As the colder months roll in, it’s common to see a sharp drop in water intake. This happens because we don’t feel as thirsty in cooler temperatures. However, staying hydrated remains just as important—water plays a vital role in regulating body temperature, supporting immune function, and keeping energy levels stable even during the cold season. Many people don’t feel thirsty as often, forget to drink water entirely, or simply can’t find the time during their busy routines. While summer encourages us to drink more than the recommended amount, winter often sees us struggling to meet even half of it. But staying hydrated is crucial year-round. Health experts recommend drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, which adds up to about 2.5 to 3 liters. So, if you're wondering how to make drinking water a habit and maintain healthy hydration levels consistently, you're in the right place.
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Skipping water can lead to a range of physical issues that affect multiple areas of your health. Digestive discomforts include constipation and stomach pain, while energy-related symptoms can show up as fatigue, dizziness, and low appetite. Oral signs like dry mouth and bad breath may also appear. Additionally, dehydration can contribute to headaches and even disrupt your sleep cycle. Plus, since water helps transport vitamins and minerals and keeps our cells alive and functioning, not drinking enough can quietly affect your overall well-being. As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to turn water drinking into a natural part of your lifestyle and focus on sustainable hydration habits.
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If you're not great at tracking your water intake, don’t worry. Here are some easy, creative strategies to help you build this vital habit.
How Can I Make Drinking Water a Habit?
1) Start Your Day With a Visual Reminder
Place a sticky note where you’ll see it first thing in the morning—on your bathroom mirror, bedroom door, or fridge. Write something bold like "DRINK WATER!" to serve as your morning nudge.
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Then, head straight to the kitchen and drink one or two glasses of water while seated. In winter, go for lukewarm water; in summer, add a slight chill to make it more refreshing.
2) Stick Notes on the Fridge
If you tend to forget during the day, use your fridge as a friendly reminder board. Stick notes with messages like "6 GLASSES A DAY" or "STAY HYDRATED!" in big, bold letters. Every time you open the fridge, you’ll be reminded to take a sip. Adjust the target glass count based on your own needs.
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3) Ask Loved Ones to Remind You
Sometimes even the best intentions fail. In those moments, let your household members or close friends step in. Ask them to give you a quick nudge whenever they notice you haven’t had water in a while. A simple reminder from someone else can work wonders.
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4) Always Carry Water With You
Whether you're heading to work, school, or just out for errands, bring a water bottle along. To avoid buying expensive bottled water, invest in a reusable bottle or insulated flask. Choose one that keeps your water cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It's a small effort with big returns for your health and wallet.
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5) Add Natural Flavor
If you find plain water boring, infuse it with flavor! Add mint or lemon for a quick flavor boost. You can also try slices of fruits like orange or berries to keep things interesting. Alternatively, boil ingredients like apple slices, cinnamon sticks, mint, and lemon for a naturally flavored drink. Just a heads-up: people with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or pregnant women should consult their doctor before trying certain herbal infusions.
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6) Sweat It Out
One of the reasons people drink less water in winter is because they don’t feel as thirsty. The solution? Get moving! Exercise, walk, or do household chores that make you sweat. Once you start sweating, your body will naturally crave hydration.
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And in the summer? You’ll likely sweat even while doing nothing—let's see you forget your water then!
7) Drink Herbal Teas
In colder months, herbal teas serve a dual purpose: hydration and immunity support. Chamomile, peppermint, or ginger tea can warm you up and count toward your daily fluid intake. They’re essentially flavored water, so if regular water doesn’t appeal to you, these are a great alternative.
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8) Make It Fun
Drinking water doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Apps like Plant Nanny or Waterllama can gamify the experience and help you stay consistent while having fun. Think of water as your body’s fuel. Buy yourself a cute or funny cup, get a silly straw, or track your intake with a playful app. Treat it like a game or a challenge. Small touches like these can turn a boring task into something you actually look forward to.
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9) Use Alarms or Reminder Apps
If you're truly forgetful or just really busy, technology can help. Set up six alarms throughout the day as hydration checkpoints. When the alarm goes off, stop what you’re doing and drink a glass of water.
Not a fan of alarms? No problem. Download one of the many water reminder apps available for your phone or computer. These apps send gentle nudges and even track your daily progress.
If you've ever asked yourself, "How do I make drinking water a habit?" then consider this your complete guide. Start today—your future self will thank you. As we head into warmer months, remember how important hydration is for your energy, focus, and overall health. Don’t wait until you're thirsty—find fun and effective ways to build the habit now. Your body will thank you!
