If you’re on a mission to get a little better each day, let me share one tiny habit that’s made a surprisingly big difference for me: drinking two cups of water – about 16 ounces – right after getting out of bed.
Now, I get it. It doesn’t sound revolutionary, but hear me out. I used to hear about this habit and think, “How much could that really matter?” But the more I tried it, the more I realized how much it actually helps me start my day on the right foot.
Why Water?
During the hours we’re asleep, our bodies are busy repairing and recharging. But we’re not taking in any fluids. By the time you wake up, you’re actually slightly dehydrated, even if you don’t feel especially thirsty. That’s why that first drink in the morning feels so good.
Drinking about 16 ounces as soon as you wake up helps jump-start your metabolism, gets your organs moving, and can even wake you up more effectively than your first cup of coffee. Personally, I feel sharper, more awake, and notice my energy level picks up faster.
Perks You’ll Notice
- More energy in the morning: Dehydration can make you feel sluggish. Starting off with water helps fight that groggy feeling.
- Better digestion: Your gut likes a head start, too! Water gets things moving and sets the stage for smoother digestion throughout the day.
- Clearer skin: Hydration shows up in your skin, and that first big glass of water can help support a healthy glow over time.
- It’s easy! There’s no prep or cost to this habit – just fill a glass, drink up, and you’re on your way.
How to Make It Stick
- Set it up the night before: Put a clean glass or a full water bottle on your nightstand so you see it right when you wake up.
- Use reminders: A sticky note on your bathroom mirror or even setting a phone alarm labeled “Drink your water!” works wonders.
- Pair it with another habit: Drink your water before you check your phone, start your coffee, or turn on the news – a perfect little “if-this-then-that” routine.
- Track your streak: If you’re into goal-tracking, put a small calendar on the fridge and mark off the days you follow through. Seeing your progress grow is super motivating!
Start Tomorrow
It’s really that simple. Try drinking two cups – 16 ounces – of water as soon as you get up, tomorrow morning. Give it a week and see if you notice the difference. Sometimes, it’s these little daily wins that add up to bigger change.
Here’s to getting better every day – one glass at a time!
Drinking water first thing when you wake up is a great idea, I love the idea of having it ready the night before, so you rememnd to drink it. I will try it.
I go back and forth on this one, actually. And as I write this, I am not sure if it is the best thing to do – LOL! I should research it. ALl of this to say, while I have water nearby and ready in the morning, there are times when I will go to the kitchen and get COLD water to drink. Sometimes a nice cold glass of water is just awesome! (but I wonder if it is a shock to the system…) More to follow on this! Thanks for making me think, Brenda Marie!
Oh no! Two cups all at once sounds like way too much! Which probably means I’m not drinking enough. lol
I don’t chug them down.. I drink them, I would say, a little more than casually. So I am not sipping it… and I am not gulping it… Somewhere in between there is how I drink it.
Thanks Paul, just what I need is another challenge for this month. 🙂
I can drink the water while working on my blog challenge.
Thanks for monitoring these UBCs.
LOL, Doug! I can ALWAYS find something to challenge others (and myself)! You are very welcome… and speaking of welcome… Welcome Back!
Water is my go to drink! I always drink one bottle even before I go downstairs in the morning then have another when I get my feet on the ground. Yes it does make a big difference!
I am a big water drinker anyway… but drinking it first thing was not always my thing!
Oh, Paul!
My inner healer/ massage therapist is CHEERING at this message!! Over the last 42 years in healing arts, I’ve encouraged and nudged and cajoled folks over and over to, please, drink more water!!
Starting the day with 16 oz of water is SUCH a good way to set this in motion, and I appreciate your tips on developing a new habit.
In the 90s, our whole retreat center staff took a workshop on ergonomics – going over ways to most efficiently do our daily jobs, putting the least strain on our bodies.
One our presenter’s pleas was to drink more water!
Her analogy – a kitchen sponge!
We all know what they look like when dried out … she shared that’s how our spinal disks begin to look, when they are dehydrated! Back pain? Drink more water! Yes, cooked greens, salads and moist food helps – but we need water!!
Thank you for sharing your experience, Nadya. I love the analogy of comparing dehydrated spinal disks to a dried-out kitchen sponge – I haven’t heard that until today.Great to hear that you have been advocating for hydration as a key component of self-care for so many years – was that considered being ahead of the times? Thanks for stopping by!
I’m starting this tomorrow, thanks for the nudge, Paul! I’ll add this to my accountability updates!
Give it a shot! Let me know how it works out.