We all know how important it is to drink plenty of water. A lot of us if we should be drinking more, but more often than not, we struggle to maintain the habit. Below are some of our favourite tips and tricks to help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

Set an alarm

Set yourself automatic reminders throughout the day, prompting you to reach for the water. These could be notifications in your desktop calendar or an alarm on your phone. There are also plenty of mobile apps available to help you with this process. If you’re into self-improvement, you could even use a ‘habit-tracking’ app to work on multiple goals.

Carry a bottle

Simply carrying a bottle around with you could be enough to kick-start the habit. If your water is readily available, you’re more likely to drink it as you go about your day. After a while, it will become normal and you’ll start noticing when your bottle’s not there. To keep costs low, buy a bottle of water and then refill it from your tap at home. If you don’t like the taste of tap water, it could be because of you’re living in a hard water area. If this is the case, it might be worth investing in a water softener or a filter to improve the quality and taste of the water. For something a bit fancier than a bottle, you could opt for a flask or a stylish ‘to go’ cup. The key is to keep your water close by, so that grabbing a drink becomes effortless.

Use sticky notes

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Try putting sticky notes around your home, reminding you to grab a drink of water. Position one by your front door, so you remember to bring your bottle when leaving the house. Stick another by your bed, in case you get thirsty during the night. Doing this will also ensure you have water available first thing in the morning. Place your sticky notes wherever you’ll see them regularly – you could even put a note on your desk at work!

Add some fruit

Fruit infused water is hugely popular right now and it’s a great way to liven things up! If you find the taste of plain water boring, this option is for you. Simply chop up your chosen fruits and place them in a jug or glass of water. Put the water into the fridge and leave it there for around 2-8 hours. The longer you leave it, the stronger the flavour. Citrus fruits like lemon, lime and orange are great for creating a tangy taste. Alternatively, try blueberries or strawberries for something sweeter. Mix and match your favourite fruits until you find the perfect flavour for you.

Make water part of your routine

Just like any habit, the best way to stay consistent is to build water into your daily routine. Start by placing a bottle or glass of water next to your bed. That way it’s ready and waiting for you when you wake up. You could also include a glass of water as part of your breakfast. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your morning cup of coffee- just have some water alongside it. Incorporate water into your day, wherever it makes the most sense for you. Perhaps you could take a glass into your work meetings or sip some water during your commute. Remember to drink some before bed as well but not too much or you’ll be up all night!

While dehydration is a far more common problem than overhydration, consuming too much water can be harmful in certain situations – so please consume water responsibly and seek professional advice if required.

[Photos by kaboompics and Alexis_Fotos]