It’s happened to the best of us— running on peppermint mochas and holiday spirit, while your trusty water bottle sits forgotten in the sea of gift bags and wrapping paper.

Good hydration isn't just about avoiding headaches (though who can afford those this time of year?). It's your secret weapon for keeping energy levels steady, helping your body process all those holiday treats, and even keeping your immune system strong when everyone at church seems to be sniffling.

But keeping up with your water intake during the holidays doesn't have to mean missing out or adding more stress to your already full plate. In fact, staying hydrated might just be your secret weapon for having the energy to actually enjoy all those magical moments.

That’s why we have 3 simple but game-changing holiday hydration hacks—no complex tracking systems or guilt trips required. Because you deserve to feel your best while making those memories!

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Hack #1: Timers and Cues (Your Holiday Hydration Helpers!)

We love using the everyday moments of our holiday chaos as reminders to drink up!

Setting Timers

There are natural moments in our days that we can come to associate with this healthy habit.

• When you first wake up in the morning, drink a warm glass of lemon water to replenish hydration lost overnight.
• Sip a bottle of water on your lunch break before your busy afternoon.
• The "Outfit Change":  Every time you change from yoga pants to jeans (or back again), take 3 big gulps from your water bottle.

An important timing note: We recommend front-loading your day so your healthy hydration habit isn’t waking you up with overnight bathroom breaks!

Holiday-Themed Cues

Make this fun! Pick a few holiday-themed cues that will become a healthy “drinking game” of sorts!

A few ideas to get your hydration flowing:

• Wrap one present, take a sip.
• Scrolling Pinterest for holiday recipes? 1 pin = a cue to sip.
• Every time Mariah Carey sings the famous first line of All I Want for Christmas is You, finish a glass by the end of the song.

The “Buy-In” Method

If there’s something you like to do, you need to “pay up” by hydrating first!

A few examples:

• Sip a bottle of water before entering a holiday dinner party.  
• The healthy pregame: Before every holiday cocktail or coffee, finish one full glass of water.
• 1 cup of water before reaching for your aunt’s famous sugar cookies.

Hydrate and treat yourself. Talk about a win-win!

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Hack #2: The "Fancy It Up" Approach (Because Hydration Can Be Holly AND Jolly!)

Listen, friend - if you're going to be sipping all day, it might as well feel special! Let's transform your water from "boring necessity" into an upgraded luxury!

Get Salty!

Did you know that you might drink plenty of water, but without balanced electrolytes, it could wash right out of your system? The result: You become more dehydrated than you were before!

However, we recommend skipping the sugary electrolyte drinks and mixes common on the market.

A touch of sea salt—a combination of the electrolytes sodium and chloride—is an exceptional, all-natural addition to your water.

We were so inspired by this crucial component that we sought out to make the best electrolyte supplement on the market. By using Celtic Sea Salt and adding other crucial electrolytes, apple cider vinegar, Vitamin B12, our flavored and refreshing FASTer Way Hydration has become a best-seller, and with good reason.

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Read More:

Why Your Electrolyte Drink Isn't Working as Well as It Could

Why Your Electrolyte Drink Is Making You Bloated

Holiday-Worthy Infusions

We love infused water because it’s not only tasty and pretty, it’s also an antioxidant upgrade!  

Prep a big pitcher the night before with simple combinations like:

• Cranberry + Rosemary (looks like Christmas in a glass!)
• Orange + Cinnamon Stick (smells like your grandma's kitchen)
• Pomegranate + Mint (fancy enough for your book club gathering)

Pro tip: Prep your infused water in mason jars - they're cheap, already portioned, look cute in your fridge, and you can grab one as you dash out for school pickup.

Work Your Mocktail Magic (Plus FREE Download!)

Need something party-ready but without the dehydrating effects of alcohol?

Try sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice and a lime wedge. It tastes great and looks festive in those photos your sister-in-law always insists on taking, and won’t impact your sleep or health goals.

Better yet, download our FREE FASTer Way Mocktail Guide and you’ll have plenty of recipes on hand for party sips loaded with nutrients. They’re so tasty, you won’t even miss the booze!

Get our FREE Mocktail Guide Here!

Use Water Bottles You Love

Let’s get this out of the way first: You do not need a fleet of trendy, expensive water bottles to stay hydrated this holiday season. .

However, we do advise getting one or two reusable, refillable water bottles that will make sipping convenient. And of course, you’re more likely to hydrate if your water bottle is nice to carry, use, and clean.

There are so many amazing water bottle options out there, it’s a little overwhelming. Glass or stainless steel? Straw, screw, or flip-top? Is it leakproof? Travel-friendly? Odor-resistant? Check out this article to find battle-tested water bottles you’ll use for years to come.

Pro Tip: We recommend having two, so you have one in hand while the other is in the dishwasher.

Shop: FASTer Way Stanley Tumbler

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Hack #3: Make it Accessible All Season Long!

You can do all the hacks you want, but you're only going to drink water if it's actually within arm's reach. Let's make sure you're never caught in a hydration desert again!

The Strategic Stash

Have go-to spots where your water vessels are waiting, without fail.

• Car console (make sure to get a water bottle that fits your cupholder so it’s handy when traffic strikes!)
• The mug that’s always in your WFH corner, right next to the laptop.
• Next to your favorite spot on the couch
• In your gym bag

The "Never Without" Rule

Remember how you do that mental checklist before leaving the house? "Wallet, keys, phone..." Add your water bottle to that list!

Can’t seem to make it a habit? Choose a (healthy) penalty if you forget!

Trust us, if you have to do 10 burpees every time you catch yourself without a water bottle, you’ll start to remember pretty quickly!

Quick Refill Stations

Create little hydration pit stops around your world:

• A big dispenser in the fridge (so even the kids can help refill!)
• A spare bottle at your desk (because sometimes walking to the kitchen feels like an expedition)
• A filtered pitcher by the coffee maker (might as well fill up while you're making your morning brew!)

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How Much Water Do I Really Need to Drink?

You know that "drink half your body weight in ounces" rule we've all heard? Well, during the holiday season, think of it as your starting point, not your finish line!

We like this Hydration Calculator from the University of Florida, which takes into account a few of the factors that impact your hydration needs, including activity level and climate.

There are also a few different ways your body could signal it needs hydration:

Give the back of your hand a little pinch. Does your skin snap right back? If not, you're likely a bit dehydrated.

Another method: Check your lip balm usage! If you're reapplying every five minutes, chances are you could use a few more sips!

And last but not least, your bathroom visits will provide you with some of the best clues to your hydration levels. This great article from Mayo Clinic can help you determine if your hydration is up to par.

Hydrated for the Holidays

Remember when we used to think staying hydrated meant lugging around a massive jug and counting every sip? Thankfully, those days are behind us. Staying hydrated during the holidays can be simple, and even enjoyable.

So grab that water bottle (maybe ask Santa for that pretty new one you've been eyeing!), and know that every sip is a small way of showing up for yourself. After all, you're busy creating holiday magic for everyone else—you deserve to feel merry and bright, too! 💝

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