Am I the only one who sometimes finds it really hard to stay hydrated? I usually only drink water and I still find it hard to drink enough water everyday. It’s not like I don’t know the effects of dehydration – muscle cramps, low blood pressure, kidney failure, nausea and vomiting, cold sores, dizziness and even tired eyes – to name a few. But, somehow, I keep falling off the water drinking wagon and not refilling my water bottle enough times during the day.
Last year, I did a little research on the effects of dehydration, hoping to scare myself into drinking more water and it worked at the time, but I’ve been slipping a bit recently. So, since it’s been extra hot lately and dehydration has basically become my middle name, I thought I’d resurrect this post and update some of the ways I found to sneak more hydration into my daily routine.
[Tweet “8 tips to help you stay hydrated this summer #thisissummer #healthyliving”]
1. Drink Infused Water
Drinking water alone gets a bit old sometimes. There are occasions when I really want something with flavour. So instead of reaching for a can of pop or a glass of juice that’ll probably do more harm than good, I drink a variety of infused waters.
They help me stay hydrated because they’re just water and fruit, but they have a nice kick to them that I love. Some of my favourites are watermelon + rosemary, lemon + mint, lemon + berries, orange + turmeric.
2. Make hydration a habit
As soon as I get up every morning – or at least most mornings – I drink two glasses of water. I do it without thinking and just get it out of the way as early as possible.
Some other tips I’ve heard are to drink a glass of water before every meal, after taking a shower and before bed. Once you count those up, you’ve already made a dent in your daily water intake, so it’s easy to stay hydrated but just drinking water when you’re thirsty for the rest of the day.
3. Get a bigger water bottle
Half of my issue with drinking enough water is being too lazy to get up and refill my bottle. But if the water is there, I’ll drink it. My trick? A bigger bottle. I’m in the market for a bigger water bottle because my current one barely holds a cup and a half of water. Any suggestions?
4. Cut down on caffeine
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that drinking too much of it can cause you to loose more water than usual throughout the day. If you’re willing to put in the extra work and drink extra water to stay hydrated, then go for it. But, as I mentioned before, just refilling my water bottle can be too much for me sometimes. So, when I’m feeling extra thirsty and dehydrated, especially in the summer heat, I make sure that caffeine is the last thing I reach for.
5. Make it a game
During last year’s Elf4Health challenge, one of our tasks was to track our water intake and the other elves had so many cool ideas for doing it. Here are a few that I liked:
- Use rubber bands. Determine how many times you need to refill your bottle to meet daily water goal. In the morning place that of rubber bands around your bottle. Every time you refill it, take off a band and place it around your wrist.
- Use motivational ‘countdown’ sticky notes. Again, figure out how many times you need to refill your bottle in a day. Write out motivational quotes & slogans on that many sticky notes and stick them on your bottle. Take one off each time you refill. You can even write encouraging messages on each one.
- Mark off your bottle with specific times so you can meet certain hydration milestones throughout the day.
6. There’s an app for that
Actually, there are like a million apps for that. Head to your app store and pick out one that you like. Make sure you understand the interface and that you’ll actually be inclined to use and get tracking!
Here are some to get you get started on your quest to stay hydrated: 5 Smart ‘Drinking Water’ Apps for your phone
7. Get a drinking buddy
Not that kind of drinking buddy. It’s generally easier to change your habits if you have someone to stay accountable to.The Elf for Health hydration challenge worked for me because I had to check in with my buddy elf and with all the other elves on social media. I seriously blew my water intake goal out of the park that day.
So grab a friend or two and get to drinking.
8. Eat water-filled foods
If all else fails, there’s always food right? I love to eat, so I decided to try eating foods with high water content in an effort to stay hydrated. Some that I’m currently loving are watermelon, peppers, spinach, grapefruit and strawberries. I’m also going to start adding more cucumbers and broccoli into my diet as well.
