drink out of this bottle. Put your name on it if you have to! I've just now started seeing water bottles with compartments for stashing money and keys. This would be an absolutely genius way to carry water and True Citrus flavoring so you can always have a freshly-mixed bottle.
Make it part of your morning routine
Brush teeth, take vitamins, eat breakfast, drink water. See? Easy!
Take it to go
Do not leave without water, ever. I use bottles that have loops, hooking them over doors and around my bags with carabiners to remind myself to bring them along.
Set reminders
Did you know that you can set ongoing alarms on your phone to go off at the same time every single day? I'm probably the last person on the planet to discover this (shows you how schedule-oriented I am) but I've been using it to remind myself to drink water at times I know I'm likely to be sitting down working.
Eat spicy food
It'll make you thirsty. Seriously. Best trick ever.
Set a personal goal and then increase your water intake daily until you get there. Here's to a healthy new habit!