7 Simple Tricks to Stay Hydrated All Day

7 Simple Tricks to Stay Hydrated All Day

Let’s talk about hydration for a sec. It sounds simple, right? Drink water, stay hydrated—easy enough. But if you’re like me, it’s not always that straightforward. Sometimes, between running errands, work deadlines, and trying to remember your favorite podcast episode, drinking enough water can slip to the bottom of the to-do list. And before you know it, you’re feeling sluggish, your skin’s a little drier than usual, and you’re wondering why you can’t focus.

The thing is, staying hydrated doesn’t have to be complicated or even feel like a chore. With a few easy-to-follow tricks, you can keep that water intake up without thinking about it too much. Here are 7 simple habits I’ve adopted to make hydration a natural part of my day—and I promise, they’re not as hard as they sound.

1. Start Your Day with Water

This one’s a game-changer. As soon as you wake up, the first thing you should do is drink a glass of water. Overnight, your body goes into recovery mode and can become slightly dehydrated, so rehydrating first thing gives you a fresh start. I keep a glass of water by my bedside table so it’s the first thing I reach for when I wake up. It’s a small but powerful habit that sets the tone for the day and gives you a little boost of energy to start the morning.

Pro tip: Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of salt to your morning water to help with electrolyte balance and give it a refreshing twist.

2. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle Everywhere

This may seem like a no-brainer, but hear me out—having a water bottle with you at all times is key. I used to be that person who’d forget their water bottle at home or leave it in the car, and then wonder why I couldn’t stay hydrated. Once I started keeping a bottle at my desk, in my bag, and even in my car, I noticed a huge difference.

It’s all about easy access. The more convenient it is for you to take a sip, the more likely you are to drink consistently throughout the day. I recommend something with a straw or a built-in time marker (you know, the ones with the “8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m.” reminders) to help keep you on track.

3. Set Reminders on Your Phone

If you’re someone who gets caught up in work or a Netflix binge and forgets to drink water (guilty), setting reminders on your phone can be a lifesaver. I have mine go off every hour, just with a simple note like, “Drink some water!” It’s an easy, no-excuse way to remind yourself to take a quick break and hydrate. And let’s be real: we all look at our phones constantly, so it’s a pretty effective way to stay on top of hydration.

Tip: If you’re more of a visual person, try setting a background or lock screen image with a reminder to drink water. You’ll see it every time you pick up your phone.

4. Infuse Your Water with Flavor

Drinking plain water can get boring, especially if you’re used to flavored drinks. But adding a little flavor to your water is an easy way to make it more enticing without adding sugar or artificial ingredients. I love infusing mine with fresh fruits like cucumber, lemon, or berries. Not only does it taste refreshing, but the added flavors can actually make you want to drink more.

If you’re really trying to get fancy, you can make herbal water infusions. Things like mint, ginger, or even a splash of coconut water can elevate your hydration game. Just make sure you’re drinking water, not sugary alternatives.

5. Drink Before Every Meal

A simple but effective trick to increase your water intake is to drink a glass before each meal. It’s a win-win: you get your hydration in and it can help curb your appetite, which is a bonus if you’re trying to maintain healthy habits. I find that having that glass of water before lunch or dinner not only hydrates me but also keeps me from overeating.

Bonus: It can aid digestion, too, so it’s a pretty easy habit to adopt for overall wellness.

6. Snack on Hydrating Foods

Hydration isn’t just about drinking water—certain foods are packed with water content and can help keep you hydrated. I’ve started incorporating more water-rich foods into my meals and snacks, like watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, and celery. These snacks are refreshing, hydrating, and they help you stay on track without even thinking about it.

If you’re looking for a quick hydrating snack, grab some grapes, a handful of cherry tomatoes, or a cucumber salad. Trust me, you won’t even realize you’re snacking while boosting your hydration.

7. Track Your Intake (No, It’s Not Too Much Trouble)

If you’re a numbers person, keeping track of how much water you’re drinking can be really helpful. I started using a simple app to track my daily intake, and it’s been surprisingly effective. There’s something about seeing a visual tracker that pushes me to stay on top of it. If apps aren’t your thing, you can use the old-school method of writing it down, or even using a spreadsheet if that’s your style.

The goal is not to stress over perfection. It’s more about staying aware of what’s going into your body and adjusting when you need to.

In Conclusion

Hydrating doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. By making a few easy changes—whether it’s carrying a water bottle, flavoring your water, or sneaking in some hydrating foods—you’ll find that staying hydrated all day becomes second nature. It’s all about building simple habits that work with your lifestyle and make it easier to drink more water without feeling like you’re forcing it.

So grab that water bottle, sip away, and know that you’re doing something good for your body, one sip at a time.