The busy bee's guide to upping your water intake

Staying hydrated on busy days can be a challenge. Before you know it, the day is done and you’ve barely had a sip of water! It’s such an essential for brain function, organ health and overall wellbeing that without it, it’s tough to function at 100%. The good news is, there are things you can do to help make sure you get those recommended 8 cups a day.

Whether you have a reusable water bottle or prefer to drink from a glass, upping your water intake is a great way to keep your body healthy and happy. From being prepared to delicious infused delights, here’s how to stay hydrated when you’re on the move.

Always on the move? No problem!

Whether you're travelling, running errands, or just busy with daily activities, it's crucial to make sure you're getting enough fluids. By understanding the importance of hydration, you can prioritise it in your active lifestyle and ensure that you're performing at your best.

One of the easiest ways to stay hydrated on the go is to always have a reusable water bottle with you that you can refill whenever you need. Look for a water bottle that is durable, leak-proof, and easy to carry. Fill it up with your favourite herbal tea or ice-cold water to keep you sipping throughout the day.

Keep sips by your side

So you’ve got your go-to bottle for while you’re out and about, but what about at work? Continually getting up to use the water cooler may be such a distraction that you prefer to stay at your desk instead. This is where keeping water nearby can make all the difference to your water intake. Make things as easy as possible for yourself and you’ll start drinking more. Reusable cups can be a great way to keep your glass topped up while keeping your water cool.

If you’re the adventurous type and love exercise like hiking or sports, using a hydration pack (backpacks or vests that come with a built-in water reservoir and a tube for easy drinking) is a convenient and practical solution. They are perfect for activities like hiking, cycling, or running, where you need to have your hands free.

Enjoy more water-rich snacks

When you're on the go, it can be difficult to find time to sit down and have a proper meal. That's why opting for hydrating snacks like fruits and vegetables can be a great way to stay hydrated.

Fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and oranges have high water content and can help replenish your body's hydration levels. Vegetables like cucumbers, celery, and lettuce are also great options as they are not only hydrating, but packed with essential nutrients. So next time you're feeling hungry while on the move, reach for a hydrating snack to keep yourself refreshed and hydrated throughout the day.

Get infusing!

Preparing a delicious drink for your journey is a great way to encourage more sips. Infusing water with fruits and herbs is a simple and refreshing way to keep up your water intake while you’re out and about. To infuse water, simply add your desired fruits and herbs to a pitcher or water bottle, fill it with water, and let it sit for a few hours to allow the flavours to infuse. That’s it!

Some popular combinations include lemon and mint, cucumber and basil, and strawberry and lime. Experiment with different flavours to find your favourite infused water recipe.

Prefer a hot drink? There are so many herbal teas and water infusions that can be served warm to add a pep in your step. Combos like lemon and ginger, or peppermint and camomile are all hydrating favourites that help you feel relaxed while you hydrate.

Start practising mindful hydration

Mindful hydration involves being more aware of how much you’re drinking and trying to increase that amount slowly. Set achievable hydration goals that take into account different kinds of water intake and be sure to check in on how you’re tracking at different points of the day.

Did you know that thirst is a sign of dehydration? This is why it’s important for us to keep sipping throughout the day, even when we’re not thirsty. Trying to make it a habit will help keep your body hydrated, without you even noticing! Not sure how to keep track of your intake? Using a water goal app can help you track how much you drink. There are plenty of apps out there that are free to download and help you maintain hydration mindfulness. For example, you can celebrate the progress you’ve made and know when you’ve hit your goals.

Drinking more water is a great habit to get into, and with these tips you should be hydrated in no time. Start slowly and implement some good daily routines and before you know it, you’ll get used to staying hydrated—even on your busiest days!

*Collaborative post