We are told to drink 8 cups of water a day and see it as vital. Some of us even log our daily water intake and push ourselves to drink more. Some of us are sitting down for hours of the day at school or in the office and haven’t made enough walks to the water fountain. Some of us say “coke please" when the server asks us what we’d like for drinks.

Here is how you can stay on top of improving hydration:

Start your day right by chugging a glass of water.

There are so many benefits of drinking water on an empty stomach in the morning. It boosts your metabolism, improves muscles cells and blood cells, cleanses your body, helps with weight loss, wakes you up-- and the list goes on.

Carry a water bottle.

Avoid plastic by buying a reusable water bottle. If you’re in university or at the office, there is usually always a water fountain where you can fill up your bottle. You just have to make the trip to it.

You can still drink soda.

You don’t have to avoid sugary-carbonated drinks. Though you should avoid them, this is not a weight-loss guide and I can’t tell you what to do. So order your shirley temple, but also try asking for a water on the side.

Take advantage of free water.

In a big city like Boston, there are cafes and restaurants at every corner and they always offer free water. Don’t be afraid to ask for a water cup. You can order a water from Starbucks and even add dried strawberries or lime pieces in it. This will save you some money at the convenience store.

Buy a water filter for your sink.

This will save you a ton of money instead of going to the grocery store each week buying a 24-case of plastic bottles. All you have to do is consistently clean the filter… and get up to go to the sink.

Consume foods filled with water

Fruits such as cantaloupe, watermelon, oranges, and apples, as well as vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and celery,all carry  high percentages of water. Coconut water is a drink that will hydrate you more than others. Hint: All juices contain amounts of water.

Living in the cold can be tough on our bodies, but we can try to combat the harsh winter time by drinking lots of water to prevent our bodies from being stripped of their hydration. Follow these steps to be on top of your water intake, and you’ll be drinking at least 8 cups a day in no time!