Okay, we know drinking water is important, second only to breathing. But, we don’t want to submerge ourselves in the dire consequences of inadequate hydration. So, let’s kick the fear and drink up the positivity.

The “Me” you want to see at its best is as unique as your adequate level of hydration, which varies every day. But don’t worry, you have a built-in analytic to help you calibrate your daily needs: thirstiness. If you aren’t a thirsty person, it is not hard to become one. Getting in touch with your body and learning a new skill will only take a few days of practice, or less.

But how much is hydrated? According to the folks at The Pharmacy. Divide your weight by two and use that number as the number of fluid ounces you should swim toward. For example, a 150-pound woman would choose to drink 75 ounces of water a day.

The easiest way to stay hydrated is to keep your drink with you. Treat it like your smartphone. There are many options out there to personalize your path to healthy water intake levels. From the classic water bottle to the humble gallon jug, there are even day-sized tankers with written encouragement to track your progress.

At first, getting your sip-game on might feel a little out of the ordinary. To overcome this, pair your gulps with something else you do regularly. Remember that smartphone? Hydrate a little every time you take a look. You can even set alarms or download apps to keep yourself going strong.

Positive reinforcement is an excellent way to re-invigorate and center yourself. Did something provoke your anxiety? Take a break and celebrate your choice to take care of yourself with some cool, delicious, drink. Bored? Take a moment to enliven your thoughts on the inspiring waves of a few good ounces. Hungry? Have a healthy snack. We gather almost twenty percent of our daily fluid needs through food, and water goes great with munchies. If you ever feel like you’re not keeping up, there is nothing wrong with an extra sip.

The most important thing is to feel good while you are treating your body well. You will find your own pace and that simple love will carry you far beyond any strict regimen or self-deprecating discipline.

So, what’s the best way to hydrate? While plain old water will never be wrong, there are plenty of options if you need some flavor. Try zero-calorie sweeteners packed with absorption enhancing vitamins and minerals, or uncaffeinated stand-bys like herbal infusions. Do your best to avoid high-calorie, heavily caffeinated, and sodium-rich choices, which can delay or prevent your absorption of fluids.

Now, you’re ready to hydrate. You’ve got your goal and your favorite flavors. What will happen in the first couple of days?

Expect to be in a better and more balanced mood, with clarity in your thoughts and energy in your body. You’ll even sleep more soundly knowing what good you’ve done for yourself. Congratulations, you’re going to do great!