So much of the health and fitness content I see out there in the universe focuses on the wrong things. I’m tired of continually coming across the best ways to get a bikini body or the skinny on getting skinny. Blech.

I’m sorry, but the world does not begin and end with a thigh gap.

I would much rather feel healthy and know that I’m strong than fit into a teeny tiny bikini. That’s why I’ve decided to look at my heath and wellness from a whole new perspective—and I want to bring you along for the ride!

I’ve always been a big fan of baby steps. The smallest little changes can slowly turn into habits that completely change our world. So let’s use that to benefit our health. Starting today, I’m going to run a series of monthly wellness challenges that I hope will slowly but surely help us make healthier choices.

This month’s challenge?

Drink more water.

Sounds ridiculously easy right? Well, that’s kind of the point. I’m not looking for highly intimidating challenges that set us up for defeat and self loathing. I’m looking for super simple things to pay closer attention to in order to make a big change.

Like my momma always says, hydration is key.

Here are five reasons why you should drink more water:

1. Being properly hydrated improves so many of your bodily functions. It’s no secret that our bodies are made mostly of water, but did you know that the stuff transports nutrients, assists in digestion and absorption, maintains body temperature, and is a key to good circulation?
2. Proper hydration will increase your energy levels—this is key for busy, over scheduled mommas like me!
3. It flushes out toxins and helps boost your immune system (which is part of the reason why your doctor tells you to keep the clear fluids flowing when you’re sick).
4. Drinking enough water is key for clear, glowing skin. Without enough hydration, your skin can become puffy and dry as your body tries to hold on to any excess water it can.
5. According to a study by Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetic, people who increase their water intake by just one percent reduced their total daily calorie intake and their consumption of saturated fat, sugar, sodium and cholesterol.

Now, there is plenty of disagreement about exactly how much water you should be drinking every day. The old standard is eight cups per day but many experts think that is a little too simple and that things like heat/humidity in your climate and how active you are should be taken into account. Other experts think that your weight should be taken into consideration, the common belief being that if you take your weight and divide it by two you will have the amount of ounces you should drink each day.

Whichever amount you decide to go by, it doesn’t have to be difficult to incorporate more water into your day. Here are five simple ways to do it:

1. Track it. Whether you fill a certain number of bottles each morning or start a tally, keeping track makes you really aware of how you’re doing.
2. Schedule drink breaks. If you’re like me and find that you forget to drink during the course of the day, add it into your daily schedule. Whether you set a timer on your phone or drink a set amount with each meal, it will be a big help.
3. Buy a reusable water bottle. Reusable bottles make it really simple to keep track of how much you’re drinking and can be refilled wherever you go.
4. Infuse it. Some people find water way too boring. Make it a bit more fun (and a lot more tasty!) by infusing it with fruits, veggies, and herbs.
5. Bribe yourself by creating a new healthy rule. It doesn’t have to be complicated but it could be along the lines of this: If I drink a glass of water, I can have another cup of coffee. Or, if I drink a glass of water, I can eat have a treat.

If you’re on board for this challenge, I’d love it if you’d keep me updated on how you’re doing throughout the month! Tricks that work for you, tips that you think might help others, anything!

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