20 Simple Strategies to Effortlessly Boost Your Daily Water Intake

11. Pair Every Caffeinated Drink with Water

Love your morning coffee or afternoon tea? You’re not alone—but caffeine has mild diuretic effects that can contribute to dehydration. A simple fix? Make it a habit to pair every caffeinated drink with a glass of water. This not only offsets fluid loss but also reinforces hydration as a natural counterpart to your daily rituals. Bonus: the water helps cut any lingering bitterness and leaves your mouth feeling refreshed. Whether it’s an espresso shot or a green tea latte, let water tag along. Over time, this effortless one-to-one pairing can significantly raise your daily fluid intake.

12. Create “Hydration Anchors” Throughout Your Day

One powerful way to drink more water is to link it to habits you already have—these are your “hydration anchors.” Think: brushing your teeth, checking your email, starting a meeting, or feeding your pet. Each time you do one of these activities, use it as a mental cue to drink a few sips. It’s a strategy rooted in habit-stacking, a behavioral psychology technique that builds new habits by tying them to old ones. Hydration anchors reduce mental friction and make water a seamless part of your routine—no willpower or extra reminders needed.