How to stay hydrated in winter

How to stay hydrated in winter

When the weather turns cold, it’s natural to focus on rugging up and staying warm. But while we’re layering up on the outside, it’s easy to let hydration slip.

In winter, our habits shift. We might skip outdoor exercise, spend more time in dry air, or reach for salty comfort foods and hot drinks that don’t necessarily hydrate us. And with our thirst signals dulled by the cold, we often drink less water without realising.

If you’re feeling a little flat, noticing your skin is drier or your hair is more brittle, chances are hydration has something to do with it.

Here’s how to care for your overall wellbeing this winter with water, nature’s most powerful healer.

The hidden dehydration of winter

We may not sweat as much in cooler weather, but we still naturally lose water through our breath, skin, and going to the toilet. Cold air holds less humidity, and indoor heating dries it out even more, drawing moisture from our bodies around the clock. The long, hot showers that you might favour in winter can also strip the skin of natural oils, leaving it tight, dry, and irritated.

Common signs of dehydration include:

• Dry or flaky skin
• Chapped lips
• Brain fog or fatigue
• Headaches
• Dark urine or fewer bathroom visits

Hydration and immunity: why water matters more during flu season

Hydration plays a big role in how your body handles illness. Staying well-hydrated helps your immune system work better, especially during the colder months when viruses like the flu are more common. Water supports your body in lots of ways when you’re unwell.

• Boosts immune defence: water helps your body produce lymph, which transports infection-fighting cells throughout your system.
• Clears congestion: staying hydrated thins mucus and makes it easier to clear from your system.
• Regulates temperature: fluids help stabilise body temperature – important when you’re running a fever.
• Prevents dehydration from symptoms: fever, sweating, and vomiting all drain fluids, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to replenish them.
• Supports recovery: water helps flush out toxins and deliver nutrients to cells, helping you bounce back faster.

Hydration for body, mind and skin

Water fuels nearly every function in the body, from digestion and circulation to mental clarity and energy levels. Even slight dehydration can affect your mood and focus.

We’ve talked before about how water supports energy, stress resilience, and even sleep. But it’s not just about how much water you drink. It’s also the quality of that water.

The zazen Alkaline Water System is designed to support hydration more effectively. With advanced filtration and added minerals, it delivers clean, alkaline, mineral-rich water that helps your body absorb what it needs and stay balanced, especially in colder months when it needs extra support.

How to keep skin hydrated in winter (and protect your hair too)

Winter dryness isn’t just about cold winds. The water you shower in can also play a big role.

Tap water often contains chlorine and other chemicals that strip your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry, itchy, and more prone to irritation. Long, hot showers can intensify this, especially for sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.

The zazen Infinity Shower Filter helps reduce up to 99% of chlorine as well as heavy metals and other impurities, creating a gentler experience for your skin and scalp. Many users report less itching, softer skin, and hair that feels cleaner, calmer, and easier to manage.

To help your skin and hair nourished:

• Keep showers warm, not hot
• Use filtered water where possible
• Moisturise straight after bathing to lock in hydration

How to stay hydrated in cold weather

Hydration in winter doesn’t need to be complicated. These small, daily habits make a big difference:

• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to have a drink. Sip water steadily throughout the day.
• Try warm lemon water or herbal teas if cold water feels uninviting.
• Nourish yourself with soups, stews, and broths for hydration and comfort. If you’re sick, a classic chicken noodle soup or homemade bone broth will help replenish fluids lost through fever or congestion and the mild salt content will restore the electrolytes essential to keep your body balanced. Just make sure you use zazen Alkaline Water as the base.
• Use a humidifier with filtered water to keep air moist.
• Shorten shower time and use the zazen Infinity Shower Filter to protect skin and scalp.
• Remind little ones to drink – children often need extra cues in cold weather.

Reconnect with water, naturally 

At zazen, we believe hydration is more than a habit. It’s a ritual of self-care and reconnection.

From the water you drink to the water that touches your skin, every drop has the power to restore and rebalance. This winter, honour your body’s needs with clean, nourishing water, and feel the difference from the inside out.

Discover the zazen Alkaline Water System below.