Drinking enough water and staying hydrated is one of the most essential things for your health and well-being. However, drinking enough water regularly can be a real struggle for some kids and adults for a variety of reasons. There are many tips and strategies that can make it easier for you and your family to drink enough water throughout the day—let’s go over ten of them.

1. Drink Water Right When You Wake Up

A large glass of water right after waking up is a great way to start the day. Drinking water first thing in the morning can also help you wake up quickly, relieve tiredness throughout the day, aid in digestion, and flush any toxins that might have accumulated overnight.

2. Drink a Glass of Water with Every Meal

One simple way to remember to drink water is to make a habit of drinking at least one glass during every meal. Not only will this help you stay hydrated, but it can also help your body digest food throughout the day.

young girl drinking a glass of water

3. “Eat” Your Water

Eating certain foods can actually help you and your family consume more water throughout the day. Some examples of water-rich foods are celery, cucumbers, zucchini, watermelon, and strawberries—all of which have a high content of water relative to their weight.

4. Set Reminders

If you wait to drink water until you feel thirsty, you are likely already dehydrated. Instead, try setting reminders on your phone or in your planner to ensure you drink water regularly throughout the day.

5. Try a Mobile App

There are many smartphone apps on the market to help you be intentional about how much water you drink. Some apps can send you reminders to drink water throughout the day, some have you track each time you drink water, and others provide an activity that motivates you to drink water to reach a goal (like growing a virtual tree). These apps can be helpful or fun for both adults and children.

6. Keep Water On Hand

Carrying water with you in a water bottle or jug can be extremely helpful when it comes to staying hydrated. Keep a water bottle in the car, on your desk, or in other areas where you regularly spend time. This can also be helpful if you have kids and they are thirsty while you are out and about.

7. Invest in Fun or Accessible Water Bottles

If you start carrying a water bottle with you or want to encourage your kids to stay hydrated, investing in fun or accessible water bottles can make drinking water throughout the day much easier. If a water bottle is fun and easy to drink from—for example, if it has a straw—then drinking water will become more fun and easy! You can even let your kids choose one they like so they feel more involved and excited.

8. Drink Sparkling Water or Seltzer Instead of Soda

If you’re looking for a refreshing, carbonated beverage, try switching out soda for sparkling water or seltzer! The switch to seltzer not only adds a little more water to your diet, but it also removes a lot of unnecessary sugar that soda brings to the table. Plus, there are still a lot of delicious flavors to choose from.

9. Try Fruit-Infused Water

An exciting way to drink more water is by infusing fruit! Fruit-infused water can add flavor, nutrients, and a pop of color, which just makes water a little more fun. Examples of popular fruits to add include lemons, limes, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, kiwis, blueberries, and pineapple, but you can use almost any fruit you want! Add some mint or cucumber for an extra refreshing taste.

10. Add Water Enhancers for Flavor

Finally, there are a variety of water enhancers on the market that can help transform plain water into something more flavorful or nutritious. However, many water enhancers include high levels of artificial sweeteners and colors, so only use them in moderation or check the label to find the healthiest options.

Which of these tips are you most looking forward to trying?

Do you have more questions about staying hydrated in Salem, Oregon? Contact our friendly staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!

This post was first published on wfmchealth.org.