9 Benefits of Drinking Water + Tips to Stay Hydrated
Do you struggle to drink enough water each day? I know I do! While we’re often told to aim for 6–8 glasses daily, it’s not always easy — especially in the colder months when an ice-cold glass isn’t very inviting.
Still, drinking enough water is essential for your health, energy, and overall wellbeing. Let’s look at 9 key benefits of drinking water and some practical tips to help you stay hydrated.
9 Benefits of Drinking Water
1 – Replaces the Water You Lose
About 60% of your body is made up of water, which you lose daily through sweat, breathing, and trips to the toilet. Drinking water helps maintain this balance and keeps your body functioning well.
2 – Increases Brain Power and Concentration
Dehydration can make brain cells shrink slightly, making it harder to focus and leaving you feeling irritable. Staying hydrated can help boost concentration and mental clarity.
3 – Helps Beat Tiredness
Feeling sluggish? Dehydration can sap your energy. Instead of reaching for sugary drinks, water can help perk you up naturally without a later energy slump.
4 – Supports Weight Loss
Drinking a glass of water before meals can help fill you up, making it easier to eat less and manage your appetite.
5 – Flushes Out Toxins
Water helps your body remove waste through sweat and urine, keeping your system clean and healthy.
6 – Improves Your Complexion
Dry, tight, or flaky skin can be a sign of dehydration. Drinking enough water moisturises your skin, keeps it soft, and may help reduce wrinkles.
7 – Helps Prevent Headaches
Dehydration is a common cause of headaches. When your brain temporarily loses fluid, it can pull away from the skull, causing pain.
8 – Promotes Fresh Breath
Water washes away leftover food particles and oral bacteria, helping to prevent bad breath.
9 – Boosts Your Mood
Your body works better when hydrated, which can make you feel more energetic, positive, and in a better mood overall.
For more on building lasting habits, check out my post 10 Ways to Build a New Habit and Make it Stick
My monthly bullet journal water tracker
During December, I’m focusing on improving my water intake. I’ve created a water habit tracker in my bullet journal to measure progress and stay accountable. Using a tracker like this makes it easier to see how much you’re drinking each day and motivates you to keep going.
9 Ways to Drink More Water Daily
Here are some practical tips to increase your water intake and enjoy the benefits:
Drink a glass first thing in the morning.
Use an app like Water Time to remind you.
Prepare a jug of water for the fridge.
Drink herbal teas for extra hydration.
Add a slice of lemon or lime for flavour.
Try carbonated water for variety.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you.
Have a glass with every meal.
Take a glass to bed at night.
I plan to drink herbal tea in the evenings, a glass first thing in the morning, and one with each meal — that’s already five glasses! With a large bottle throughout the day and a final glass at bedtime, I should easily meet my daily goal.
The Water Time app calculates how much you need based on your weight and gender and allows you to track all liquids, including tea, coffee, juice, and milk (though water counts most).
Drinking enough water may feel like a small habit, but it has a huge impact on your health, energy, skin, and mood. Start small, track your intake, and notice how your body and mind feel as you stay properly hydrated.
