This post is part of my 12 Mini Goals Challenge.
Small daily habits can make a big difference over the course of a few weeks, months, or even longer. In 2016, I am going to focus on a new habit or mini goal every month. In January, I focused on Daily Movement or Exercise. In February, I focused on cutting down on evening snacking. In March, my goal was 30 days of pilates. In April, my goal was to clear my kitchen counters every night. In May, I attempted to clear out my closet 3 items at a time. In June, my goal was to reset my mornings and wake up earlier.
I know the importance of drinking water and I used to not have any trouble staying on top of it. When I worked a desk job a few years ago, I would guzzle water all day long. I probably reached the water recommendations by the time I left work. I never was thirsty because I was on top of my hydration.
Now that I am home with my girls, I don’t have a water bottle with me every minute of the day and drinking water is not the habit it used to be. Because it is summer (and I’m pregnant), I often have a feeling of thirst and I know that means I am dehydrated. In July, I am going to try and stay on top of my water intake.
My July Mini Goal: Drink More Water (80 ounces of water per day)
How will I do this? I will follow these steps:
- I will drink 8-16 ounces of water right away in the morning. This will be before my morning coffee.
- I will keep my water bottle close to me during the day. This is the water bottle I use and love.
- I will track my progress in 8-ounce increments. Printable below!
- I will reevaluate the goal of 80 ounces throughout the month. Because it is summer and I am pregnant, 80 ounces may not be enough water, especially on days that I am outside in the sun or on days that I exercise.
Your July Mini Goal: Increase and track your water intake.
If you need to be reminded of the benefits of drinking water, check out the following links:
- 34 Proven Ways Water Makes You Awesome
- 6 Reasons to Drink Water
- 10 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Water
If you want to join me, print off the July Challenge Tracker. Place an X in each box as you drink your decided amount of water. I also track multiple goals on my calendars, and the calendar leaves room for additional notes each day. It’s nice to have them written down all in one place. Use the hashtag #12minigoals on Instagram to show me your progress.
Let me know if you decide to join! How much water will you be drinking in July?
If you want to focus on Health & Wellness in July and want to record your goals and track your progress, check out my Health and Wellness Printable Planner.
Use the Health and Wellness Planner to:
- Plan and track your fitness, nutrition, and wellness goals and habits
- Create action steps necessary to fulfill your goals
- Bring your new healthy habits into your daily schedule
- Plan and track your workouts
- Plan and track your meals
- Track your vitamins, supplements, and other medications
- List your favorite resources to aid and motivate you on your health journey
Hold yourself accountable with your health goals with this printable planner. The Health and Wellness Printable Planner includes 9 pages. Use them all or pick and choose based on the plan that works best for you. The entire planner is undated so you can start using the planner at anytime throughout the year.
I would love to have you join the 12 Mini Goals Challenge. Sign up for my mailing list if you want to be e-mailed the challenge each month. If we get to a month where the goal doesn’t fit into your life, you can always tweak it to be a mini goal that works for you.
This post contains affiliate links.
Stop by to see where I link up each week: Link-Ups
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Beth Newman says
I REALLY need to do this. I struggle in the water consumption department.
Kendall Patton says
I’m working on my water intake as well. It’s not something I loathe, because I really do enjoy water, but I’ve found that being a busy mom I often forget to drink water. My goal on water for July is 96ozs!
And, I’m not sure if you’ve ever heard the following in terms of water intake – drink at least 1/2 your body weight in water. The first time I heard it was when I was pregnant with Monkey Boy and I wondered how to monitor water intake during pregnancy, this is what our midwife said. I’ve found it’s so much easier this way!
Anyway, here’s to more water intake!! :)
Maria says
Love this goal. I used to not drink as much water as I should. But a water bottle, believe it or not, made all the difference for me. I have one that I use all the time, and its helped me stay hydrated during and after my pregnancy. You feel such a difference when your body has enough water; it’s a great way to stay healthy and fit too! Thanks for sharing this on #shinebloghop this week!
Michelle says
I measure my intake by the number of glasses in a day. I have to “schedule” them. Sounds OCD but that is the only way I will get it in. I add lemon and citrus at times to switch it up too. Hot lemon water is my morning ritual so it always jump starts the water wagon. Thanks for linking this important health habit at Party at My Place.
Kim says
What great resources! I need to drink water right away when I wake up. Hopefully, that will keep me going throughout the day.
Lenze says
This is one of my goals. I have been trying to work on this for the past couple of months. I start off good and then I am back to drinking less water or more of the not so good stuff. You have motivated me to start again.
tineke - workingmommyabroad says
So important! I always have my water bottle close at home but can definitely improve when i am out of the house and forget to take it out of my bag for example…
Jasmine Hewitt says
Ugh, I know I should be drinking more water…it’s so hard to stay motivated when sweet tea tastes so much better!
Doris says
I really should drink more water. I am struggling day by day.
http://www.my-cutie-pie.com
Mal says
Yup, definitely on my to do list!! I carry around my water bottle all day… but some days it ends up still being full at the end of the day!! Need to make more of an effort! Good luck :)
Emily says
You are going in the right direction if you carry your water bottle with you all day! Good luck to you too. :)
Alexie says
Staying hydrated is so important and I REALLY need to get on this train with you! Will be making this my goal as well! Thanks
Emily says
I hope you are doing well increasing your water intake. Thanks for joining me!
Allison - Celebrating Sweets says
This is a great challenge! I should join you. I did the Pilates challenge too, wasn’t it great?!
Emily says
Yes, I loved the Pilates challenge. I am happy you enjoyed it!
Sarah Clouser says
Great goal! I’m so hit or miss with water. Some days I’m awesome, and others I have to ask myself if I even had any! Good reminder to be better about it!
Cassie says
I am always amazed at how I feel when I drink enough water. I struggle when I am at work because as a nurse I am not able to have drinks at the nurses station. Usually after working I feel horrible for a day or two until I can drink enough to get properly hydrated. There are so many other benefits as well! Good luck.
K Ann Guinn says
Thanks for inviting us to complete another important goal with you!
I have always struggled with drinking enough water. It’s never become a habit, even on days when I’ve had enough. I am considering buying the water bottle you have (looks great!).
My goal was 5 12-oz glasses of water (60 oz) per day, until I read a little and discovered that I should probably drink 75 oz or more!
So my revised goal is 6 12-oz glasses (that’s the size I use in the house), or 72 oz. Maybe if I get that down, I’ll find myself needing more!
I forget that digestive issues are often partially a result of not being hydrated enough, and have heard/read that being sufficiently hydrated positively affects so many areas….it’s a wonder this hasn’t been a higher priority for me! Thanks!
Emily says
Yes, being hydrated helps in so many areas! Good luck with increasing your water intake.
K Ann Guinn says
Got the water bottle in teal! (Do you find it hard to clean, and do you take it apart each time and take the rubber grip off? I saw some reviews that suggest it needs to be cleaned well regularly to avoid mold issues.) It looks like it will be great!
Julie says
I like how specific you are with this, especially the starting off your day with a glass or two of water even before coffee. That’s a great way to kick off the day’s water consumption.
Emily says
Yes, it’s easy to get to my water goal when I start off the day thinking about it.
Becky Hastings says
I love how doable this sounds! Your mini goals feel like I could actually achieve them! Thanks for the encouragement!
Emily says
You are welcome! Thanks for stopping by. :)
Gail Akeman says
I am also trying to drink more water and cutting back or stopping soda. Trying to lose weight