There are so many fruits and veggies that have water content higher than 90% so find some you love and go for it!
What about you?
- Do you think you drink enough water?
- Any tricks that help you stay hydrated?
- Any suggestions for a new water bottle?
Share in the comments below!
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I have days were I drink so much water I am peeing every 10 minutes then there are days when I forget because I get caught up with the kiddos! Definitely need to make it a priority!
Annmarie recently posted…Fitness Things: #SweatPinkSummer, Ride and Run Race & My Love for Funk
If drinking water was a contest, I would win, hands down against everyone and everyone. My Blender Bottle Sport Mixer is like my third arm, I take it or my Camelbak groove everywhere! Either are a great suggestion for a new water bottle 🙂 Sometimes I think i even drink TOO much water, which actually is a bad thing, my meds make me thirsty though so it’s like a catch 22! Great tips 🙂 as always!
Amber recently posted…Coconut Bliss Review
I used to be so bad for not drinking enough water. This year I made it my New Years Resolution! I figured out I drink way more from a bottle from a glass and more from a straw. Therefore I purchased a contigo water bottle with a straw. Voila, I now polish off three of those before I leave work and then drink more water at home.
Great tips though, infused waters are so great and tasty for summertime too!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Six must have items for removing makeup
Great tips! I love water!!!
I have a great Nalgene water bottle that holds 48oz!!! Awesomeness…..http://www.rei.com/product/852357/rei-wide-mouth-loop-top-water-bottle-48-fl-oz/?cm_mmc=cse_PLA-_-pla-_-8523570003&mr:trackingCode=A9711D22-2E54-E211-BA78-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=53280440440&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=70392683320
Jen recently posted…Workout Wednesday
I love infused water! I also have made it a habit to drink a full glass right when I wake up and right after brushing my teeth. Once I get going, I forget so that at least gets me hydrated right away in the morning.
Kayla recently posted…My TOP 5 (can’t miss) Blogs
I’m a water addict! haha. At work, I fill up a big mason jar that fits 4 cups of water. Then I pour it into a smaller mason jar to make it seem easier to finish. I’m basically just playing mind games with myself haha. I try to fill up the big mason jar 2 times a day (and then drink more when I get home), and when I’m feeling like an overachiever sometimes I even manage 3!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Which Food Must Go?
I think I drink enough water. I drink it as soon as I wake up in the morning. I have to have it. I also drink it during my workouts and throughout the day. These are some great tips!!!
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…Product Review: Skulpt Aim
I do really good in this department. Except for sometimes having chocolate milk or adding almond milk in my shakes I only drink water. Now I will add Nuun an electrolyte to my water sometimes but mostly I only add lemon. At my office, I keep a huge Route 44 cup that I get from Sonic. I love their ice cubes too. I’ll go by in the mornings and buy a cup of ice in that large cup and it’s 99 cents! Great for me!
Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin recently posted…Tuesday’s Tips – Rock Your Thing
Fortunately, I am pretty good about staying hydrated. I drink a lot of lemon water. These are great tips. Thanks for the reminder!
Stephanie recently posted…The TFM Favorite Fit Daddy: Malcolm Poole
I totally suck at getting my water in daily. It’s SO HARD!!! I don’t like it…I’ve tried it all, but it all comes down to just doing it. I do like infused water…and sparking water helps me when I get that urge for soda. Thank you for sharing these tips!
Artney @ My Pretty Brown recently posted…The Hills Return + Jeff Galloway Tips: Running Injury Edition
I’m with you Giselle! Sometimes I fall far short on hydration. I love water and I seem to do best when I keep a big bottle with me then I’m mindful about drinking and refilling.
