There should be no surprise that the more well hydrated you are, the better you feel. Water boosts your energy, improves your digestion, decreases your appetite, and makes your skin glow. Although recommendations vary on how much water we need, most are about at least 8oz per day.

Unfortunately, drinking enough isn’t always easy.  Thirst isn’t always the first sign you’re dehydrated – often fatigue is.  And many people are use to being thirsty that they ignore the nagging physiologic alarm altogether. With it being summer, and hotter temperatures are here, it’s key that we need to remember to stay hydrated.

8 Tips to Help You Stay Hydrated Daily

1. Carry Around Your Day’s Supply – Fill 3 bottles (Ban.do or Swell makes cute ones!) of water and bring them to work with you in the morning. The visual of how much (or how little) you’ve had during the day is a great motivator. I always have one on hand at my desk at work and refill it often.
2. Eat It – Water-filled fruits and veggies count towards your daily recommendation.  Some of the best choices are lettuce, celery, tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, cantaloupe, and apricots. Perfect because each and everyone of those choices are delicious and easy to eat daily.
3. Make It Fancy- Try freezing kiwi, strawberries or grapes in ice cubes to zest up your glass. I slice up lemon and cucumbers and add those. Sometimes I add grated ginger and mint and let that sit in a large refillable pitcher overnight.
4. Make It Fizzy- Sparkling water is still water.  And bubbles are calorie free. Pick up a Soda Stream!
5. Use An App- Apps like DailyWaterFree, WaterMinder, and WaterLogger keep track of how much you’re drinking and remind you when you need a gulp.
6. Set An Alarm- Set one to go off each hour and then use the following 60 seconds to recharge and rehydrate.  Take 10 gulps of H20, 10 deep breaths, and stretch your arms to the ceiling and down to your toes.  Voila! Instant energy.
7. Drink Before You Eat- Drink a glass of water before each meal.  Sometimes our bodies confuse thirst with hunger, and staying hydrated can help keep cravings at bay.  It may also be good for your waistline – Research shows we take in fewer calories during meals if we drink water first.
8. Warm It Up- Who doesn’t love comfort drinks?  The soothing routine of waking up to a morning cup of joe or a cup of tea is a nice ritual for your morning. Why not de-stress any time of the day with a cup of warm water, lemon and honey: Just breathe and relax. This is how I start my day, with a cup of hot water and a lemon slice. It’s also good for detoxing your skin, bonus!

   Check out the Best Foods for Your Skin Type! Since you are about half way there on the glow factor, you might as well eat these foods for that extra boost.

   Have fun and get creative with remembering to stay hydrated this summer!