There are many benefits to drinking water. Hence why we’ve been told constantly to “drink eight glasses a day.” For starters, staying properly hydrated can help with energy levels, and brain and immune function by preventing dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking and result in mood change, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But in addition to the cognitive advantages, it also improves your blood circulation, flushing out toxins and impurities so your skin can remain hydrated and free from acne and wrinkles. But despite the known benefits, it can be a challenge to reach our intake goal even when day after day our body is clearly telling us to “drink more water.”
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One of the telltale signs that you should up your water game is, you guessed it: thirst. But according to science, when this happens you’re already dehydrated. Speaking from experience, I’ve been known to get the good ole hydration headache in my day, and if you’re like me you know what I mean. With busy schedules and a running to-do list, it’s not easy to commit to staying hydrated, but with the proper steps put in place, staying on top of your water intake can be easy. Professor Stavros Kavouras, assistant dean of graduate education and director of the Hydration Science Lab at Arizona State University, says one of the best ways to ensure you are drinking enough water is to have it in arms reach.
“If you have to get up and walk across the house to your kitchen or get up from your desk and walk to the water dispenser, you probably won’t do it,” he says. “Additionally, two ways to measure if you’re drinking enough is to monitor how often you go to the bathroom, with 6 to 7 times per day — or every 2 to 3 hours — being an adequate amount, and how light your urine is, with lighter being better.” Read below for seven additional tips for how you can stay hydrated and drink more water every day.
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Add lemon or lime to your water
It’s no secret that some may prefer to opt for flavored beverages such as tea or juice, but adding a splash of flavor to your water is something you can easily do yourself. All you have to do is slice up some lemon or lime (if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try using other fruits such as grapefruit or strawberries) and squeeze it into your water or leave it in your pitcher overnight for added flavor. If that’s not enough to get you sipping, drinking lemon water also comes with its own list of added benefits such as preventing kidney stones and providing much-needed vitamin C, which is vital in the body’s healing process.
Use a water app
We use apps all the time. So why not use it to drink water? There are an array of water apps out there such as Daily Water Tracker Reminder, which allows you to set your daily water intake goal and then log every ounce (or milliliter) with just a tap or Aqualert: Water Tracker Daily, which notifies you throughout the day to keep you properly hydrated. As an added perk, it also uses your activity level to determine your daily water requirements to make sure you’re getting the proper amount of water. Just download them to your phone and start tracking. And if you’re not an app person, simply using the reminder tool on your phone works, too!
Opt for water when eating out
Who doesn’t love eating out, especially when so many people are cooped up inside all day? Because this can be seen as a special “treat,” it’s common to get the urge to go all out and order a soda when you’re out, but next time you’re at your favorite restaurant, consider opting for water as your beverage of choice. This can help you stay hydrated, save money and watch your caloric intake, according to Professor Kavouras. “This is a great approach and I am a definite supporter of choosing water when eating out,” he tells SheKnows. “Water is a great hydrator and comes with a major advantage: 0 calories. So, if you have any caloric drink, you’re adding extra calories that your body doesn’t need.”
Treat yourself to a nice water bottle
I for one am much more inclined to drink water when it’s in a non-plastic bottle because yes, the environment matters! It’s easy to do your part and drink water when you buy a reusable water bottle. My suggestion? Get one that’s big enough to satisfy your daily intake needs like the Stanley IceFlow Jug, which comes in 40 and 64 ounces. Plus, with this option, you’ll be really doing your part as these jugs are made in-part using recycled plastics made from discarded fishing nets.
The 64 oz. IceFlow Jug is perfect for carrying with you on on-the-go or just drinking around the house. It comes in three different colors: Polar, Lagoon and Hammertone Green (pictured above), and is designed with all-day ice-cold hydration in mind.
Keep water bottles filled in your house, car and even in your bag
With so many of us spending time at home, leaving water bottles around the house can definitely help increase your water intake. Keeping a bottle in the living room, kitchen and bedroom are great starter spots. You can also feel free to expand your water bottle surface area by looking to include your purse or car. And if you don’t have a garage and are worried about leaving a water bottle outside — especially with temperatures getting higher — set your sights on a bottle that offers all-day cold hydration. Stanley offers plenty of options, but I suggest going with the Stanley IceFlow Tumbler or Water Bottle. The tumbler comes in 20 and 30 ounces and the water bottle comes in 17 and 22 ounces. You can’t go wrong with these options as they’re both great for bringing on the go for errands so you can have cold water at the ready.
The Stanley 30 oz. IceFlow Tumbler is leak-proof and fully packable, with vacuum insulation that keeps drinks icy all day. And you’re even able to carry the tumbler with you as you travel because of its flip straw and handle to carry or clip.
The Stanley 17 oz. IceFlow Water Bottle has a leak-proof flip straw and double-wall vacuum insulation to ensure your water stays cold throughout the day. Plus, it has an easy-to-carry handle so you don’t have to worry about taking it with you on errands, to the gym, to the store, etc.
Bring a water bottle to your next workout
No matter the workout, whether it’s a dance routine in my living room or an afternoon run, I break a sweat. During a workout, it’s much more likely to get dehydrated since your body is losing water as you sweat, which makes it that much more important to bring water to your workout. If you already do, then you’re on the right track, but to ensure you go the distance, challenge yourself to drink the entirety of your water bottle during the course of your workout. You don’t have to drink it all at the same time, but by taking breaks and drinking water, you can guarantee you’ll remain hydrated throughout your workout.
Reward yourself when you hit your intake goal
We all love to be rewarded for daily tasks and it’s good to know you’ve accomplished something on your list of to-dos — and drinking water is no exception. If you’ve set a goal to drink 64 ounces a day every day for a month, pat yourself on the back by treating yourself to something special. It could as big as buying that new top you’ve been eyeing or as little as spending extra time doing your favorite activity. No matter the reward, you’ll be glad to know that you were able to reach your goal and maybe even feel inspired to increase the intake amount next time around.
This article was created by SheKnows for Stanley.
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