Marcia recently posted…A Runner in Tri Clothing
I have issues with drinking enough water every day too! :[ But your tips are definitely ones I’ve tried that have improved my water intake! :]
Totally an affiliate link, but I’ve had my Hydroflask water bottle (21 oz.) since I started medical school, and I love and adore it. It’s not too freakishly ginormous so I can carry it with me everywhere, and what I love most about it is how great it is with insulating beverages. If you have hot tea in there (or cold water), it’ll keep it at whatever temperature you stuck it in there at for at least 8 hours. <3
Farrah recently posted…Ultimate Fitness Getaway
You can never drink enough water. There are countless benefits to being well hydrated throughout the year.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2015 Shamrock Half Marathon Recap
I just bought a Tervis water bottle and I’m noticing that I’m not drinking as much water as I usually do. I need to get a different top, I think. The one I has dribbles water on me, and I don’t get as much…seriously, I think this is affecting the amount I drink! LOL
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…No time to train?
Great tips! Sometimes I take it back old school and carry the plastic gallon jug of water around. lol
Yes to everything you said. It’s amazing how many things hydration is linked to in the human body.
jill conyers recently posted…Meb For Mortals Book Review
Adding flavors to my water is the thing that works best for me. I drink a ton of water when it tastes good LOL.
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Marine Corps 17.75 Race Recap
Haha! Love that there are apps for that. I always have to remind myself to stay hydrated and definitely bringing a water bottle everywhere helps! I need to try infused water.
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…It’s Tri Talk Tuesday! Talking about riding a bike trainer.
Great tips! Thanks for sharing… now off to refill my water bottle. 🙂
rachel recently posted…2 Weeks Till Boston! Training & Meal Planning
Great tips! Thanks for sharing! I only wish summer would hurry up and come already.
Toni @runninglovingliving recently posted…It’s Official, We’re Moving
I recently bought a 2.45L bottle and keep it by my desk all day. It really helps me stay hydrated as I don’t have to put in the effort to get water and I can sip on it mindlessly while reading
Carmy recently posted…April Goals
lately Ive been all all all about the water laden foods too.
I figure it can hurt?:-)
CARLA recently posted…Skinny shaming.
These are really great tips! I’ve never tried infused water but it seems to be all the rage these days. I definitely need to invest in a better water bottle to carry around throughout the day! I like the rubberband idea!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…2015 Warrior Dash NJ Recap
I am terrible when it comes to staying hydrated. I do like to incorporate infused water as it feels like a special treat and apps keep me accountable. Most likely though, I am still not getting enough water in each day. 🙁
Jenn – a traveling Wife recently posted…Having A Baby?
Great post…I just discovered you on the running with spoons link up. Funny coincidence…I just posted about drinking water today too! I struggle with it too.
And I def. don’t drink 2 glasses first thing in the morning. TMI alert here, but that would activate tummy problems BEFORE my run!
Check out my post sometime if you get a chance. Nice to find you here!
https://travelrunstyle.wordpress.com/
All great tips! I like making infused water because it feels so luxurious 🙂 Infused ice cubes are fun too and a great way to spruce up your beverages!
Btw, although caffeine does make you lose a little more water, caffeinated beverages still count toward your overall water intake for the day, so a large green iced tea is always a good option in addition to regular water!
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. recently posted…Thai Chicken Collard Rolls
All your tips are best example of being health enthusiast. You are right. I need to cut down caffeine in my body. I was a coffee love. But I know caffeine isn’t safe in my lifestyle.
These are great ways for staying hydrated during the summer! I just recently started carrying a water bottle around with me every where I go! Thanks for sharing!
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I often keep water nearby with a straw to remind me to stay hydrated. Setting reminders is a great idea too!
Mahasweta Bose | Just4Foodies recently posted…7 Best Selling Popsicle Molds for Toddlers (2021 Reviews)
Thanks for the reminder! These are great tips!
Very informative read! I remember I once got stones in my kidney because I did not keep my body properly hydrated. After that extremely painful experience, I have learned to keep my water bottle by my side always.
John Gatesby recently posted…How hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome affects Parasympathetic and Sympathetic (P&S) System?
Good