The science is mixed on this. Certainly you don’t NEED to haul around a giant water bottle all day long.

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- Drink When You’re Thirsty: If you feel thirsty, drink water or another beverage. Don’t go overboard, just have a glass and keep listening to your body.
- Drink More With Exercise and Heat: Sweating means you’re losing water. Drink more to replace it and consider an electrolyte mix or sports drink, especially if you’re exercising in a hot environment.
- Sip When You’re Not Thirsty: “Unless you are doing heavy exercise, it’s better to sip water throughout the day rather than to chug it periodically. You’ll stay more hydrated this way,” says physician and health optimization specialist Dr. Scott Sherr. If you exercise frequently, live in a hot climate, or don’t tend to get thirsty very often, try to be intentional about getting extra fluids throughout the day.
- If You Need a Goal, Eight Cups Works
