Don’t get us wrong: making sure we get enough water should be a year-round, 24-7 priority, but with summer on its way (or, depending on where you live, already here), getting in our H20 during the hot and sunny summertime days is non-negotiable.

As reported by the Mayo Clinic, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determine adequate daily fluid intake as 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 cups for women. If you’re already meeting your recommended water intake—congratulations! But if your habits as far as water goes could use a little love, then look no further than the tips found below. We’ve outlined ways you can make getting your water simple and streamlined, so that you can take on every summer day feeling your best.

Keep Your Water Within Reach

Tell us if this sounds familiar: You start your work day, sit through a flurry of meetings, and before you know it, a couple hours have gone by without taking a single sip of water. If you’ve fallen prey to this exact scenario, an easy solution awaits. 

Before you sit down at your desk, be sure to fill your glass or bottle full to the brim and place it directly within reach. Having your water nearby helps remind you to hydrate more frequently (it’s pretty hard to ignore the visual cue, right?). Speaking of visual cues, you can also make things more fun by purchasing a cute bottle that’ll inspire you to sip. Try one with motivating messages or pick up a bottle that helps you keep track of your progress throughout the day.

Find Your Favorite Alternatives

Think water can only come in the form of a tall, cool glass? Think again. While water will always be our go-to, there are plenty of other options to help you reach your hydration goals. Coconut water is a popular choice for post-workout recovery. It contains natural electrolytes like potassium and manganese, nutrients in which many Americans are deficient.

Kombucha is another tasty way to keep up your intake, explained Jaclyn London, M.S., R.D. for Good Housekeeping. Just be sure you’re reaching for an option that’s low in sugar—you’ll be surprised to see the added sugar contained in some bottles.

Another option, and one that’s particularly great for this time of year, is fresh fruits and veggies. Certain fruits and vegetables, like cucumber, watermelon, strawberries, and zucchini all boast a high water content, and not only do they make for a delicious snack, but there are recipes aplenty that make the most of the summertime harvest. Because really, is there anything better than peak-season, freshly-ripened produce? We think not.

Jazz It Up

We get it: water can be a little, well, bland. If you’re not down with the taste, and want something a little more interesting, the good news is that there are countless options for customizing your water. Fill up a pitcher with cool, filtered water and drop in your desired amount of fruits or veggies. Citrus slices like lemon or lime give your water a refreshing bite while hulled and sliced strawberries add a hint of sweetness. You can even pump up the flavor factor by infusing fresh herbs like mint or basil for an unexpected, but always delicious, twist.

Time It Right

Make drinking water a healthy habit by identifying a few points throughout each day when you’ll reach for (and finish) a glass of water. This can start first-thing, with a glass of room-temperature water in the morning upon waking. Beginning your day with water will help replenish your system after hours in bed, while also supporting digestion and getting your metabolism going. With that starting point set, find natural points of pause in your schedule when you’ll be the most likely to remember to sip. This can be after meals, during a break in the afternoon, before and after working out, etc.

Once you have these baseline parameters established, go even further. You can set an alarm on your phone or watch to remind you to drink every hour, or even try enlisting a hydration buddy like a family member, coworker, or friend to keep you accountable to meet your daily goals. As with every new habit or behavior change that you introduce into your life, finding support and surrounding yourself with positive encouragement can go a long way.

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