Photo of Lemon
Boost your water's appeal with chopped fruit or fresh mint.

Rethink Your Drink: 11 Tips to Kick-Start a Healthy Water Habit

Author: Public Health Department
Date: 5/3/2019 2:12 PM

Spring is in the air! It’s the perfect time to kick-start a healthy habit of drinking more water, at work and all day long.

Ready for a fresh start? Try some quick ideas to make your new habit easy and appealing:

  • Keep water within reach. Keep a bottle or cup of water at your desk or work area and in your refrigerator.

  • Flavor your water with fruits, veggies or fresh herbs for tasty drinks with no added sugar. Where to start? Lemon, cucumber, mint, berries, citrus … see what you like best!

  • Set up spa-style water station for your next meeting or party.

  • Try bubble water with no sugar added. Add fresh fruit or a splash of juice for flavor.

  • Make ice cubes with lemon juice or chopped fruit. Add them to your water bottle or to a glass of water for a boost to flavor and visual appeal.

  • Find a reusable bottle you love, or decorate a water bottle you already have.

  • Drink water first thing in the morning, when you are naturally thirsty.

  • Drink water when you exercise to stay hydrated without the added sugar of many sports drinks.

  • Use a filter. It can help tap water taste fresh and appealing.

  • If you thrive on goals … set a water goal for each day, then track your progress.

  • Share your own ideas with your co-workers, family and friends! Your own water hacks may help someone else get in the habit.

Looking to boost your water’s appeal even more? Check out some great recipes from Champions for Change, like Cucumber Mint Breeze. You can try recipes tailored to your favorite flavors, from sweet to tangy and tropical to herbal.

Across California, people are taking a new look at water as part of Rethink Your Drink Day on May 8. The County Public Health Department’s community wellness team will be celebrating with demonstrations at a regional school wellness event, the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day on May 11, and at summer camps across SLO County all summer long.

If you’re interested in learning more about Rethink Your Drink or would like free educational materials, contact the community wellness program by email or at 805-781-1560. You can also learn more online at RethinkYourDrinkDay.com.

Plus: Check out this spotlight from a Rethink Your Drink Day event last year at Pacheco Elementary in San Luis Obispo!