Step Up Your Sippin’

From lubricating joints and improving blood flow to boosting skin health and regulating body temperature, the health benefits of drinking an adequate amount of water are as numerous as they are critical. Sadly, this is one aspect of our health that many of us overlook. As Spring starts seeping back into our lives, it’s a great time to renew your commitment to drink a healthy amount of water. Here are a few tips to help get you on the right track and develop healthy habits for drinking water that will have your body thanking you for years!

1. Have water close at hand – You never know when the urge to take a quick sip will strike you, and the best way to be prepared for that inevitability is to make sure you have your water bottle with you everywhere you go. Don’t just think of taking it on hikes or to the gym, bring it with you to work, have it in the car with you, and even on your nightstand. Get in the habit of having your water bottle be your constant companion and you’ll be amazed how much more water you drink without even thinking about it.
2. Mix it up – For some people, the main reason they don’t drink enough water is simply because water is boring for them. If you fall into that category, fear not, there are so many options today that allow you to break the boredom and still get a healthy amount of water every day. Look at your local grocery store for flavored water packets or electrolyte supplements. They come in such a variety of flavors that it’s almost guaranteed you’ll find something you love.
3. Challenge yourself, and others – There’s nothing like a little friendly competition to help provide some incentive to change habits. Figure out how many ounces of water you should be drinking each day, then challenge your family and/or co-workers to do the same. (While there is no one-size-fits-all formula, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends the adequate daily fluid intake is about 3.7 liters of fluids a day for men (15.5 cups) and about 2.7 liters of fluids a day for women (11.5 cups). This amount changes based on weight, amount of exercise, and several other factors, however.) Once you determine your recommended daily water intake, see how many consecutive days each of you can hit your water intake goals. It might not sound like much of a competition, but sometimes all it takes is having an accountability partner or two to help make you more aware of your goal and give you just a little more incentive to succeed.

Drinking plenty of water might not be the flashiest of healthy habits to develop, but it can be one of the easiest. And when you stop and consider the benefits of getting enough water, it’s also one of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy body. As the weather warms up, it’s easier to be aware of our thirst, but if you can use Spring as a time to not just drink more water, but actually develop better water-drinking habits, your body will enjoy the benefits all year long!