Even when we know that something is important to our health, it can still be hard to put that knowledge to use when doing so requires changing our habits. A good example for many of us is the advice to drink more water. Tons of research tell us that staying hydrated helps our body stay healthy. The benefits of adequate hydration include a better functioning brain (which is 85% water). Nonetheless, many of us struggle to incorporate more hydration into our day.

Part of the problem is that we often have an all-or-nothing mindset about establishing a new habit. However, making extraordinary and immediate changes in our lifestyle is itself stressful and often unsustainable. Instead, often the best approach to establishing a new habit is simply to make one small change. So instead of thinking about drinking the oft-recommended 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water, choose one small step to add one glass of water extra to your day. For example, trying drinking a full glass of water to start your day. (No, sorry, coffee doesn’t count because caffeine de-hydrates – just have a glass of water while the coffee brews). Or drink a glass of water before you eat (which can help regulate digestion and appetite). Or pour a glass of sparkling water in a fancy glass and toast the end of each work day. Choose a time and place that puts the fewest barriers between you and that life-giving, thirst-quenching glass of water. Often one small change is enough to trigger other changes and before long, a new healthy habit is born.