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Hands slicing tomatoes on a worn wooden board beside lemons, herbs and a bowl of white beans

Kitchen · 2 min

Water before the first cup

A glass of water first thing, before the tea or coffee. One small habit at the start of the day, and a glass by the kettle to remind you.

2 minutesFrom the library, free to readFour steps
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Many people go hours in the morning on tea or coffee alone, and only notice they are thirsty when a headache arrives. A glass of water first thing is the easiest habit to hang on a routine you already have.

The steps

Four small steps,in your own time.

  1. Tonight, put a clean glass next to the kettle or the coffee pot.

  2. In the morning, fill it from the tap before you make your first hot drink.

  3. Drink it slowly while the kettle boils or the coffee brews. Look out of the window while you do.

  4. Refill the glass and leave it where you will see it during the morning. Keep the glass by the kettle for tomorrow.

The reason

Why it helps

Thirst signals can be weaker in older age and easier to miss when busy, and not drinking enough can leave people tired, headachy or constipated. A fixed glass at a fixed time does not depend on remembering. Placing the glass by the kettle means the reminder is right where the routine begins.

A gentle variation

If cold water is hard first thing, use warm water, or water with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint. If you find a full glass too much, start with half.

Neighbours setting a long table in a green garden

WE · TRIBE

Try itwith someone.

If you care for someone, put a glass by their bed or chair too, and have yours together in the morning. People living with memory loss often drink more when a drink is offered and shared rather than left out.

Make it a plan in HIVELIVE, with WE

Try it today

Tonight, put a glass by the kettle, and tomorrow morning drink a glass of water before your first cup of tea or coffee.

Add it to your day

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