How to Make Drinking Water a Habit (Even If You Always Forget)

We all know drinking water is important. It helps with energy, digestion, skin health, headaches, focus, and so much more. And yet… it’s way too easy to forget.

If you’ve ever gotten to the end of the day and realized you’ve barely had any water – except maybe in your coffee or tea – you’re not alone.

The good news? You don’t need to force yourself to drink gallons of water. With a few simple tricks, you can turn drinking water into a daily habit – without even thinking about it.

Why You Should Want to Drink More Water

Before we talk about how to make drinking water a habit, let’s talk about why it’s worth the effort. Staying hydrated isn’t just about avoiding dehydration (although that’s important too)…it affects almost every function in your body.

Here are some of the biggest benefits of drinking more water each day:

More Energy: Dehydration is one of the top causes of fatigue and brain fog. If you’re feeling sluggish, drinking water could give you an instant boost.
Better Digestion: Water helps your body break down food and absorb nutrients properly. It also keeps things moving, reducing bloating and constipation.
Fewer Headaches: One of the most common causes of headaches? Not drinking enough water. If you’re prone to headaches, hydration might help.
Healthier Skin: Water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, reducing dryness and giving you a more natural glow.
Improved Focus & Mental Clarity: Even mild dehydration can make it harder to concentrate and think clearly. Staying hydrated supports better brain function.
Fewer Cravings: Sometimes, when you think you’re hungry, you’re actually just thirsty. Drinking more water can help curb unnecessary snacking.
Supports Weight Loss & Metabolism: Water helps regulate appetite and can even give your metabolism a slight boost, helping you burn more calories throughout the day.
Better Mood & Stress Levels: Studies show that dehydration can increase stress and anxiety. Drinking enough water can help regulate your mood and make you feel more balanced.

Now that you know why drinking more water is a game-changer, let’s talk about why it’s so easy to forget.

Why Is It So Hard to Drink Enough Water?

For most of us, the problem isn’t that we don’t want to drink more water, it’s that we forget or we’re just not in the habit.

Some common reasons include:

You don’t feel thirsty, so you don’t think about it.
Your busy and distracted by other things.
You may prefer other drinks like coffee, tea, or soda.
You don’t like the taste of plain water.

The key to drinking more water isn’t willpower – it’s making it automatic and easy.

How to Make Drinking Water a Daily Habit

Start Your Day with WaterBefore you reach for coffee, grab a glass of water. This helps replenish what you lost overnight, wake up your body, and set a healthy tone for the day.Pro Tip: Keep a glass or bottle of water on your nightstand so it’s the first thing you see in the morning.
Make Water More ConvenientIf water isn’t within reach, you probably won’t drink it. So set yourself up for success by making it easy:Keep a water bottle on your desk, in your car, or in your bag.
Use a cup you love (sometimes a cute tumbler with a straw makes all the difference!).

If you’re always on the go, get a big bottle so you don’t have to refill as often.
Use Habit StackingOne of the best ways to build a new habit is to attach it to something you already do.Try these:
- Drink a glass of water before every meal.
- Take a sip every time you check your phone.
- Drink water while waiting for your coffee to brew.
- Set a reminder to drink water when you start a new task.
When you link water to an existing habit, it becomes automatic.
Flavor It UpIf plain water doesn’t excite you, make it taste better!
- Add lemon, lime, or cucumber.
- Infuse it with berries or mint.
- Try sparkling water for a little fizz.
- Use a splash of juice or electrolyte drops for a subtle flavor boost.
Set Small, Achievable GoalsInstead of saying, I need to drink a gallon of water a day! start smaller.Goal Example: Aim for one extra glass than what you normally drink. Once that’s easy, add another.
Some people like using water tracking apps or bottles with time markers to keep them on track. If that helps you, go for it!
Pay Attention to How You FeelOne of the best motivators is noticing the difference when you actually drink enough water.Do you feel less sluggish? Fewer headaches? Clearer skin? Better digestion? Once you feel the benefits, you’ll naturally want to keep drinking more.