Tips To Drink More Water

New Year’s Resolution Check In

I know we are barely two weeks into the new year, but according to this New York Times article, 1/3 of the people who make New Year’s resolutions will break them by the end of January. So, now probably is a good time for a New Year’s resolution check in. For me, that means providing an update on how I am doing with my Just 1 Thing Challenge goal and sharing my tips to drink more water.

The just one thing I decided to focus on is drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day, and I have been using my Waterlogged App to keep track of my water and hold myself accountable. 

I am pretty proud of how well I have done. Since I started focusing on this goal on December 29, I only fell short of my goal once, on a Sunday:

New Year's Resolutions

I think it’s interesting that I drank a bit more water the next day. I do remember being more thirsty the next morning.

Over these past two weeks, I have developed some tips to drink more water.

  • Keep track throughout the day. As crazy as it seems, I am realizing that if I don’t log my water as I drink it, I can’t remember how far along I am towards my daily goal. Did I drink one bottle of water or two since I got to work? Did I refill my water bottle once or twice since lunch? If I’ve had a hectic day, I really can’t remember.
  • Set mini-goals. On weekdays, I try to drink 16 oz before I leave for work, another 16 oz before lunch, and another 16 oz before I head home. That leaves 16 oz for the evening, which can be a struggle, but is doable. On weekends my schedule is less rigid, but as long as I make a conscious effort, I can reach my goal.
  • Alternate other beverages. I usually drink close to 16 oz water first thing in the morning (some when I wake up, some while I walk the dog. some during and after my workout), and then enjoy two cups of coffee with breakfast before I head to work. Instead of stopping t Starbucks on my way into the office, I try to put off my Starbucks run until I’ve had another 16 oz of water at work. Then in the evening, I hold off on pouring a glass of wine until I’ve had that last 16 oz of water. These self-imposed rules make sure I drink my water before I enjoy other beverages.
  • Make drinking water easy. I am still amused and amazed by how much more water I drink when my cup or bottle has a straw. Some people like to drink their water from a special glass, or add a flavor like lemon, lime, or cucumber, but I’m fine with plain water. On the other hand, I hate how slow our refrigerator water dispenser is, so I started keeping a pitcher of water in the fridge so I can refill my water bottle more quickly.
  • Appreciate the benefits of water. Before I started focusing on this goal, I probably was drinking 32-48 oz of water a day. I know it was impacting my energy levels and making me vulnerable to snack attacks. I definitely feel better and have been less tempted by mindless snacking now that I am reaching my 64 oz goal.

If you made a resolution are you still sticking with it?

Do you have any tips to drink more water?

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15 Responses to Tips To Drink More Water

  1. Love this! I fill my water bottle up and make a goal to drink it all by X time. I’m not making it every day… but I’m doing better!

  2. Cassie says:

    I know this might sound strange but every time I have to use the restroom it serves as a reminder to drink. I down about 1/3 of my water wattle before heading to the restroom.

  3. I love tea, so I have to really focus on alternating each cup with a glass of water. Great tips!

  4. I’m a straw drinker too. And I’m so much better about water during the work week when I have a big bottle on my desk. I need to attach that bottle to me on the weekends, too. Great tips!

  5. Thanks for the great tips! I definitely need to drink more water!

  6. Kim says:

    I was going to say what Carrie did – I think having a straw in the cup helps you drink more!!!

  7. Tom says:

    Your comment about how drinking water helps with energy and keeping snack attacks down is reason enough for me to drink more. Thanks for that insight, I had no idea.

  8. That’s great. I have been terrible about drinking water and last week I got the most ridiculous side cramp during my run. THAT made me recommit to drinking water. So far so good. I just have to keep carrying a water bottle around with me and take breaks when I’m working on the computer (I just forget to drink!).

  9. Christa Graham says:

    Great tips! Drinking more water is one of my goals, too. (I can’t make just one, however, because I tend to overcomplicate things! haha) I am doing just okay…when I’m busy at work, I don’t drink as much b/c I’m all over the hospital and can’t carry it with me. And it’s SO weird, but I do drink more water when I have a cute water bottle. LOL

  10. Great article. I too use WaterLogged App for tracking water intake. Love it and for the past month and half I am successful in logging 64Oz everyday 🙂

  11. I agree with the straw drinkers. I drink more with a straw. Great tips!

  12. Nikki says:

    Great tips. My fave one so far is to drink out of a cup or bottle that you LOVE. When I have a new bottle or favourite mug I tend to reach for it more often. Works like a charm for me!

  13. Lorraine says:

    My daily routine is to drink 1000 ml of water daily and get some exercise.

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