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You may feel less thirsty in cold weather but your body still needs water

You may feel less thirsty in cold weather but your body still needs water

by Adeline Huar in Ö Hydration

You may feel less thirsty in cold weather, but your body still needs water

When the temperature drops, your water bottle can easily end up forgotten at the bottom of your bag. We tend to think about hydration after a workout or during a hot summer day, but much less often when we're bundled up in a sweater and spending more time indoors. The thing is, your body continues to lose water throughout the winter. The trick is to keep drinking regularly, even when thirst isn't giving you much of a reminder.

At Ö HYDRATION, we believe staying hydrated should feel like a natural part of your day, not another task on your to-do list. Here's why this simple habit deserves a place in your routine all year long.

Why do we feel less thirsty in fall and winter?

In summer, heat and sweating can make it pretty obvious when it's time for a drink. In colder weather, those signals may be less noticeable. Our sense of thirst can decrease as temperatures fall, and we may not feel as though we're losing as much water as we do on a hot day.

But our bodies still lose water through breathing, urination and sweat. Breathing cold, dry air outdoors also means losing some moisture as we exhale. And if you're skiing, skating or heading out for a brisk walk, you may sweat under all those layers without even realizing it. In other words, not feeling thirsty doesn't necessarily mean you've had enough to drink.

Indoor heating can play a part, too

As the weather gets colder, many of us spend more time in heated indoor spaces. Indoor air can become dry, contributing to dry lips, a scratchy throat or a dry feeling in the nose. These symptoms don't automatically mean you're dehydrated, but they can be a good reminder to pay attention to your comfort and everyday habits. A simple place to start? Keep water nearby and sip regularly throughout the day instead of waiting until you're very thirsty to think about it.

5 easy ways to stay on top of hydration in winter

1. Start your morning with a glass of water. After a night of sleep, it's an easy way to get your daily hydration routine going.

2. Keep your water bottle within reach. Leave it on your desk, pack it in your bag or bring it along to yoga. When water is easy to see and access, it's less likely to slip your mind.

3. Link drinking water to an existing habit. Take a few sips after lunch, during a work break or when you get home from a walk. There's no need to overcomplicate it.

4. Mix things up. Plain water is an excellent choice, but unsweetened herbal tea and water-rich foods, such as soups, fruits and vegetables, can also contribute to your daily fluid intake.

5. Find an option you enjoy. If you like a little variety, explore Ö HYDRATION's ready-to-drink beverages to add different flavours to your routine. The goal is to choose drinks that suit your preferences and needs.

Make hydration a year-round habit

There isn't one perfect amount of water that works for everyone. Fluid needs vary depending on factors such as age, physical activity, diet and overall health. Rather than forcing yourself to drink constantly, aim to spread your fluid intake throughout the day and pay attention to what your body needs.

November brings shorter days and changing routines, which can make small habits easier to forget. But your body doesn't need to wait for summer to get the water it needs. Keep your bottle close, take a few breaks and make hydration a simple part of your day, even when the temperature drops.

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