3 Hacks for Staying Hydrated This Summer ☀️
Somehow it's already 3 p.m., you've had two coffees, and exactly three sips of water….
Let's fix that with three simple hydration habits that actually stick.
While there are a lot of things I love about summer, there are a few things I don’t. One being that I have to be extra diligent about staying hydrated, something I sometimes struggle with.
Between pool days, road trips, backyard barbecues, gardening, and chasing kids around outside, it's easy to realize halfway through the afternoon that you've barely had anything to drink besides your morning coffee. Woops 😅
The good news? Staying hydrated doesn't have to mean carrying around a giant water bottle or forcing yourself to drink plain water all day long.
If you've struggled to drink enough water, here are three simple habits that can make a surprisingly big difference.
1. Start Your Day with Water Before Coffee
I'm not here to tell you to give up your morning coffee (because I certainly won't!).
But after sleeping for 7-9 hours without fluids, your body naturally wakes up a bit dehydrated. One of the easiest ways to improve your hydration is simply drinking a glass of water before your first cup of coffee.
This small habit helps:
Replace fluids lost overnight
Support healthy digestion
Promote healthy energy levels
Create momentum for drinking water throughout the day
Every morning I drink a large mason jar of water while my coffee brews. It’s just become one of those non-negotiables for me— I always drink water before coffee.
It's one of those tiny habits that requires almost no extra effort but adds up over time.
2. Make Your Water More Appealing
Let's be honest.
Sometimes plain water just gets...boring.
If that's the reason you're not drinking enough, don't force it. Make it something you actually enjoy.
Some of my favorite additions include:
Fresh lemon or lime
Strawberries
Cucumbers
Mint or basil
Frozen berries
Orange slices
Not only do these naturally flavor your water, but they also make it feel a little more special—almost like you're treating yourself instead of checking off another health habit. ✨
Sparkling water can also be a great option if you enjoy carbonation. Just look for varieties without added sugar or artificial sweeteners if that's important to you.
3. Eat Your Water
Most people think hydration only comes from beverages, but many whole foods contain a surprising amount of water.
Adding more water-rich produce to your meals is an easy way to increase your overall fluid intake while also getting fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Some of the best hydrating foods include:
Watermelon
Cucumbers
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Celery
Lettuce
Peaches
Zucchini
One of my favorite summer lunches is a big salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, grilled chicken, avocado, and fresh fruit on the side. It's refreshing, filling, and naturally supports hydration.
Bonus Tip: Don't Wait Until You're Thirsty
Thirst is helpful, but it's actually a sign that your body is already beginning to need more fluids.
Instead of waiting until you're thirsty, try building hydration into your normal routine.
Here are some easy ways to implement more fluids into your day:
Drink a glass of water with every meal.
Take a few sips every time you check your email.
Refill your water bottle whenever you walk into the kitchen.
Drink water before heading outside.
Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day
The easier you make the habit, the less you'll have to think about it.
Do Electrolytes Matter?
If you're spending hours outside, exercising intensely, or sweating heavily in the summer heat, replacing electrolytes can sometimes be helpful in addition to water.
Electrolytes like sodium and potassium help regulate fluid balance and muscle function.
For most people doing everyday activities, water and a balanced diet are plenty. But if you've been working in the yard all afternoon, hiking, or spending a long day at the lake, an electrolyte drink may help replace what you've lost through sweat.
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The Bottom Line
Hydration doesn't have to be complicated.
Rather than trying to force yourself to drink a gallon of water every day, focus on small habits that naturally fit into your routine:
Drink water before your morning coffee.
Make your water more enjoyable with fresh fruit and herbs.
Eat plenty of water-rich fruits and vegetables.
Simple habits practiced consistently are almost always more effective than chasing perfection.
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