How to drink more water: 12 small habits that actually work

Most people do not skip water on purpose. They just forget. The trick is not willpower. It is making water the easy, automatic choice. Here are 12 habits that work.

Start the day right

1. Drink a glass when you wake up. Keep it by your bed or next to the kettle.
2. Water before tea or coffee. One glass first, then your usual cup.

Make it visible

3. Keep a bottle in sight. On your desk, in your bag, in the car.
4. Use a glass you like. It sounds silly, but it works.
5. Know your glass size. If your glass holds 250 ml, a 2.5 liter goal is just 10 glasses.

Link it to things you already do

6. One glass with every meal.
7. A few sips after every meeting or call.
8. A glass when you get home.

Make it rewarding

9. Track it. Seeing progress keeps you going. Sipsway shows your water rising on screen.
10. Keep a streak. Small wins add up and feel good.
11. Add flavor. A slice of lemon, cucumber or a few mint leaves.

Get gentle help

12. Use kind reminders. Choose an app whose reminders stop once you reach your goal, so they never feel like nagging.

Try one habit this week

Pick just one habit from this list, like a glass when you wake up. Once it sticks, add another. Not sure how much you need? Use our water calculator.