We talk a lot on our blog about the importance of hydration for staying healthy and safe, but I’ll be honest with you. Sometimes I find it hard to make sure I’m getting all my water in! I know I need to do it, but other things happen. So even though I have a bunch of water bottles (I live in the desert, after all) I bought myself another one. 

It’s meant to carry all your water for the day, according to the general recommendations (64 ounces). It has different times of day listed on it as a guide. If it’s 10 am and I haven’t hit that line yet, I know I have some drinking (water) to do! 

Now it may seem silly to some people to go out and buy something like this. But for the rest of us with busy lives who get caught up in what’s going on around us and aren’t always remembering to hydrate, the purchase makes life and the healthy habit easier. (Just as buying a set of folding table risers to lift up your folding table keeps you ergonomic. Sure, you could cut up some PVC pipe yourself. But are you doing it?)

March 22 is World Water Day. We’re fortunate to live in a country where good water is plentiful and pumped right into the house! And yet so many of us aren’t taking advantage of it. Maybe you need to buy a bottle like mine, or another reusable bottle to avoid clogging the earth with more plastic.

Or try one of these ideas to quench your thirst and stay hydrated.

1. Flavor up

Some people just don’t like to drink plain water, especially those who are used to sugary sodas or energy drinks. Add some flavor (but no calories) to your H2O to help you drink up.

Adding fruit and/or cucumber slices to your water is easy to do with a jug, carafe or water dispenser. Oranges work well. We’ve found that lemon and lime slices left too long make the water unpleasant to taste. As always, YMMV! (Your mileage may vary.)

In the grocery store you’ll find plenty of flavors made to squirt into your glass, or mix in with it. Pick a sugar-free option. If you don’t like the taste from your tap, buy a filter. They can be attached at the source, or you can use one just for drinking.

When you buy your reusable bottle, pick one that comes with a fruit infuser inside of it. In the morning, pop your fruit in, and savor it the rest of the day!

2. Eat foods with lots of water too!

Watermelon is almost all – 92%! – water. Strawberries are nearly as hydrating. Cantaloupes, peaches, and oranges and grapefruit are also high-water fruit.

For veggies, think lettuce, cucumbers, zucchini, celery, tomatoes (yes I know they’re technically fruit), bell peppers, cauliflower, cabbage.

Most broths and many soups, though not the cream-based ones, will give you some hydration in addition to the nourishment. Plus, dairy foods such as skim milk, plain yogurt, and cottage cheese can be high-water too. 

3. Find the temperature you like

Some people just can’t drink ice cold water, and others can’t handle room-temperature H20. Prepare for the day accordingly: plenty of ice in your bottle, or leave it out on the counter to reach room temperature.

Prefer to drink hot liquids? Heat up your water in the microwave, and add some flavor if you like. Hot water with lemon is helpful when you’re not feeling well too.

4. Make it fun or fancy

Sometimes you just need to change up your routine in order to stick to your healthy habit. Instead of drinking from your regular old water glass (or reusable bottle), break out a martini or wine glass, or other fave cup. 

5. Add one glass to your morning and after-work routines

When you wake in the morning, you’ve gone a long time without water. Hopefully 7 to 8 hours! Rehydrate, which helps you wake up a bit too. Try this: Drink a full glass of water immediately upon waking and jump start your system.  (Leave a nice carafe out if that helps.)

And at the end of the day, as part of your transition ritual (especially helpful for anyone working from home) give yourself another glass. 

Want to make ergonomics at your folding table easier? Click here to check out our line of folding table risers to see which ones will work for you.

Lift Your TableⓇ … Save Your Back!