Here’s what I do: Keep a reusable bottle on your desk. Fill it once in the morning, once in the afternoon. If you finish both, you’re probably good. If you’re thirsty but the bottle’s empty, refill it. It’s not rocket science—it’s common sense disguised as a public health guideline.
And for the love of all that is holy, don’t force yourself to chug water if you’re not thirsty. Your body knows. If you’re forcing down water and feeling bloated, you’re just giving your liver more work. It’s like trying to fill a car that already has a full tank.
The Bottom Line
Drink when you’re thirsty. Eat foods with water in them. Watch your pee color. And for the love of memes, stop thinking you’re dying if you skip a glass. You’re not a succulent plant. You’re a human with built-in hydration software.
So go ahead, sip your coffee, eat your salad, and maybe have a glass of water if you feel like it. The average person needs about whatever their own weird, unique body tells them. And if anyone gives you a hard time about it, just tell them you’re following the “Pale Lemonade Protocol”. That should shut them up.
