If you’re looking for an extremely simple, frugal, and quick “fix” for many common ailments like dry skin, headaches, chapped lips, low energy, restless legs, and poor sleep, my non-professional suggestion is to drink a lot more water each day!
Yes, I know it sounds too easy… too good to be true, but I’ve been amazed, time and time again, how a few extra glasses of water reduces, or even eliminates so many of annoying symptoms and ailments.
Why Water?
Back in 2012 (just a couple months after my first child was born), I realized I was thirsty ALLLL the time, my skin was dry, my lips were chapped, I felt extremely lethargic all day long, and I was experiencing more headaches.
I figured all these symptoms were somewhat related to the fact I wasn’t sleeping due to Nora’s lack of sleep as a baby. However, after doing a little research and asking my doctor, I realized I was basically dehydrated and all I had to do was drink more water!
How wonderful to have such a quick, simple, easy, frugal “fix” for all these symptoms!
At the time, I was not a huge water drinker, but I immediately started forcing myself to drink more water every day.
Within a week, most of my symptoms had vanished!
My skin and lips were no longer dry and chapped, my headaches were gone, I wasn’t thirsty all the time, and I had more energy — despite the fact I still wasn’t sleeping great at night.
Since then, I have made it my goal to drink at least 100 ounces of water every day as a cheap, easy, calorie-free way to improve my skin, my hair, my sleep, my mood, my digestion, my metabolism, and basically my overall health. Here’s how I do it…
Our Favorite Water Bottle:
Our entire family uses the Owala FreeSip water bottles (ever since 2019).
We have replaced them over the years, but we all really like how they function — as well as the fun color options!
How Much Water Should You Drink?
Everything I’ve read suggests drinking a minimum of half your body weight in ounces of water each day.
For example…
…if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink a minimum of 75 ounces of water per day.
…if you weigh 200 pounds, you should drink a minimum of 100 ounces of water per day.
If you exercise regularly or sweat a lot, you should drink more water than the minimum — potentially as much as your full body weight in ounces of water each day (150 ounces for 150 pounds, etc.)
Even though I don’t exercise regularly or sweat all that much, my goal is to drink a minimum of 100 ounces of water every day. I figure it’s a nice round number, and my water bottle is 24 ounces, so it’s roughly 4 full water bottles each day (easy to remember).
How to drink at least 100 ounces of water every day:
I’ve found that it’s helpful for me to have “markers” throughout the day that remind me to finish drinking my water bottle… here’s how I use these time markers to help me drink more water.
Water Bottle #1
Drink a full water bottle within the first 30 minutes of waking up (6:00).
We’re usually dehydrated when we wake up, so drinking a bunch of water first-thing is a great way to “wake up” your insides and re-hydrate your body for the day ahead.
Water Bottle #2
Drink a full water bottle between breakfast and “snack time” (9:00).
If I find myself reaching for a snack and my water bottle isn’t completely empty, I drink the water first, then enjoy the snack.
Water Bottle #3
Drink a 3rd water bottle before lunch (12:00).
Again, if I realize there is still water in my bottle while I’m preparing lunch, I quickly drink it and refill my bottle.
Water Bottle #4
I think you see where this is going — drink the 4th water bottle before dinner (5:00).
Since my water bottle is 24 ounces, drinking 4 per day gets me to my 100 by dinner time (this doesn’t even include the water I consumed with my meals, or anything extra throughout the day.)
I try not to drink too much after dinner, as I hate waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. Just a few sips here and there. And I do also keep my water bottle in our bedroom at night in case I wake up thirsty.
Why Time Markers?
It might seem silly or slightly “over the top” to have a system that assures I drink more water every day, but using the time markers listed above works well because I have something to gauge my progress by each day.
I don’t need to calculate ounces or try to remember how much water I still need to drink, I just make sure to finish my water bottles when I wake up, before snack, before lunch, and before dinner.
These time markers will very widely based on your own personal routine, the size of your water bottle, the time you wake up, eat your meals, and go to bed… but they are a simple way to easily track your water intake.
And yes, I know there is likely “an app for that” but I’m not a huge fan of devices , so using regular meal and snack times has felt easy and natural for me.
