When temperatures drop during winter, reaching for a hot drink can feel far more appealing than filling up your water bottle. But winter is not a reason to put your hydration habits on ice.
Also see: When are the best times to drink water?
Unlike summer, when heat and sweating can make thirst hard to ignore, colder weather can make it easier to go hours without thinking about water, explains Waterlogic. That does not mean your body suddenly needs less fluid.
From heated indoor spaces to the dry winter air, there are several reasons to make water part of your daily routine, even when you’re not feeling particularly thirsty.
You can still become dehydrated in winter
One of the biggest challenges with winter hydration is that the warning signs can be less obvious.
You may not be sweating heavily or feeling overheated, but your body continues to lose water throughout the day, notes Waterlogic. Being outdoors in cold conditions can also result in moisture being lost through your breath.
Then there is the indoor environment. Heaters and heated air-conditioning can make the air around you drier, adding another reason to pay attention to how much fluid you are drinking.
Your skin may notice the difference
Winter can be tough on your skin. Waterlogic states that cold outdoor temperatures combined with dry indoor air can leave skin feeling tight, rough, or uncomfortable. Moving repeatedly between chilly conditions and heated rooms can add to the problem.
It is not a magic fix for every winter skin concern, but making sure you get enough fluids supports your body’s normal functions while you also use moisturiser and other skincare products to protect your skin from the elements.
Assistance for that afternoon slump
The afternoon caffeine run can become a familiar winter routine. But before automatically reaching for another cup of coffee, consider whether you have had enough water during the day.
Dehydration can contribute to feelings of tiredness and reduced alertness. Waterlogic adds that if your water bottle has barely been touched since breakfast, topping it up may be a sensible first step.
Keeping water nearby makes the habit easier. Take regular sips while working, studying, travelling or relaxing at home rather than waiting until you feel extremely thirsty.
Also see: Refresh your life with the benefits of drinking water
Your immune system needs more than just water
Winter is often associated with colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses, which makes looking after your health particularly important.
Waterlogic notes that staying hydrated supports the normal functioning of the body, including the moist lining of the nose, sinuses and respiratory tract. However, drinking water does not guarantee that you will avoid winter viruses.
Good hydration is best viewed as one part of a broader approach to staying well, alongside nutritious food, sufficient rest, good hygiene, and other appropriate health measures.
Also see: What really happens when we drink too much water?
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