Winter Wellness Essentials: Staying Hydrated and Healthy in the Cold Months

Regardless of the season, your body requires enough water to function. Cell health, digestion, temperature regulation, and other necessary functions depend on water intake.

The summer’s heat often encourages people to reach for more water. However, cold weather can have the opposite effect. If you’re not sweating, you might not drink enough. You may also not feel thirsty.

Research shows that cold weather can diminish the thirst response by up to 40%, leading to decreased fluid intake. This phenomenon occurs because the body directs blood flow to your core to protect vital organs. This process can trick your body into thinking it’s properly hydrated. In cold environments, your kidneys also excrete more urine, which can increase the risk of dehydration.

Indoor heating systems also impact winter hydration levels and skin health. In response to dry air, sweat on the skin evaporates almost immediately, so you might not even be aware that you’re losing water.

How to Stay Hydrated in Winter

Here is how to stay hydrated in winter to protect your health.

• Set daily fluid intake goals and drink water even when you’re not thirsty. Remember, thirst is an early warning sign of dehydration. Optimal daily intake depends on the individual, so be sure you get enough. 

• Drinking plenty of quality water is vital. However, fluids come in other forms, including some that are especially inviting during winter. Consume more herbal tea and broths, which also help protect immunity. Having tri-temperature water on demand can be helpful because it creates greater versatility for fluid intake. 

• Welcoming Brio products into your home or office can ensure access to clean, pure water for optimal hydration. Access to this water supply also increases convenience and helps remind you to drink more, making it easier to stay hydrated. Use the Solution Finder to see which innovative option is right for you. 

Beyond Winter Hydration: Comprehensive Wellness Practices

Hydration is critical, but it’s not the only wellness practice that matters this winter. To protect your health and to create better habits moving forward, focus on regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet.

Many fruits and vegetables are 90 to 95% water, so they can satisfy some of your winter hydration needs. When choosing foods, consider options like cantaloupe, grapefruit, zucchini, and tomatoes. You should increase your intake of these foods to stay hydrated and support immune function.

Soup is another winter classic that can help you get more water — just avoid recipes that contain a lot of sodium. However, don’t just focus on foods high in water. It’s important to consume nutrient-dense foods while meeting your hydration requirements.

Consider adding a humidifier to support respiratory health and improve air quality in your home or work environment. This step helps combat the effects of dry air.

Incorporating Brio Into Your Winter Wellness Routine

Brio’s advanced water filtration systems can help you reach your winter hydration goals by offering access to quality water. You’ll taste the difference clean, filtered water makes whether you drink it on its own or use it to brew your favorite tea.

With Brio products, the convenience of quality water makes it easy to develop healthier winter drinking habits. Here are some suggestions to help you stay hydrated in winter.

• Download a water intake tracking app to make yourself more accountable. Then, you can keep a reusable sports bottle on you to use throughout the day. With Brio’s water coolers, filling water bottles is fast and easy. Depending on the model, you can even add ice on demand.

• Add a water cooler like the Brio 520 to your home or office so you’ll have access to hot water on demand. Brewing tea requires no effort, so start experimenting with new flavors and recipes. Caffeine-free options will have less diuretic effects.

• Focus on what makes sense for your daily routines and schedule. Be conscious of your water intake, and drink a glass of water at regular intervals, especially at every meal. Consistency is critical, as it will help you develop healthier habits. Set water goals and stick to them — regardless of the season. 

Hydrate Often and Take a Holistic Approach This Winter

Winter wellness is critical to support immune function and overall health. While a holistic approach to wellness is important, hydration is a foundational element you must prioritize. 

Develop optimal hydration habits and invest in solutions that help you drink enough water. The goal is to increase convenience by investing in high-quality, easily accessible water. Explore Brio Water bottleless and bottled cooler options to support your wellness journey throughout the season and beyond.