My Top Water Drinking Tips:
- Find a water bottle you love and carry it with you everywhere.
- Keep a water bottle by your bedside table.
- Drink only water with your meals (try it for a week or so).
- Use time markers throughout the day to remind yourself to finish a water bottle.
A Few More Water-Related Posts:
- The “sneaky” way I get my kids to drink TONS more water when they are sick.
- How drinking enough water improves my quality of sleep.
- The correlation I noticed between staying hydrated and my restless leg symptoms.
- More about our current water bottles.
- A list of 7 benefits I’ve experienced from drinking lots more water. This is an older post (with a different water bottle) but still relevant!
How many ounces of water do you drink each day?
JJ says
Because of this original post, I had bought our entire family these water bottles. We have had ours for 3+ years…possibly 4. They really do keep things cold. We especially like to use them when we go hiking and when we go to the park. I was always a big water drinker but totally stopped desiring water after having my 4th but needing it to keep up my milk supply. I never understood why people would say they didn’t want water. But I became that person. Adding a slight amount of 100% cranberry juice or lemon juice(from the 100% real lemon juice bottle) helped me tremendously! I am back to wanting water. I would still rather drink coffee or tea. But I reward myself AFTER water. I love the idea of time markers! Routines truly help!
Andrea says
Yay — glad your family is loving the waterbottles too 🙂
Believe it or not, I never liked water growing up — and now, it’s the main thing I drink. It all shifted for me back in 2012 when I got very dehydrated after Nora was born. Now, I drink water all day long, for all my meals, and almost prefer it over any other option (although I love a good DR. Pepper now and then!)
Penny Doolin says
I try to drink 8 glasses a day, but I hate water, so it’s like gagging it down. I even put flavoring in it. I just don’t get thirsty very often so I feel water logged when I drink that much. Not sure what to do.
Andrea says
hmmm… what about tea? I”m not a tea drinker, but I do think most black/green teas will count towards your water intake.
Also, if you feel fine without drinking as much water, you’re probably doing OK and don’t need to stress about it 🙂 I get headaches, dry skin, and restless legs when I’m dehydrated so I guess that’s motivation enough for me to drink more!
Kelly Fonseca says
Thank you so much.
I’m 30 weeks pregnant and have not managed to hit my 80 oz water goal except once my whole pregnancy!
I want to drink more, but always was missing the mark!
I’m going to set up a similar routine to yours (but with a later wake up time lol) as a launch pad to just get myself into some kind of drinking routine.
I appreciate you!!
Andrea says
This is great — good for you! Drinking enough water is one of the easiest (and most frugal) ways you can almost instantly improve your health, your sleep, your digestion, your skin, etc. I can always tell when I’m slacking on my water drinking… I’m sure you’ll notice a positive change too!
Nina Croft says
How do you keep from waking up all night an peeing?
Andrea says
haha! I drink A LOT in the earlier part of the day and taper off after dinner 🙂
Your body really does get used to it after a few days.
Beth says
Andrea,
You have really motivated me to drink more water, especially right when I wake up! I’d love to find the Aladdin water bottle! I’m having a tough time finding one. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Beth
Andrea says
This is great Beth! I’m sure you are noticing the benefits of this simple and free change to your day 🙂
We no longer use the Aladdin water bottles (because we couldn’t find them anymore)! We switched to the Owala bottles and LOVE them.
Hope this helps!
Beth says
My Owala arrived yesterday! I love it! Thank you!
My 3 year-old grandson greeted the Amazon driver with a tract and tip! Biggest smile from Donnie, the driver! Goal 100 oz. Today!
Andrea says
yay –exciting!
Dorothy Smiarowski says
Hi Andrea, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I try to drink 85 to 100 ounces a day. When I do that here are some of the positives I experience in my body: Not only does it give me more energy, but also i tend to have joint, back and knee pain often, when I drink the 80 to 100 ounces of water a day I have less pain in my joints, and also I get some relief from my back pain. I have a question though, you mention to try and not drink water 30 mins before meals, etc., however, I don’t eat large meals during the day, rather I eat intermittedly during the day in small amounts. So, it would be hard to quit drinking water 30 mins before everytime I eat. What do you think, if I eat small amounts of food during the day do I have to worry about not drinking water 30 mins before meals? I would welcome and appreciate your response. Take care.
