24 Sep Why You’re Not Drinking Enough Water and How to Fix It

Do you ever get to the end of the day and realize you’ve barely had a sip of water? You’re not alone. Many of us are guilty of going about our day without giving much thought to hydration. The funny thing is, we all know how important water is for our health, yet it’s one of the simplest things we overlook.

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If you’ve ever wondered why you’re not drinking enough water or how to actually fix that, you’re in the right place.

Why Aren’t You Drinking Enough Water?

There are several reasons why people struggle to meet their daily water intake. Let’s look at the most common ones.

1. You Forget

This is probably the biggest culprit. With everything going on in your life—work, errands, family, social media—it’s easy to forget something as basic as drinking water. It might sound silly, but out of sight, out of mind, right? If you don’t have a bottle of water in front of you, it’s likely not a priority in your busy day.

2. You Don’t Feel Thirsty

Believe it or not, feeling thirsty isn’t always a reliable sign that your body needs water. By the time you actually feel thirsty, you’re probably already dehydrated. Some people also have a naturally lower thirst response, meaning they rarely get the signal to drink.

3. You Prefer Other Drinks

If coffee, soda, or juice is always your go-to, water might not even cross your mind. These drinks might seem like they’re hydrating you, but they often contain sugar and caffeine that can have the opposite effect, making your body crave even more water.

4. You Think You’re Drinking Enough

Sometimes, you think you’ve been sipping away all day, but in reality, it’s nowhere near enough. Maybe you had a glass with breakfast and another with lunch, but that’s just not cutting it. Many people overestimate how much water they’ve actually consumed.

5. You Don’t Like the Taste

Water can feel a little “blah” for some. It’s flavorless and, compared to your favorite beverages, can seem downright boring. But this can easily be fixed, and we’ll get into that soon.

How Much Water Do You Actually Need?

Before you get overwhelmed thinking about how much water you should be drinking, let’s make it simple. The rule of thumb is around 8 glasses a day, but that’s not a hard and fast rule. Your needs might be different based on factors like your body size, how active you are, and even the climate you live in.

This is a generalization and may not apply in all situations, especially if you kidney, heart or other medical conditions. It is possible to drink too much water in some situations or with some medications so please consult with your medical provider to determine the right amount of hydration for you.

How to Drink More Water Without Thinking About It

If you’re not drinking enough water, the good news is that you can fix it with a few small changes. Here are five foolproof ways to make sure you’re getting enough water every day. Once you start to drink more water, it’s going to get easier and easier.

1. Always Keep a Bottle Nearby

This one’s simple: If you see it, you’ll drink it. Carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go—work, the gym, errands, anywhere. Having water constantly within reach is the easiest way to remind yourself to take a sip. Plus, you’re doing the planet a favor by avoiding single-use plastic bottles.

2. Add Some Flavor

If plain water just doesn’t do it for you, there are plenty of ways to make it more interesting. Try infusing your water with slices of fruit like lemon, lime, or cucumber. You can even toss in some mint leaves or berries for a refreshing twist. Suddenly, water isn’t so boring after all!

3. Set a Reminder

Sometimes, all you need is a little nudge. Set a reminder on your phone or download a hydration tracking app to remind you to take a drink throughout the day. You’d be surprised how much this simple trick can help.

4. Drink a Glass Before Every Meal

Make it a habit to have a glass of water before every meal. It’s an easy way to get more water into your day without even thinking about it. Bonus: Drinking water before eating can help you feel fuller and might even stop you from overeating.

5. Eat Your Water

You can eat your way to better hydration. Foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries have a high water content and can help you stay hydrated. While eating these won’t replace your daily water intake, they can certainly give you a boost.

Signs You’re Dehydrated (and How to Avoid It)

So, how do you know if you’re dehydrated? Here are a few signs to watch for:

• Dry mouth – One of the first and most obvious signs.
• Dark yellow urine – Your pee should be a light, pale yellow if you’re well-hydrated.
• Fatigue – Feeling tired can sometimes be linked to dehydration.
• Dizziness – If you’re feeling lightheaded, water might be the answer.
• Headaches – Dehydration is a common trigger for headaches and migraines.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms regularly, it’s a sign you need to up your water intake.

Making Hydration a Habit

The trick to drinking more water is turning it into a habit. The more you practice these small changes, the more natural they’ll feel. Keep a bottle handy, experiment with flavors, and track your progress. Before you know it, staying hydrated will feel like second nature.

More resources:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256#:~:text=So%20how%20much%20fluid%20does,fluids%20a%20day%20for%20women
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink

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Last Updated on September 24, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD