Water is one of the most underrated elements when it comes to glowing up, but it plays a critical role in achieving both physical and mental well-being. Staying hydrated not only supports healthy skin and energy levels but also helps with weight loss, digestion, and overall body function. As I went through my glow-up journey, improving my water intake was one of the most essential and transformative habits I developed. However, as simple as drinking water sounds, it’s not always easy, especially when life gets busy. So, how do you make sure you’re getting enough water to support your glow up? Let’s dive into some of my favorite water intake tips that helped me stay on track and see results!
1. Set Reminders for Consistency
One of my biggest struggles when I first started focusing on hydration was simply remembering to drink enough water. Between being a new mom, working, and juggling daily responsibilities, it was easy to forget. That’s why I set reminders on my phone and Fitbit. I made sure the alarms went off every 2 hours to nudge me to drink more. Sometimes, you just need that extra push to keep going, and these reminders were a game-changer for me. Setting reminders ensures that I’m not just drinking water when I remember but consistently throughout the day.
2. Chug Instead of Sip
I used to think that the key to staying hydrated was gently sipping on water throughout the day. But with a toddler in tow, that method didn’t work for me. Between chasing my little one and staying active, sipping felt like a never-ending task. I switched to drinking larger amounts at once, usually around 20 ounces, every two hours. This way, I could focus on other things without constantly thinking about water. I would just chug a bottle and forget about it until the next reminder went off. For me, this was the most practical approach, and I recommend it to anyone with a busy schedule.
3. Infuse Your Water for Extra Motivation
Sometimes, plain water can get a bit boring. To make it more exciting, I started adding natural flavors. I’d infuse my water with lemon slices, cucumber, or mint leaves. Not only does it make the water more enjoyable, but the added ingredients also bring their own health benefits. Plus, it can be a fun way to make hydration feel like a treat rather than a chore.
4. Track Your Progress
Another thing that helped me stay on top of my water intake was tracking it. There are plenty of apps out there that can help you log how much water you drink daily. Alternatively, I kept a simple tally on my phone to remind myself if I was on track for the day. Whether you track in an app, a journal, or just a checklist, being able to see your progress gives you a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to keep going.
5. Pair Water with Other Habits
A technique that helped me improve my water intake and stick to it was habit stacking. This is when you combine a new habit with an existing one. For example, I paired drinking my water with other daily activities. I would drink my 20 ounces of water during breakfast, while I was preparing meals, or while my toddler ate his breakfast. I found that this was a great way to make water intake feel like a seamless part of my day. The more I stacked this habit, the easier it became to stay consistent.
6. Hydrate Before, During, and After Exercise
Exercise is one of the times when staying hydrated is especially important. When I started working out regularly as part of my glow-up journey, I made sure to drink water before, during, and after my workout. Staying hydrated helped me maintain my energy levels, especially during intense group fitness classes. In fact, drinking water during workouts not only keeps you hydrated but can also improve your performance. When I realized that hydration was a key part of boosting my results in the gym, I made it a point to never go into a workout dehydrated.
7. Stay Consistent with Your Water Goals
To really see the benefits of hydration on your glow-up journey, you need to stay consistent. While it may seem like a small thing, the cumulative effect of drinking water daily can have a significant impact on your energy, skin health, and overall well-being. Whether you aim for 64 ounces or more, make sure that you’re consistently meeting your hydration goals every single day. It’s not about perfection—it’s about building a habit that you can maintain long-term.
Conclusion
Water is essential for so many aspects of your glow-up journey, and by following these tips, you can make sure hydration is working in your favor. By setting reminders, chugging water instead of sipping, and tracking your progress, staying hydrated becomes a manageable and rewarding part of your daily routine. When you add water to your glow-up habits, you’re not just nourishing your body—you’re also giving yourself the energy and clarity you need to shine from the inside out.
Elizabeth Yuen 