Andrea says
Hi Dorothy!
First of all, great job with the water drinking! Woo-hoo!
Second, if you do not experience any adverse side effects of drinking with your meals, I don’t think there’s any reason to change your current routine. The reason I decided to stop drinking before meals is because I was getting really bad gas and having digestion issues. I read about it and several sources suggested not drinking with my meals as the extra liquid “waters down” the digestive enzymes so they aren’t as effective.
This simple switch has made a big difference for me — which is why I shared it on the blog, but I do NOT think it’s necessary for everyone! 🙂
Hope that clarifies a bit!
Mandy says
Having kids has really messed with my portion control. I’ve noticed I eat really fast (in order to get the food in before a kiddo needs me) which leaves me feeling less full which leads to large portions. Since taking your water drinking advice I’ve really see an improvement in my habits. I’m up to about 100oz a day. Thank you, Andrea!
Andrea says
Yes, I can totally relate to this. Also, finishing their food even when you’re not hungry because you don’t want to throw it away!
100 ounces a day is awesome!
Holly Sanford says
I am a diet coke junkie. I just don’t like water, it’s so blah to me but I know I need to drink less diet coke and more water so I bought an infuser bottle this year. I have found it’s much easier to drink water every day with this bottle by adding some fruit to it (usually strawberries for me). It takes a little more prep work but I’m slowly getting better about drinking water this way. In fact, I noticed I was getting headaches now if I DON’T drink my water during the day.
Andrea says
This sounds like a great alternative! I actually looked into buying an infuser bottle a while back, but I realized I didn’t really like the taste of “infused” water (I prefer lemonade!) LOL
Jenny says
Andrea and others, what are the digestive problems that drinking water with meals causes? I just don’t get what you mean. Sorry to be so nosy.
Andrea says
Hey Jenny
Any liquid you consume while eating dilutes your digestive enzymes — making it more difficult for your body (and those enzymes) to digest the solid food you eat. This could cause gas, bloating, etc.
If you don’t have any issues with this, you’re probably just fine. However, if this is a recurring issue for you (especially after eating) it might be worth trying to limit your liquid consumption 30 minutes prior to eating (and during your meal).
It made a pretty big difference for me!
Jenny says
Oh, interesting- thanks!
Andrea says
you’re welcome 🙂
Cathy says
Also as a reminder what you drink filters your kidneys. I keep a container of the water I am suppose to drink on my counter that I fill every morning and fill my water cup(with or without ice) that I am drinking out of throughout the day, from that. I like to add H30 or Nutrilite Twist Tubes, Rasberry or Mango Flavors. Also now and then some lemon, it helps me drink all that water. Plus they (twist tubes, h30) have anitioxidants, glucosamine, and vitamin C.I love water and that is what I drink too. I have an occasional Pepsi or Dr Pepper but not too often. The benefits of drinking water are awesome, I agree with Andrea, try it for yourself. The benefits out way the bathroom stops.
Cheers to a glass of ice cold water!!!!
Andrea says
yes great point, Cathy!
Janene says
These are the best water bottles, we don’t like straws either. My kids use these too and love them.. It really is a quick, easy way to impact your health. I totally feel the difference when I don’t drink much water. It is amazing to me that simply having a nice water bottle close by helps me to drink more water versus going to the cupboard and getting a glass to fill with water.
Andrea says
oh good — glad you enjoy them too!
Karen Miller says
I looked at you bottle I the pic and thought it looked familiar. It’s the same exact one I just happened to grab at the store yesterday. Great minds think alike, lol! I decided it looked like the best one on the shelf and just what I wanted. Warning about water thought, I was hospitalized twice last summer because I have hydrocephalus which is low salt supply in my body. And I was drinking lots of water which was basically washi6away any salt I had in my body so now I’m one of the few people that have to regulate how much i do drink. I was told by mr dr. To drink things such as Propel or Gatorade. Something with electrolytes. I am feeling much better now. Plus i have to take sodium tablets to assure i definitely have enough salt. I have gotten to like Propel but look for it to go on sale of course! Lol
Andrea says
haha — great minds think a like!
Kimi says
Just as an FYI propel contains Aspartame. May I suggest True Lemon lemonade packets. They have different flavors all without Aspartame. (I’m partial to the raspberry flavor 🙂 that brand is all natural, non-gmo. Having said this, they do NOT have the added salt you say you need. But something to consider…. it’s a trade-off. Just my 2 cents worth. Lol
Sarah says
This is so funny…
I got this email right as a group of my friends and I have started a water challenge together. We have this group text going where we motivate and encourage each other to drink more and it is really helping and makes it more fun!
Rachel Rouse says
Wondering the brands of your water bottles? Contigo? Do you like them?
& the brand of the kids bottles-picture of them 3 in a row on your butcher block?
Thank you!
Rachel
Andrea says
Hey Rachel, I’m not at my computer right now, but the brands of the water bottles are right in the post (towards the beginning) with links to the exact bottles on Amazon.
Thanks!
Liane says
Had to share this — would have done when you posted it but we were traveling with bad or no internet.
I downloaded an app for my iPhone that does two things. It reminds me to drink on a schedule of my own devise, and tracks my water and gives me a reward if I meet my goal. Of course I ignore the phone. It was not convenient or I was driving or had wet hands or some other excuse for ignoring the alert until voila I got an iwatch. I got the watch for dog walking. I was tired of juggling the poop bags and the leash and the car keys etc. and frequently was walking wearing pants with no pockets. When my old phone died I got a bigger one — less convenient for putting in a pocket. So after I got the watch I could lock my phone away in the car and not have it falling from my hand as I tried to fend off a not too friendly interloper canine who terrorized my terrier. Or dropping it while unlocking the car with the my dog tugging the lead. First thing I did was to get a spare car key fob and attach it to the dog lead or a belt loop with a caribiner. That worked great — car is totally keyless so all I needed to do was walk up to it and I it unlocked by touching the handle. But the dropping the phone issue continued until finally the screen cracked. I got a new one and was leaving it at home but that bothered me. So I got the watch so I could make calls without the phone in hand. And then suddenly the water drinking solution was right there. Yep. I said all that lol to say this — my watch reminds me with a gentle tap. I’m doing so much better now. I also put a case of Dasani in my trunk — no more not having fresh water in the car. Our tap water cannot be drank it tastes so horrible with chlorine and a musty pond odor. And washing and refilling bottles was a pain too. I forgot to take one, or if I did I left it behind at a friends, at the hairdresser, at the bank, or on the roof of the car. I got tired of buying new ones so I just decided bottled would work for “away” days and I’d drink the reverse osmosis system water at home. Only one problem. No one warns you about peeing. My gosh, I can tell you where every Starbucks’s in a 30 mi radius is (they have ridiculously clean bathrooms).
All my dry skin and chapped lips are gone and other parts are working more smoothly. Thanks for reminding us we need water.
Andrea says
wow — this is fantastic.
I don’t like watches, so I’ve been “anti apple watch” so far — we’ll see if that changes or not!
Jennifer says
I know I need to drink more water but as a teacher I am hesitant to do this– I can’t go to the restroom when I want/need to! I should probably try to drink more water after the kids leave.
T says
I like to add some frozen blueberries to my bottle. Cools it and adds flavor. 🙂
Andrea says
good idea!
Mary says
On a recent trip, the nice resort we stayed in had a large container of water in the lobby. It had slices of lemon and cucumber floating in the water. Found out I love that combo so have been doing at home every since. Also a good way to use up cucumber because I can only eat so many salads.
Andrea says
I know lots of people who put fruits and veggies in their water – it’s a great way to drink more.
I personally don’t care for flavored water, but if it works for you, that definitely do it! Maybe I’ll need to try this again next year when our garden is mass-producing cucumbers again 🙂
Jane says
This is one of many things I know I should but have a hard time doing… partly because I just really don’t like drinking water. Another is that it literally makes me go to the bathroom all the time. Do you have any suggestions?
Andrea says
one reader suggested putting a pinch of pink sea salt in her water and it apparently makes it taste MUCH better to her!
As for going to the bathroom all day, your body will naturally regulate after a few days so you’ll go less often but pee a ton each time!
Avia says
Thanks for this reminder. I don’t know why I have such trouble doing something so simple and obviously beneficial. I work at a desk all day and find if I have water available with a straw I drink a lot more. I also like to drink it room temperature.
Andrea says
you are not alone — I would guess that most adults do not drink enough water (even though it’s so simple and free!)
Also, I have 3 or 4 friends who ALWAYS use a straw as they drink so much more! I’m just the opposite 🙂
Cathleen Marie says
I really like the idea of breaking it up into smaller goals. I think that that would work for me. A daily goal has felt overwhelming.
it is important to know what works for you. I figured out that I love super cold water and I drink more if I use a straw so funny how everybody can be so different!
Lacroix water has also helped me to stop drinking pop and replace it with water. It has a can it has fizz –gets all those sensations going. That was a big hurdle for me-I started drinking a lot of pop and college and really have struggled until the last year and it’s so terrible for you!!
Andrea says
everything is easier when you break it down into small goals! Give it a try 🙂
Andrea says
Like many other commenters, I’m one of those people who rarely feels thirsty, so drinking enough water has always been a chore.
I recently upgraded to a Hidrate bottle (usually around $45 but on sale right now) that automatically tracks the amount of water you drink. It also glows and sends reminders to your phone throughout the day if you fall behind your goal. What I appreciate most is that the companion app adjusts my daily goal based on my activity and local weather and even shows a helpful marker to show where you should be vs where you are currently. I also use Waterminder to track non-water drinks throughout the day. Both Hidrate and Waterminder sync through Apple Health so regardless of which app I use, the amount gets updated in both apps.
As a cheaper alternative, there’s a clip on light, called an Ulla ($25), that blinks periodically throughout the day until you pick up your bottle. That being said, I prefer the added features of the Hidrate and found it too easy to trick the Ulla into thinking you drank when you actually didn’t.
Natalia says
Wow! I really need to increase my water intake! I don’t get half of what I need! 🙁 Feeling tired and dehydrated is not fun! Nor is it being awake at 2,3,4,am… not being able to sleep. It did not cross my mind that water could help with that!!!
Thanks for the reminder and great tips!
It’s amazing that you discovered how much better you feel when you don’t have water with and around meals. I’ve heard this about 25 years ago and my husband and I forget to even serve drinks with meals when we have company. People think we’re weird…but yes, no drinks for about .5 hr before to 1 hr after is the best for us, too.
One thing I’m sometimes doing (usually when it’s a little too late and I’m already fighting a cold or feeling totally down) to “force” myself to drink water: I drink BEFORE going to the bathroom. It’s a natural reminder :). I start with 2-3 glasses, then every time I need to go to the bathroom I drink at least 1 glass before going.
I’d like to give your “schedule” a try.
And also using a bottle!! I noticed I drank more when I was working in an office and the bottle was always within arm’s reach, then I do now, when I’m on the go, go, go.
Thank you, thank, thank you! I’m going to drink some H2O and head back to bed 🙂 It’s 3:36am
Christine says
I’ve been severely dehydrated since my heart transplant 12/18/17. I try to drink at least a gallon of water daily but it’s not easy. I know immediately, by how I feel, if I haven’t consumed enough. I too will get headaches, my skin is extremely dry, my mouth feels as if I have a sweat sock stuffed inside, my muscles get sore, and I can’t think clearly. (I’m 56)
When I get up in the night, sometimes twice, I drink a cup of water before going back to sleep because the water helps me to get back to sleep and, as soon as I’m awake I drink one or two cups to get my body moving!
Meghan says
Risking TMI because maybe my experience can help someone else. I don’t have much natural thirst so unless I force myself, I don’t drink enough water. I went to a gastroenterologist for chronic constipation. He told me my issue was I wasn’t drinking enough water! I don’t drink a set amount every day but am aware of how it affects my body and adjust my water consumption as needed.
Gloria says
I work at a hospital and they recommend drinking half your weight in water. I have a huge jug with a handle that I drink out of all day and when I finish I am done for the day.
Marisa says
Wait. Seriously? Drink half my weight in water? So if I weigh 120 pounds, then I need to drink 60 pounds of water a day? That’s about 7.5 GALLONS of water a day. This can’t be right. That sounds like it’s verging on water intoxication.
Andrea says
haha — NO!
I think you mis-read the post. You drink half your body’s weight in OUNCES of water — not POUNDS of water 🙂
So you would drink 60 ounces of water (which is only around 10 cups!)
Leatha says
This is a fantastic and informative post! Thank you for posting this! It’s an encouragement for me and I believe it’s a new habit I need to start.
You may have shared this before regarding your routine but if you wake up at 4am on weekdays and 5am on weekends what time do you go to bed?
Thanks again for this great post!
Andrea says
we’re in bed by 10pm, often earlier. Last week, I wasn’t feeling 100% and I went to bed at 8:45 TWO nights in a row!
Jane says
Thank you for sharing. Because of my health issues, I like to think I am pretty on top of taking care of my body. But I still have some digestive troubles. I NEVER thought to adjust my water intake before or during a meal. I can’t wait to try this to see if that helps. I truly appreciate you sharing your life because what works for you may not work for me but it does give me a few things to try!
Andrea says
oh good, glad to give you another idea to try. Sometimes it gets frustrating trying so many things without results, but you never know when you’ll try the thing that will help a lot!
Lynn Arnsdorf says
All teachers are dehydrated, I’ll tell you that! After years of dehydrating myself in the classroom I’m trying to remedy this in retirement. I just hope I haven’t damaged myself, I think that’s a real possibility. I especially like the idea of downing water right away when you wake up. I’ve been doing 8 oz right away but I probably need to up this to at least 16.
Andrea says
Dave actually says he drinks more at school than at home — because he has his “school routine” down to a science 🙂
But yes, I would tend to agree with you!
And yes, try to up your morning drinking to 16 ounces!!
Chris says
Wow! Awesome! (I will have to say one of my very favorite things about Culver’s is their root beer! We don’t have one locally, so I really love it when we eat at one and I can have their awesome root beer with my burger!)
Casey says
Water is amazing! I go through seasons of drinking a ton of water, and I think the only thing that stops me from making it a habit is the annoyance of using the bathroom like crazy….however I have heard that your body tends to “regulate” itself, and after a while you won’t be in the bathroom half the day. Did you find this to be the case for you?
Andrea says
yes, I do not need to go to the bathroom all day long — just a couple times in the morning (after I drink SO MUCH) and then I’m good for a long time. And I rarely ever waked up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom anymore! yay!
Lorrie says
Not sure how many ounces of water I drink a day, but it’s not enough! Drinking sufficient water is always a struggle and I have realized that I’d probably have more energy if I got more water.
One thing that I read about several months ago, and implemented, is to add a tiny pinch of pink sea salt to my water. It adds just enough flavor to make the water easier to drink and supposedly there are health benefits. I had some sitting around anyway (the pink Himalayan sea salt – from Costco) so tried it and it really DOES help me to drink more.
Andrea says
interesting about the sea salt. I haven’t tried this but I have read about it — maybe I’ll have to give it a try (although I really like the taste of our tap water!)
Karen says
Well I guess you answered my answer………..I was going to ask if you drink from your fridge or tap water
Andrea says
we have really good tap water so we drink that most of the time.
I do often use filtered water for my sourdough and other bread baking though!
Debby says
Friends and family have been telling me for years I need to drink more. I’m just not a big drinker of anything. Could be the reason I am so tired all the time and other medical problems. Thank you for the post.
Andrea says
honestly, if I’m not drinking enough water, I feel SUPER tired all day long. It’s amazing and very simple — but not necessarily EASY, especially if you’re not naturally a big “drinker”. It’s probably worth a try in your situation though!
Maria says
If you’re not used to drinking much, you may like to start small – like a few sips of water every couple of hours and then increase that by a little each day until you reach your desired amount.
Sonya says
I’ve started drinking about 100 ounces of water a day and am amazed by how much more energy I have, in addition to better skin and consuming fewer calories!
Andrea says
That’s awesome — glad you’ve seen positive results as well!