Hi friends!
Kendall here, chatting about something we all know we need to do every day — drink more water! In the spirit of looking for opportunities over limitations during this time of quarantine, I’ve been assessing my habits and identifying areas where I can improve. First up- I’m not drinking enough water during my new schedule.
When I went into the office every day, I actually never struggled with drinking enough water. I had it down to a science and always refilled my water bottle several times during the workday. Every time I moved, I drank water. Before I left the house, after my workout, on the way to my office, during meetings, the list goes on — my water bottle and I never parted! And let me tell you, I can feel the effects of not getting enough water each day now — in my energy, my skin, my hunger levels and my mood! I’ve had a few headaches, I’ve been more prone to snacking and I’ve been more exhausted than usual (ok some of this might be other circumstances, but I bet my lack of water is partly to blame!)
How much water should you be drinking?
Find what works for you! Use trial and error to determine an amount that makes you feel good and that makes your pee mostly clear. (Sorry TMI but it’s true!) Some say to drink eight 8 ounce glasses of water throughout the day, while others say to drink half of your body weight in ounces (I.E. take how much you weigh, now divide that in half–that number is how many ounces per day to aim for!)
Whether you’ve been struggling to drink enough water for a while or you’re recently struggling in your new quarantine routine like me, I’ve compiled a list of tips that helped me get into my good water groove. I realized that I haven’t been accounting for hydration in my new work-from-home schedule, and there’s no reason why I can’t incorporate the structure that worked before into my new routine. If you’re struggling to drink enough water these days too, check out these simple tips!
5 easy tips to help you drink more water
Make it the first thing you do each morning
The easiest routine I had in place when it comes to hydration was chugging a glass of water as soon as I woke up in the morning, and I don’t know how I fell out of this routine! It’s the best way to start your day on the right foot and replenish your body after an 8+ hour fast. If you normally head straight to your coffee machine in the morning, try chugging a glass of water while your cup is brewing, or keep a water bottle on your bedside table for a fool-proof way to get water first thing in the morning.
Invest in a great water bottle
Next up: selecting the right water bottle for you! I like to have a big one so there are fewer refills needed during the day, but find something that fits your lifestyle/bag/workstation. It’s much easier to keep tracking of your water in-take with big water bottles, than small cups of water! Also, water bottles are much more appealing than a cup of water that’s been sitting out for hours, and they hold their temperature, ice ratio much better than regular glassware.
If you’re looking for a new water bottle, Jess and I both LOVE this Hydoflask! (It’s 36 oz so I only have to drink two to hit my water goal!) Pro tip: if you prefer to drink water from a straw/spout setup, Hydroflask has different tops you can get, like this straw lid and this sports cap!
Set mini-goal deadlines
I think the biggest factor that led to my water intake nosedive during quarantine is my lack of structure during the day. Before, I would have built-in deadlines that I would try to drink a certain amount of water by. A cup before leaving the house, a water bottle before noon, two refills before clocking out for the day, and so on. Now, when I wake up and think of drinking so much water before heading for bed again, it seems like a daunting task.
Try setting mini goals for yourself, and even incorporate them into your calendar or to-do list. Scan morning emails? Drink water. Jump on your team’s Zoom call? Drink more water. Breaking for lunch? Drink water! Reaching for water during transition times helps remind you to keep drinking and doesn’t seem so overwhelming. (Not to mention, it’s kind of fun to have easy goals to hit. The things that make us feel accomplished these days, right? 😂)
Add flavor
While I’ve always been a fan of the taste of water, I know many others aren’t- especially when it comes to consuming greater quantities of it. All this time spent at home is the perfect environment to make some pitches of flavored water!
Enjoy some lemon water first thing in the morning, take some fruit-infused water out on the patio with you in the afternoon or wind down while taking a bath with some cucumber-infused water. Tip: Using frozen fruit is a way to cool down your water and flavor it! You can also add herbs and roots, like ginger, for unique combinations! Check out these 8 infused water recipes to get started! Pro tip: most flavored water is best 2-4 hours after making it or overnight for a richer taste.
Try a 1:1 alcoholic drink to water ratio
My last tip for getting extra water during your days comes into play around happy hour! Whether you’re at home or out with friends (one day soon!), try alternating your alcoholic drinks with glasses of water. This helps you get more water, spaces out your alcohol intake, which can come in handy during [future] day parties or long nights out with multiple stops, and it can help with your hangover the next day! Give it a try- you still get your yummy drinks, but you’ll feel so. much. better when you stay hydrated! Think about how thirsty and parched you feel waking up after a night of drinking? Get ahead of things with this simple trick!
