We all know how essential it is to drink plenty of water throughout the day, yet so many of us still struggle with this seemingly simple task.

Whether you’re balancing work, education, family, or your wellness goals, it’s easy to let hydration slip through the cracks. The thing is, we don’t just want to drink water because we ‘should’ be drinking it for nutrition and to avoid thirst. It’s a game-changer for energy levels, mental clarity, skin health, and overall wellbeing too.

If drinking water regularly feels like a challenge, here are eight easy hydration hacks to help you stay on top of it.

Use technology as a reminder

There are plenty of apps that include reminders or trackers for water intake. Alternatively, you could set an alarm on your phone, desktop calendar or smart watch to grab a glass throughout the day. If you’re aiming for the typical eight glasses of water (two litres) per day, you could create reminders every few hours, something along the lines of:

• Morning wake up (7am)
• Breakfast (8am)
• Morning tea (10am)
• Lunch (12pm)
• Afternoon tea (3pm)
• Dinner (5pm)
• Mid-evening (7pm)
• Just before bed time (9pm)

Sometimes a little nudge is all it takes to remember to drink up.

Set hydration goals that work for you

Instead of sticking to the ‘eight glasses a day’ rule above, listen to your body’s needs. Factors such as your activity level, the weather, and even your diet play a role in how much water you need.

This means you might require a bit more or a bit less, however, this does require having the capacity and awareness to check in with yourself throughout your day to observe whether you’re feeling thirsty.

Flavour your water

Plain water can get super boring, but adding a little flavour can make it more appealing. You could use something like flavoured drops that you can purchase at most supermarkets, or try infusing your water with fruits, herbs, or even vegetables. Cucumber and mint, lemon and lime, or berries and basil can transform your hydration game.

It’s a refreshing twist that makes it easier to drink more throughout the day.

Deck out your drink bottle

Sometimes, the key to drinking more water is simply making it more enjoyable with the right equipment and the right aesthetics. Invest in a stylish reusable bottle or a beautiful glass that makes sipping feel like a treat. You’ll be surprised how much a little upgrade can make you want to reach for your water more often.

These days you can get drink bottles with many variations on lids (sipper, smoothie, straw etc.), many size options, and even add vinyl decals to customise and personalise your hardware.

A translucent water bottle with time markers or measurement lines labelled on it can be a visual reminder to keep sipping throughout your day. Plus, toting around a bottle is a portable way to make sure you’re meeting your hydration goals.

Whether you’re working from home, running errands or hitting the gym, keeping that bottle by your side ensures you're staying hydrated wherever you go.

Anchor it to your existing routine

It’s common to wake up in the morning feeling parched, so kickstart your day with water before you do anything else. Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning rehydrates your body after a night of sleep and gets your metabolism going. Keep a glass or bottle by your bed so it's the first thing you reach for when you wake up.

You can also tie hydration to other habits you already have. For example, every time you check your phone, take a sip of water. Or after you finish a work task, reward yourself with a hydration break. By connecting water intake to everyday routines, you’ll naturally drink more without even thinking about it.

Hydrate through food

Did you know there are plenty of foods that can help you stay hydrated? Many fruits and vegetables are packed with water and can contribute to your overall fluid intake. Snack on water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, strawberries, and leafy greens throughout the day. It’s both a hydration and nutrition boost in one without the extra effort.

Set small, realistic goals

If drinking more water feels overwhelming, start small. Instead of aiming for the full two litre target, break it down into mini-goals like finishing a certain amount by lunch or making sure you sip water before and after each meal. Small steps can add up to big hydration wins without feeling like a burden.

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty

By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already starting to get dehydrated. Make a habit of sipping water regularly, even when you’re not actively craving it. You can make this easier by keeping a bottle or glass within reach at all times during your day, and take small sips regularly to stay ahead of dehydration.

To sum up

Hydration doesn’t need to be difficult or something you have to constantly think about. With these simple hacks, it’s easy to add more water into your day, and your body will thank you with more energy, better focus and clearer skin.

So grab your water bottle, take a sip, and feel the difference that staying hydrated can make in your life.

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