Everybody knows it’s important to drink more water throughout the summer months, when we’re likely to sweat more and become dehydrated, but not many realise how important it is throughout the winter.
When temperatures drop the air becomes dryer, so our bodies absorb less water through other means. As well as this, water intake is likely to drop throughout the season simply because many people think it is less important than in summer.
However, it is worth noting that feeling thirsty is a pretty late indicator of dehydration. Throughout the winter months you are far more likely to experience dry lips, dry skin, and even symptoms which may trick you into thinking you are unwell, like a dry cough or mild headache.
The cold makes many crave warmth and so turn to tea and coffee, which can dehydrate you due to the fact caffeine is a diuretic. As well as all this, drinking more water can help suppress your appetite which often increases during the winter.
Whatever the weather, all through the year I have been known to drink far too much coffee during the day and wine at night – never water.
All that changed when I got my hands on a 2.2 litre container bottle to keep on my desk; I finally began to drink more water.
The NHS recommends drinking 1.2 litres per day, or six to eight glasses. So when I got my hands on the massive bright pink bottle, I set a target to drink one a day.
At first I struggled, combining water with two or three coffees (down from five) was no easy feat. However, I noticed that on the days I drank more water I craved less coffee.
I decided it was time to push myself.
I allowed myself one coffee each day, and every time I craved a caffeine kick I chugged water instead. Had somebody told me this would actually work to overcome my deep-set addiction I would never have believed them, but it did.
Over the last couple of months I have upped my goal each day. I now drink between three and four litres of water every day and the effect on my skin and my mood has been astonishing.
I have a lot more energy, even upon waking, which led me to guess I had been waking up dehydrated in the past, perhaps from a cheeky bedtime wine?
Some days I don’t have a coffee at all, which is something I could only have dreamed off a-year-ago.
I have to admit at first I was making more frequent trips to the toilet, but slowly my body began to adjust and the reduction of caffeine most likely helped.
My skin has certainly improved and the wrinkles I was beginning to notice setting in have become ever so slightly less concerning.
Most of us probably know we need to drink more water, but without a brightly coloured big bottle going with you everywhere you go as a reminder it can be very hard to do.
I would definitely recommend investing in a good, durable and very big bottle before setting yourself daily targets. You can even get apps to remind you!
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I have totally been slacking on drinking water this winter and I my skin and lips are paying for it because they are always dry and really becomes irritating. I think a great bottle to have with me all the time is the best solution. Well done on reducing the caffeine intake.
I could totally use some more water, all year long. I started the first few days of the year off right, and I noticed a difference in my skin. I need to get in the habit.
I seriously need to drink more water. I get into these moods where all I want is water, and then I go weeks without drinking a drop! I know, horrible right?
I used to drink so much water but I don’t know why, I just don’t anymore. So stupid, I know! I should drink much more! you are right! good for the skin, the body, the spirit!
I’ve been trying to do my best to drink plenty of water during this pregnancy. It’s essential to my health and the baby’s.
You’re so right about spreading the word. Even as a smoker and drinker, drinking lots of water is my cure for basically everything!
I so agree. I try hard to drink a lot of water throughout the day. I know it’s important and good for me. But sometimes it can be difficult. I always add lemon to mine to give it added flavor.
I definitely need to up my water intake because I know that I don’t drink nearly enough water and that is something that needs to change! I really love the sound of your pink bottle to help you reach your target x
Hands up I really need to drink more water no matter the time of year, I really rely on getting it through tea or squash which isn’t the best way.
That is one big beautiful bottle. So many colors, hmm one for everyday in case it doesn’t get washed, lol. I started the year off drinking my required water and I have done good so far!!!
The struggle is real! I constantly find myself struggling to drink more water. In winters, I like to keep luke warm water in a flask and keep sipping on it gradually. Cheers!!
Ahh this has been one of my goals for years! Thanks for the tips!
I was reading your post and I was thinking that I have not been drinking as much water as I use to and need. So I got up got my bottle of water and started. Thank you for the reminder.
Thanks for the reminder! I love drinking water. You really need to drink a lot to stay hydrated. I think a lukewarm or warm water is best during winter.
It’s actually tough to remind myself to drink enough water in winters! These are great tricks! I wonder if it will make me stop crave for coffee though!
I’ve been sick for the past week, and I have never craved water so much in my life. Our bodies definitely need it! Glad you’ve been able to get more into your diet. It need to as well.
I have the same thing! The more I drink the more I crave – makes it so much easier to get into a habit.
I am a huge water drinker. I drink a gallon a day and it important for me to keep track.
Drinking water makes a lot of wonder. I do water therapy whenever i have flu, and i dont take medicines initially. And it works!
The older I get the more I drink more water. Ginger lemon water actually helps get rid of stomach bloat.
I agree. Im not a big fan of drinking water but Im trying to get in all that I need daily. Usually when its cold I tend to drink less so I dont have to use the bathroom often.
Drinking water is my worst enemy. I just can’t do it like I should.
Yes! People often neglect it during winter. But it’s oh so important!