Why It’s So Hard to Drink More Water (When You Think It’ll Be So Easy)

Most of us have goals. Some goals may be to advance your career, eat more mindful meals, find ways to have fun while moving more every day, growing your business, or the ever so popular, drinking more water. 

why is it so hard to drink water

The human body is roughly 60 percent water, which is vital for optimal health. According to Harvard Health, water assists in a variety of key bodily functions including:

  • Aids in proper digestion
  • Helps to keep us from overheating
  • Keeps our bodies at a normal body temperature
  • Lubricates joints and tissues
  • Maintains healthy skin
  • Protects the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues
  • Restores fluid lost through breathing, metabolism, removal of waste and sweating

Besides quenching thirst and rehydrating the body, water is the perfect zero-calories beverage and luckily for us, we have easy access to it (something we should never take for granted).

Okay, so clearly drinking water is super beneficial to the body and our overall health, not to mention it’s relatively easy to access in most cases. Why, then is something that sounds so simple so challenging? 

We’ve asked the experts and here’s why it is so hard to drink water. Plus, check out some of their favorite recommendations on how you can drink more water so you can crush your goal of staying properly hydrated.

Why is it so hard to drink water?

Dr. Ava Williams, a Primary Care doctor at Doctor Spring, explains why it is so hard to drink water.

“Drinking water doesn’t come naturally to us as it should. We only remember to drink water whenever we eat or when we feel thirsty, which is a common mistake.”

Shena Jaramillo MS, RD at Peace and Nutrition says, “Many people associate hydration with thirst. This is actually the worst way to determine if you are properly hydrated. When one feels thirsty, this is actually an indicator we are already dehydrated. Many people associate thirst as the only reminder that they need to hydrate, which is where some of the problem with drinking enough water comes in.”

Dr. Williams also notes that since “our entire body is made up of almost 60 percent water, we might not feel the need to drink it because we are abundant with it.” However, as we discussed above,  “our system needs constant replenishing since we use it in every process and activity inside our body.”

Williams further explains why it is so hard to drink water. “It’s bland and tasteless. Unlike food, there is no instant gratification from drinking water. Drinking eight glasses at the minimum sometimes feels like a chore” and is easily forgotten amidst our busy schedules.

If you are looking for some easy ways to drink more water throughout the day, check out what the experts had to say.

Easy ways to drink more water

Dr. Williams recommends infusing your water with zesty fruits to give it a kick.

“Try soaking cucumber, lemon, lime, orange or pineapple slices in your water overnight. These add extra nutrients to your water.” You can also freeze lemons, limes or other fruit to use as ice cubes. This will add a delicious hint of fruit to your water. Get creative and include fresh herbs like mint leaves from your windowsill garden.

Jami Carder, RN BSN also recommends eating your way to hydration. Yum! Fruit like melons or others with a high water volume are all great options as are herbal teas, juice popsicles and soups. Carder also suggests avoiding caffeine, which is a natural diuretic.

Another great motivator Carder shares with her patients is to keep track of how much you are drinking. “Whether it’s making a chart that can be checked off, or using an app, we are more likely to drink more when we can visualize our goals.”

You can even set up phone reminders to sip water every hour so you can leisurely pace your water intake throughout the entire course of the day instead of chugging glasses of water all at once.

Although water is an essential element of optimal health, it may not come easy to many of us. With these expert approved tips, you can easily crush your goals of drinking more water this year and beyond. Cheers!

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About Ashley Martens

Ashley Martens is a Wellness Writer based in Chicago, Illinois. With a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley enjoys writing about topics to help people live happier and healthier lives. With a foundation in fitness, food, and nutrition, Ashley covers it all including sexual health and travel topics.