Tired of forgetting to drink water? These tested and approved hacks to drink more water make it easy to stay hydrated, boost your energy, and feel good all day long!
Are you constantly forgetting to drink water, only to realize at 3pm you’ve had more coffee than H2O?
Most of us are walking around way more dehydrated than we realize. And as a busy mom, remembering to refill your water bottle probably isn’t at the top of your list.
I get it.
Life is busy, especially as a mom. Some people don’t like the taste—or the lack of it and it feels less satisfying compared to coffee or soda. Or maybe you think you're getting enough through other drinks that seem hydrating, but they’re not always cutting it.
Or maybe you're like me and have a small bladder and get tired of running to the bathroom all the time! 😅
Honestly, I’ve always been pretty good about drinking water, and I think it’s because of how I was raised. My mom never bought pop or juice, so we just never had it in the house. I remember when we would go out to eat when I was little, and getting a Sprite was a huge treat.
If you grew up not drinking much water, chances are its not your favorite now either. But the thing is—water is so good for you. Just look at some of the beauty benefits:
The truth is, hydration isn’t just about quenching your thirst—it’s the fuel you need for focus, energy, and even your mood. But when you’re running at full speed, finding simple ways to sneak in more water is important.
From boosting energy to giving your skin a pretty glow, these 9 simple, realistic hacks to drink more water will help you stay hydrated without overthinking it.
So, if you're looking for easy hacks to drink more water even when your day feels slightly chaotic, you’re in the right place. Here’s a list of realistic ideas that don’t involve overthinking.
Coffee might be calling your name, but start with water right after you get up. Before you even touch the coffee maker, chug a big glass (try 16 ounces or more). I personally have to brush my teeth first, but you can set a water bottle by your bed so you don’t forget, if that works better for you. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel, and you can actually see the empty glass or dent in your water bottle and know you’ve started the day strong. If you aim for 30 ounces before your first meal, that’s a third of the way to some daily goals! After you have achieved your goal, have your coffee!
Let’s make this super simple. Take your weight (in pounds), cut it in half, and that’s how many ounces you want to aim for to drink (at least). Weigh 140? Shoot for 70 ounces. Some days you’ll get close, some days not so much. That’s totally fine. Get a water bottle that has measurements on the side, use an app, or even throw rubber bands on your bottle and move each one down as you finish.
For example, I have a goal of drinking at least 100 ounces of water a day. I have a big water bottle (48 ounces). If I fill it all the way to the top, it’s at least 50 ounces. So I just need to finish it twice, and I’ve hit my goal!
When life gets busy, memory can be the first thing that disappears. You can always set alarms on your phone or use sticky notes on the fridge, bathroom mirror, or kitchen cabinet. Smartwatches with gentle vibration work great too. If you always forget, involve your kids and have them “remind” you.
Plain water all day can feel like punishment to some people, like my husband. You can always toss in sliced strawberries, lemon, or a few mint leaves. You can prep these in five seconds so you can get on to doing whatever you need to do. Keep a tiny container of fruit and herbs in your fridge so you can grab a handful quickly.
Tie drinking water to eating. It’s a habit you can build on, plus it really does help with digestion and sometimes saves you from midday energy slumps. This can also help you from overeating. Pour yourself a glass before you sit for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or just anytime you eat. Rinse and repeat. Your body (and skin) will appreciate it.
This is what I do! Invest in a sturdy, spill-proof bottle and make it your sidekick. It should be big enough that you aren’t refilling every hour, but not so monster-sized that you dont want to use it. Take it with you wherever you go, stash it in the stroller, throw it in the car. When water is always within arm’s reach, you’re less likely to skip it.
Water doesn’t just come from a bottle. Stock up on fruits and veggies that are water-rich. Things like cucumber, watermelon, oranges, strawberries, and celery pack a hydration punch and are easy to share with hungry kids. Make snacking simple by cutting up a bowl of these in the morning.
This might sound silly, but it works. If your bottle is cute, has a bright color, or has motivational reminders, you’ll want to use it. It can really make a difference! Shopping for a bottle you love is definitely worth it if it helps you reach your goal.
Kids copy everything. If you drink water, they want to as well. Same goes for if you only drink pop, that's all they're going to want. Maybe get everyone their own water bottle. Building these small routines together boosts their hydration, too, and sets the tone for healthy habits. For more ways to get your family energized and hydrated, check out these ideas for Healthy Summer Eating Habits.
If you're not drinking enough water, you can usually feel the difference. Even mild dehydration can sneak up on you. You might feel sluggish, a bit cranky, headachy, or even dizzy. And it’s not just you—kids get grumpy too when they’re getting dehydrated.
Staying hydrated gives you more energy and helps your body run smoothly. Your skin stays plumper, your digestion works better, and your brain stays sharp. Drinking enough water even helps your mood, so you can be a more patient mom.
Pay attention to signs like dry lips, dark pee, or pounding headaches. If you notice these things, it might mean that your body needs more water. When you take these hacks to drink more water as part of your routine, you protect your health and your kids’ too. It seems like a small thing to do, but it has big rewards.
Everyone just wants to feel better, be better, do better, and set a good example for their kids. But feeling overwhelmed by “all the things” can get in the way. Start with just one or two of these hacks to drink more water this week.
Maybe you try a fun water bottle or set a phone alarm—it doesn’t matter where you start. Just know that every tiny change adds up over time. You’re already working so hard for your family. Your body and your mind deserve a little extra care, too. I know you can do this!
I hope this post encouraged you! If it did, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you when it comes to staying hydrated.
P.S. This is the water bottle I use every day, and I love it! It’s easy to carry, and it's big, so I know it will help me hit my water goals each day.
From morning to bedtime, these simple hacks to drink more water will help you hit your goals every single day.
