We all know we should be drinking more water, but do you really know how much you should be drinking? You may have heard of the 8-glasses-a-day rule, but how big is that glass? Your body is made up of 60 percent water. Every system in your body needs water to function and exactly how much you need is much more personal than you think. Your gender, activity level and body weight are all key factors, and for many of you, how much you need is a lot more than you would guess.
We found this article that gave us an easy ratio to determine how much we each need as individuals.
You simply take your weight and multiply it by 2/3 (67%) this will give you the number of ounces of water you should be drinking.
For example, a 120-pound person would need to drink 80 ounces a day. That is nearly 2.5 liters, probably more than you thought, right?
It is important to note that your activity level affects how much you should be drinking too. You should add 12 ounces of water to your daily total for every 30 minutes that you work out. If you work out for 45 minutes daily, you would add 18 ounces of water to your daily intake.
The benefits of drinking water are practically endless.
- Increases Energy and Relieves Fatigue
- Promotes Weight Loss
- Flushes Out Toxins
- Improves Skin Complexion
- Maintains Regularity
- Boosts Immune System
Your hair, skin and just about everything else is brighter and more alive. If there is one thing you can do to help your overall well being and health it is to drink more water.
Now that you know exactly how much you need, which probably feels like an overwhelming amount at first, how are you going to get all those ounces in? Here are our tricks for getting all of those ounces of water in each day.
Use These Tricks to Help You Drink More Water:
Add a Little Flavor
It can seem impossible to chug glass after glass each day, but if you add a little flavor to it, it’s not so hard. It makes it seem even luxurious and fun like you’re taking a mini trip to the spa and sipping on something a bit fancy. Add some excitement by dunking fresh fruit (grapefruit, strawberries, lemon), veggie slices (cucumber, ginger, celery), and herbs (basil, mint, lavender) to your carafe. My personal favorite is a little bit of fresh cucumber and mint.
PHOTO: The Pretty Blog
You can also make fancy ice cubes to infuse your water. You simply cut fruit or herbs, drop it in ice trays, add water and freeze.
Keep Track
We included an area for keeping track of exactly how much water you drink on our daily fitness + food agenda. Keeping track can make you feel like you’re playing a game. Crossing off each glass or keeping a tally really gives you a sense of accomplishment. If you’re a competitive person you can even challenge your significant other or best friend to a friendly competition. It always helps to keep you accountable when you have a buddy involved.
There are also apps you can download to help you keep track on your phone. Free apps like Waterlogged and Daily Water help track, store, and analyze your water consumption. You can even set reminders on when you need a drink.
PHOTO: Soma Water
Invest in a Filter
Filtered water can taste better than the liquid coming out of the tap or water fountain. Also, having a pretty water pitcher in your fridge every time you open it serves as a friendly reminder. We love the Soma Sustainable Carafe , 
Drink a Glass with a Routine Daily Activity
Start a habit of linking water with some of your most common daily activities. Every time you get up to take a bathroom break, drink a glass of water. Or maybe each time pass the water cooler at work, fill up a cup. You can even turn it into a reward. For instance, after completing emails, get up and get a glass away from your desk. You’ll be drinking more without realizing it.
PHOTO: Modern Honey
Add a Straw
You’ll drink more water and faster with a straw. You can actually get a lid and straw that turns your mason jar into a super cute water bottle. You can find them here.
Add Some Bubbles
We love a little bubbly and this is true of our water too. If you find yourself getting bored with just the plain Jane water, spice it up with a sparkling one. Try adding a dash of juice for a little flavor too.
Do have some tried and true ways to get yourself drinking more water? Comment below and let us know.
