1. Evaluate Your Daily Water Intake
While the general guideline from The Eatwell Guide is 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day, your needs may vary based on factors like activity level, weather, and health conditions. Start by tracking your daily intake for a few days to see if you’re hitting your goals, and go from there. Apps and refillable bottles with volume markers can help you stay on track and cut down your plastic consumption.
2. Upgrade Your Water Source
Where does your water come from? If you or your workplace rely on single-use plastic bottles or unfiltered tap water, it’s probably time for an upgrade. For a more sustainable solution, consider using a mains-fed water dispenser with advanced filtration that filters out 99.999% of bacteria. At BRITA, we provide fresh, great-tasting water without the environmental impact of plastic waste. In the office, this switch is a sustainable and cost-effective way to improve your water quality.
3. Make Hydration Convenient
Have you heard of the saying ‘out of sight, out of mind’? The same applies to water. Make drinking water easy by keeping a filled glass or reusable bottle within reach throughout the day. In offices, having a centrally located water dispenser encourages everyone to stay hydrated. BRITA’s range of dispensers offers chilled, sparkling, and ambient water so that everyone can enjoy fresh-tasting water.
4. Enhance the Taste Naturally
To give your water more flavour, try adding slices of lemon, cucumber, or a few sprigs of fresh mint. These natural additions not only enhance the taste but also maintain the health benefits of plain water. Incorporating these simple variations into your routine can make drinking water a more enjoyable experience, keeping you motivated to stay hydrated consistently.
5. Set Hydration Reminders
Busy schedules can make it easy to forget to drink water. To combat this, set reminders on your phone or smartwatch to help you maintain a consistent routine. You could also tie drinking water to specific activities—like having a glass first thing in the morning, before each meal, or during work breaks.
6. Ditch Single-Use Plastics
Spring cleaning isn’t just about improving your health; it’s also about reducing waste. Single-use plastic bottles are a major contributor to pollution. Switching to reusable bottles and sustainable solutions, such as a BRITA mains-fed water system, helps protect the environment while providing high-quality water on demand.
7. Educate The People Around You
If you work in an office or have a busy household, promote good water drinking habits among each other. Start by sharing the benefits of proper hydration and encourage the use of eco-friendly water solutions. Then, you can keep reminding one another to stick to your routine. Creating a collective effort fosters accountability.
8. Regularly Clean Your Water Bottles and Dispensers
Spring cleaning wouldn’t be complete without tackling the cleanliness of your water source. Reusable bottles should be washed daily, and dispensers need regular maintenance to ensure they’re functioning optimally and providing safe, high-quality water.
When you buy with BRITA, you get our professional installation and maintenance services, making this process seamless.
Why Drinking Water Matters
By spring cleaning your water drinking habits, you can improve your health and make a conscious choice to support sustainability and reduce waste. As we said earlier, small changes, like using a water dispenser or tracking your intake, can lead to lasting benefits for you and the planet.
Start this spring with a fresh perspective on hydration. When you’re at work, BRITA’s innovative water solutions are here to help you stay hydrated and sustainably.
Read more with our guide on the importance of hydration.
FAQ's
What happens when you drink too much water?
We’re no health experts, but we have done the research for you. According to The Cleveland Clinic, drinking excessive amounts of water can lead to a condition called hyponatremia, where the balance of electrolytes in your body is disrupted. This can cause swelling in cells, leading to symptoms like nausea, confusion, and muscle pain.
Read more with our guide on drinking too much water.
Can drinking too much water give you a headache?
Yes, overhydration can cause headaches. It dilutes sodium levels in the blood, affecting the body’s fluid balance.
What are the signs of overhydration?
Common signs include nausea, headaches, confusion, muscle cramps, and, in more serious cases, swelling in your hands, feet, or belly. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for expert advice.
Does your water consumption need to change in warmer weather?
Yes, in warmer weather, your body loses more water through sweat, even if you’re not engaging in vigorous exercise. This makes it essential to replenish lost fluids consistently throughout the day. Also, as the days get longer, you may spend more time outdoors or even engage in more activities, further increasing your water requirements.
How can I stay hydrated in warm weather?
To stay hydrated in warm weather, be mindful of the heat and set yourself reminders to drink water. You could also boost your hydration by adding water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, oranges, and leafy greens. Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning to kick-start your day and another before bed to stay hydrated overnight.
If you’re a business and looking for ways to encourage your employees to drink more water, read our guide to workplace hydration.
