Rethink Your Drink: 10 Fun Ways to Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial for our health, but unfortunately, drinking enough water often feels like a chore. However, it doesn’t have to be boring! With a bit of creativity, you can make hydration fun and enjoyable. Dehydration is linked to increased health risks and is a preventable condition that often gets overlooked. Public awareness and education about hydration are an important part of building healthy habits.

Tapping water bottles together in the air.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Infuse Your Water

Tired of plain water? Jazz it up by adding slices of fruits, veggies, or herbs. Think of your favorite spa concoctions like cucumber-mint or strawberry-basil and replicate that at home. It feels fancy and adds a few vitamins and antioxidants to your drink.

Set Hydration Reminders

Forgetting to drink water? Set reminders on your phone or use a hydration app. If you have a competitive personality that may be all you need to motivate you to drink up.

Eat Water-Rich Foods

Munch on hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber and strawberries. They’re delicious and much more fun than drinking plain water. These foods are high in water content and provide vitamins and minerals, that will help you stay hydrated while snacking.

Water bottle on a desk.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Use a Fun Water Bottle

Get a quirky, colorful water bottle that you actually enjoy using. It’s much more fun to stay hydrated when your bottle has personality. A fun bottle can be a great conversation starter and a constant reminder to drink up.

Drink Herbal Teas

Swap out your regular drinks for herbal teas. They’re hydrating and come in so many flavors, you’ll never get bored. Plus, they’re caffeine-free and great for cozying up with a book. Herbal teas can also have added health benefits, depending on the herbs used.

Make Hydration Popsicles

Freeze your favorite hydrating beverages into popsicles. You can’t beat having a treat while sneaking in more water. This is perfect for hot days and a fun way to make sure you’re getting enough fluids. This also works just as well for kids as adults.

Add a Splash of Juice

Not a fan of plain water? Add a splash of your favorite juice for a bit of flavor, like a cocktail, just minus the hangover. A small amount of juice can make water more palatable without adding too many extra calories. An adrenal cocktail is a great afternoon pick me up too.

Adrenal cocktail in a glass.Photo byGina Matsoukas/Running to the Kitchen

Use an App

Download a hydration-tracking app to keep tabs on your water intake. Apps can be like a personal trainer reminding you to do your best throughout the day. These apps often have reminders and tracking features to help you stay on top of your hydration game.

Drink a Glass Before Meals

Make it a habit to drink a glass of water before each meal. It helps with hydration and might help curb the desire to overeat. Drinking water before meals can also aid digestion and help you feel more satisfied, reducing overall calorie intake.

Create a Water Drinking Game

Turn hydration into a fun challenge. For example, take a sip every time you check social media or send a text and laugh about how much less cool this drinking game is from your college days. You can even make it competitive with friends to see who can stay the most hydrated.