How Boosting Hydration Can Help To Beat The Winter Blues

January and February can be the most trying months of the year, when the cheer and goodwill of the festive season has ebbed away, and the days are still short and cold. It is a common time of year to feel low in energy or motivation levels, which can be frustrating if you have made a resolution to get fit or take up a new activity. 

 

The winter blues

 

Feeling a little sluggish in winter is not unusual, and most people will start to feel more energised when the first signs of spring start to appear on the horizon. However, some people experience a medically recognised syndrome in winter called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 

 

The symptoms of SAD include a persistent low mood, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, disrupted sleep patterns, and food cravings. The condition is thought to be caused by the lower levels of sunlight during the winter, which disrupt the production of melatonin and serotonin and also disrupt the body clock.

 

How can the winter blues be tackled?

 

Treating SAD, or simply shaking off winter sluggishness, requires a holistic approach (except in very severe cases where medical intervention might be necessary). The most common advice is to get as much natural sunlight as possible and take regular exercise. 

 

This can be complemented with the use of a light box that is designed to simulate natural daylight, and talking therapies or counselling. 

 

How staying well hydrated can help

 

The role of hydration in our mood and energy levels should not be underestimated. When we are even slightly dehydrated, our mental functions can be impaired. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration levels can increase tension, anxiety and fatigue, and also adversely affect the memory. 

 

Why hydration is just as important in winter as summer

 

Dehydration may be considered by most people to be a risk in hot weather, but in winter we can often lose an equal amount of body fluids, yet often we tend to drink less water. The dry air draws moisture from our bodies, and overheated indoor environments combined with heavy clothing can cause us to sweat without realising. 

 

Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep a water bottle handy at all times. If you can’t avoid an overheated office, or you are getting active in the gym, it can be helpful to add a hydration tablet to your water. 

 

This will help to replenish your fluid levels more quickly, and also rebalance your electrolytes. These are vitamins and minerals such as sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are essential for the proper functioning of the body. 

 

Stay energised with proper hydration

Our bodies constantly use fluids to regulate body temperature, transport nutrients to the cells, and maintain proper cell function. When we are short of fluids by even one or two per cent of body weight, our bodies and brains work much less efficiently. This can result in tiredness and fatigue, making even simple everyday tasks feel like climbing a mountain.

 

Beat brain fog

 

Brain fog and loss of concentration are also symptoms of dehydration. If you are spending long hours at your desk toiling on a school or work project, then it can be easy to forget to drink regularly. You might be tempted to drink a lot of coffee to power through those deadlines, but caffeine is a diuretic and can increase your fluid loss over time.

 

Try drinking herbal teas as an alternative to caffeinated beverages if you prefer hot drinks in winter. You could also keep an insulated flask of hot water flavoured with a little fruit juice on your desk. Eating regularly, particularly soups and stews, water-rich fruits and vegetables, will also help to keep you energised and on top mental form.