8 Tips to Remember to Drink More Water
It is no surprise that adequate hydration is a key component to a healthy lifestyle. It is recommended that we get 2-3 liters of water per day for optimum energy, however the dismal truth remains that most Americans are not reaching their hydration goals. Not drinking enough water can lead to some pretty unpleasant side effects, such as fatigue and headaches, dull skin, muscle cramps, and tachycardia.
At Exell, we are committed to your hydration and helping you to remove any obstacles that are getting in the way. We understand how busy schedules can get in the way of proper hydration, but that does not negate the necessity. We genuinely believe in the benefits that water has to offer, so below, we have highlighted some great ways to remember to drink more water throughout the day.
1. Find out your bottle preference
Did you know that there is an entire market out there for water bottles? From different colors to design features, the perfect bottle designed to help you drink more water is out there. Perhaps a bottle with visual measurements and associated times will encourage you to keep up with your daily intake.
2. Drink out of a straw
Another option is to drink out of a straw. This is a great option for those with mobility impairments because it takes the lift work out of it, which may be a struggle for some. Using a bendable straw can really make a difference in the ease of which they are able to properly hydrate.
If you are getting your hydration through alternate sources, an added benefit is that it helps to prevent oral staining or tooth decay. Drinking through a straw allows the liquid to make little to no contact with the teeth, which means less chance for cavities!
3. Download an app
If you struggle with keeping your daily water intake on track, you can always download an app to your phone that help to remind you. Apps such as Drink Water Reminder and Aqualert are designed to give you nudges throughout the day. They also set intervals throughout the day so that you are not drowning yourself come bedtime.
If you want to take it a step further, DrinKup, which is an app with a corresponding smart bottle that analyzes, tracks, and reminds you when you are lagging on your hydration during the day.
4. Set an alarm
If apps seem a bit too technical for you, you can always go back to the basics and set an alarm with the intention of drinking a certain amount before it goes off. If your daily goal is a gallon (128 ounces) and you know that you are awake for 16 hours a day, set an hourly alarm to drink eight ounces of water within the allotted 60 minutes. When it is broken down into smaller increments, it is much easier to accomplish.
5. Make it taste better
There are endless options out there to enhance the flavor of water. For a slight boost, you can always cut up some fresh fruit, such as lemon or lime, and throw it in there. Another great option is sliced cucumbers or fresh herbs. They key is to let it steep, so make a pitcher to keep in your fridge to sip on throughout the day. Here are several great recipes to try.
6. Find alternate sources
There are plenty of water-rich foods that can help you to achieve your hydration goals. Plenty of fruits, such as watermelon, berries, and cantaloupe hold a water content of over 90 percent, making them great and healthy options.
7. Invest in a water purification or filtration system
Installing a water filtration system in your home is a great way to have access to an unlimited supply of clean and safe water. Because filtration removes any unpleasant tastes or odors, this guarantees that you will never run out of fresh water so that you can continue to fill your glass or water bottle throughout the day.
8. Invest in a water dispenser
Having water readily accessible could make the difference between meeting the daily requirements and not. With a water cooler in your home, you can instantly fill and refill your glass with great tasting water. Many water coolers are also temperature controlled, which encourages consumption of other healthy and hydrating products, like tea.