Get Creative: 6 Ways to Hydrate More During Your Day Without Thinking
Raise your glass—there’s compelling science reinforcing why our daily hydration routines are so important. Proper hydration is essential for keeping your body functioning at its highest levels. It regulates your temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, eliminates waste through perspiration and other bodily functions, and protects sensitive tissues. Hydration also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood. Still, it can feel like one more thing on your to-do list to get your daily ounces, or easily forgotten in the fast-pace of a hectic workday. Here are a few creative ways to prioritize hydration so that it fits seamlessly into your life.
###Achievement-Based Water Bottles
Let your water bottle do the tracking for you. These smart bottles record how much water you’re drinking, ping your phone to remind you when you need more sips, and adjust your intake goals based on your history. To sync it, just shake it.
###Hydration Multiplier
It’s no surprise that we’re fans of infusing flavor into our hydration. When you’re aiming for extra ounces it helps to break up the monotony with a few of your favorites, especially with meals (mocktails, anyone?). While we come for the taste, we stay for the benefits and science of CTT® and the 2x faster hydration than water alone.
###Filtered Water
To ensure you’re getting all of the good stuff from your water and none of what you don’t want, consider a water filter (like the Berkey) that can remove more than 200 contaminants. You’ll get high-quality water without the waste of plastic bottles, too.
###Setting Goals for Hydration
Staying hydrated during your workout will help your body fire on all cylinders, but it’s easy to underestimate what you need. Let the pauses in between your workouts serve as small reminders: On a run, for example, take a few sips at every mile mark. Doing a HIIT class? Try a swig between stations. Taking on leg day? Have some water during every rest.
###The Wet Sleeve
When you’re taking your workout outside or just out and about, carrying a large water pack can be cumbersome—and could possibly deter you from bringing enough along on your journey. Instead, opt for a hydration pack that gives you what you need when you need it, but won’t bother you. Try something like the Wet Sleeve, which fits on your arm for easy and accessible sips when you want them.
###Hydrating Foods
Foods with high water content can help you stay hydrated—no straw required. Toss some cucumbers or watermelon into your next salad to increase water intake, slice a tomato on your next sandwich, or ditch the bread in favor of a water-rich lettuce roll up. Need a snack? An apple, blueberries, or peach can help fill you up and provide hydration.