Tuesday 22 March 2016 is World Water Day, a day that focuses on the importance of freshwater and advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

It’s been an annual event since 1993, and each year it focuses on a different issue related to water and the world’s population. Going to your kitchen and pouring yourself a glass of water isn’t a given for everyone, and even when it is, many people shun the benefits of H20 in favour of sugary drinks to refresh them.

The high sugar content in fizzy liquids, fresh juices and milkshakes has aided the obesity epidemic currently gripping the world, which is having a destructive effect on people’s health. However with plans for a sugar tax on fizzy drinks in England, as well as one already in place in countries like Finland, France and Mexico, the tide appears to be changing on the war against sugar. This is evident when you look at recent statistics for bottled water sales in the UK, which have drastically risen in the past year. Trade magazine The Grocer found that high street sales of bottled water rose 8.5 per cent to £982.7 million, with more than half of this drunk at home. A spokesperson noted that consumer health fears fuelled this trend, and the new sugar tax will further boost it.

Getting more water in your diet will benefit everything from your skin’s appearance to how well your brain functions. Getting plenty of the clear stuff will make you feel more alert and less lethargic too. The NHS recommends adults should be drinking at least six to eight glasses of fluid a day, with lower fat milk and sugar-free drinks including tea and coffee, as well as plain water, all counting.

Getting more water into your diet shouldn’t be a chore, as if you’re struggling to down more you’ll soon rebel against doing it. Make simple changes and reap the benefits.

Easy ways to drink more water:

Start your day with hot water with lemon slices. Both refreshing and will kick start your digestion.

Keep a large bottle or jug of water on your desk, and keep refilling your glass whenever it’s empty.

Eat more fruit and veg. Both are full of water and will up your daily levels.

Sip water before every meal. This can also curb calorie intake as it will make you feel fuller.

Use an app to track your cups. There really is an app for everything these days, so why not get on board with water levels?

Add flavour. Adding fruits, cucumber slices or sprigs of mint will jazz up your H20, giving you a hit of flavour with your hydration.

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