Stay Hydrated: Why Drinking Water is More Important Than You Think

by Nick Clapworthy February 10, 2025

Water: The Ultimate Life Hack You’re Probably Ignoring

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t drink enough water. We know we should, but somehow, between morning coffee, afternoon tea, and the occasional glass of wine (no judgment here…), water takes a backseat. Then suddenly, your head is pounding, your skin looks dull, and you’re wondering why you feel exhausted at 2 PM. Spoiler alert: you’re probably dehydrated.

Drinking water isn’t just about quenching your thirst—it’s about keeping your body running smoothly. From energy levels to brain function, digestion to glowing skin, hydration is the key to feeling and performing your best. And the best part? It’s the easiest, cheapest, and healthiest upgrade you can make to your daily routine.

So, grab your water bottle (if you don’t have one, we know just the thing… Check out the Cuppa Water Bottle here) and let’s dive into why hydration is so important and how you can make drinking water second nature.

Bright Blue Cuppa Water Bottle with water pouring onto it from above on a matching blue background

Why Hydration Matters More Than You Think

We hear it all the time: Drink more water! But what’s actually happening inside your body when you’re hydrated—or worse, when you’re dehydrated?

1. Water Powers Your Brain

Ever felt foggy-headed and sluggish, struggling to focus on simple tasks? That’s your brain on dehydration. Your brain is nearly 75% water, and even mild dehydration can impair cognitive function, memory, and concentration. Studies have shown that losing just 1–2% of your body’s water can lead to noticeable drops in mental performance.

2. Water Boosts Energy Levels

If you’re constantly feeling tired, dehydration might be the culprit. When your body doesn’t have enough water, your heart has to work harder to pump oxygen and nutrients to your organs. This leads to fatigue and a general lack of motivation. Before you reach for another cup of coffee, try a glass of water first—you might be surprised at the energy boost.

3. Water Helps Digestion and Metabolism

Water keeps your digestive system running smoothly, preventing bloating, constipation, and sluggish digestion. It also plays a role in metabolism—drinking enough water can actually help your body burn calories more efficiently. Studies suggest that drinking 500ml of water can increase metabolism by up to 30% for about an hour.

4. Water Keeps Your Skin Glowing

Expensive skincare products are great, but nothing hydrates your skin from the inside out like water. Dehydration can make your skin look dull, dry, and more prone to fine lines. When you’re properly hydrated, your skin appears plumper, more radiant, and healthier overall.

5. Water Helps Regulate Body Temperature

Your body relies on water to regulate temperature, especially when you sweat. Without enough water, your body struggles to cool itself down, increasing your risk of heat exhaustion or overheating.

6. Water Supports Your Immune System

Your body flushes out toxins and waste through sweat, urine, and digestion—all of which rely on water. Staying hydrated helps your body fight off illnesses and infections by keeping everything moving and functioning as it should.

7. Water Improves Mood

Dehydration doesn’t just affect your body—it impacts your mood, too. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can lead to increased stress, irritability, and anxiety. If you’re feeling a bit off, drinking a glass of water might be the quick fix you need.

How Much Water Do You Actually Need?

You’ve probably heard the standard 8 glasses a day rule, but hydration isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. The amount of water you need depends on factors like your activity level, climate, body size, and diet.

The general recommendation is:

Men: Around 3.7 liters (13 cups) per day
Women: Around 2.7 liters (9 cups) per day

But here’s the good news—you don’t only have to drink plain water. Tea, coffee, fruits, and even some foods contribute to your hydration. Watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and soups are all high in water content and help keep you hydrated.

A simple hydration check:

If you’re thirsty, you’re already slightly dehydrated.
Check your urine—pale yellow = hydrated, dark yellow = drink more water.

Hydration Myths: What You Need to Know

💧 “Coffee and tea dehydrate you.”
Not true! While caffeine is a mild diuretic, the water in coffee and tea still contributes to your daily hydration. So go ahead, enjoy your cuppa guilt-free!

💧 “You need to drink water constantly.”
Your body is smart—it tells you when you need water. While it’s good to sip throughout the day, you don’t need to force yourself to drink liters upon liters if you’re not thirsty.

💧 “Clear urine means you’re perfectly hydrated.”
Not necessarily! Completely clear urine could actually mean you’re drinking too much water and flushing out essential electrolytes. Aim for pale yellow instead.

💧 “You can only hydrate with water.”
Nope! Fruits, vegetables, herbal teas, and even foods like yogurt and broth-based soups help with hydration.

How to Drink More Water (Without Even Noticing)

Now that we know why hydration is crucial, let’s talk about how to make drinking water an effortless habit.

1. Carry a Water Bottle Everywhere

If you have a bottle nearby, you’re more likely to sip throughout the day.

A reusable bottle makes it easier to track your intake, and if it looks good (like, say, a Cuppa water bottle in your favorite color), you’ll actually want to use it.

2. Set Reminders

Life gets busy, and sometimes we forget to drink water. Set a reminder on your phone or use a hydration tracking app to give yourself a little nudge. You can even set alarms labeled “Hydrate or die-drate” for extra motivation.

3. Make It a Habit

Link drinking water to existing habits:

Have a glass of water first thing in the morning before coffee.
Drink a glass before each meal to help with digestion.
Keep a bottle on your desk and sip while you work.

4. Make Water More Exciting

Not a fan of plain water? Try these ideas:

Add lemon, lime, mint, cucumber, or berries for a fresh twist. I like to do this every so often if there is a leftover lemon. I slice up a lemon, squeeze the juice into a big glass jug and throw in the slices too, fill it up with water, leave it by the sink or on the kitchen table and then refill it once it is empty too or top it up straight after pouring a glass from it. Got to get the most out of those leftover lemons And then clean it up once the lemon looks like it is not its best anymore, this can be a few days. I certainly do it for a day or 2.
Try sparkling water if you like the fizz. You can get a sodastream to make fizzy water at home.
Make herbal teas—hot or iced—for variety.

5. Use the “One-for-One” Trick

For every coffee, tea, or alcoholic drink, have a glass of water too. It helps balance out dehydration from caffeine or alcohol. I probably don't do this enough with my coffee intake, but have done it while drinking beers. To slow the speed of becoming drunk and hopefully help with the inevitable hangover the next day if it is going to be a big night.

6. Eat Water-Rich Foods

You don’t have to only drink your hydration. Load up on high-water-content foods like:

Watermelon (92% water)
Cucumber (96% water)
Oranges (86% water)
Strawberries (91% water)
Soups and broths- I do love a good soup. It’s a great way to use up leftovers, the last of the chicken from a Sunday roast, make a stock from the juices, use up old vegetables that are going to go over.

7. Track Your Intake

If you like a challenge, track your daily water intake. You can use an app or simply make tally marks in a notebook. Seeing your progress can be surprisingly motivating!

8. Start Small and Build Up

If you’re nowhere near drinking enough water right now, don’t stress. Start by adding one extra glass per day and gradually increase over time. Small steps lead to big changes!

Make Hydration a Daily Habit

Drinking more water doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It’s one of the simplest ways to boost your energy, improve focus, support digestion, and even keep your skin looking fresh. The key is making it part of your daily routine—sooner or later, it’ll feel as natural as breathing.

So, if you need a stylish bottle to keep you on track, well… you know where to find one. Shop the Cuppa Water Bottle Here.