Drinking by Design: Increasing Your Water Intake Through Thoughtful Home Layout

Staying adequately hydrated throughout the day is a cornerstone of good health, but it can often be neglected in the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you’ve ever forgotten to drink enough water until a headache reminds you, then this is the article for you.

To tackle this problem, we must look into a fascinating principle of human psychology: decision fatigue. It’s a concept that suggests our ability to make sound decisions deteriorates after a long spell of decision-making. Think of your brain as a muscle; just as your muscles tire out after an extensive workout, your brain can also wear out after making too many decisions.

So, how can we give our brains a helping hand in maintaining a healthy hydration habit? The answer lies in environmental cues. Environmental cues are features in our surroundings that trigger certain behaviours. For instance, the sight of your favourite coffee shop on the way to work might prompt you to stop for a cup of joe, and a cookie left on the kitchen counter rarely goes uneaten. Similarly, products positioned at eye level on grocery store shelves are more likely to sell because we’re more likely to act on what we see directly in front of us.

This is where thoughtful home interior design comes into play. By strategically placing water pitchers or filled glasses in areas where you spend most of your time, you’re creating visual cues that remind your brain to drink water. Consider placing a pitcher on your home office desk, a glass on a side table in your living room, or even keeping a water bottle handy in your kitchen. If you see it, you’re more likely to drink it.

Moreover, adding a stylish water dispenser or a set of beautiful glass water bottles in your kitchen or living area not only serves a health function but also contributes to the aesthetic appeal of your home.

In essence, if you wish to coax your brain into making healthier decisions – like drinking more water – without expending extra energy, you must litter your environment with cues for that action. And in the process, you’ll be creating a home that promotes not just style but also better well-being.