Tricks That Will Keep Your Team Drinking Water in Winter

One of the biggest myths about hydration is that drinking water in winter is not as important as it is in the summer.

As the chill sets in and we bundle up for another frosty season, you might be thinking, “It’s freezing outside. Why do I need to worry about drinking water?” Well, grab your favorite mug, and let’s dive into why winter hydration is essential for you and your team and how you can make it a breeze in your office.

Why Drinking Water in Winter Matters

You might associate dehydration with sweltering summer days, but here’s a surprise: winter can be just as dehydrating, if not more so! Let’s break down why:

The Hidden Dehydrators

• Dry Air: Winter air, especially in Southern Colorado, is notoriously dry, both outdoors and indoors. Your heating system, while keeping you cozy, is actually sucking moisture out of the air – and your body.
• Less Obvious Thirst: Did you know that you can feel up to 40% less thirsty in winter? Your body’s thirst response is diminished in cold weather, making it easier to forget to drink water.
• Increased Fluid Loss: Believe it or not, you’re losing more water than you think. Every visible breath in the cold air is moisture leaving your body!

The Impact on Your Workplace

Now, you might be wondering, “What does this have to do with my business?” Well, quite a lot, actually:

• Productivity Plunge: Even mild dehydration can reduce work performance by up to 25%. Imagine what that could mean for your bottom line!
• Brain Fog: Dehydration affects cognitive function. Your team might find it harder to focus, make decisions, or solve problems.
• Energy Drain: Feeling sluggish in the afternoon? Before you blame it on a heavy lunch, consider dehydration as a culprit.
• Increased Sick Days: Proper hydration supports immune function. Drinking water in winter might just be your best defense against the dreaded office flu season.

Related: The Unseen Health Benefits of Drinking Purified Water

Clever Tricks to Keep Your Team Hydrated

Now that we’ve covered the ‘why,’ let’s get to the fun part – the ‘how.’ Here are some creative ways to keep your team drinking water in winter months:

Create a Winter Hydration Station

Transform a corner of your break room into a hydration haven. Here’s how:

• Install a high-quality water cooler (hint: Clearly Colorado has some great options for office purified water delivery!)
• Set up a tea station with a variety of herbal teas.
• Provide fruit slices and herbs for infused water creations.

Launch a “Hydration Challenge”

Nothing motivates quite like a friendly competition:

• Create a leaderboard to track water intake.
• Offer prizes for the most consistent hydrators.
• Use a fun app or tracker to make it easy and engaging.

Warm It Up

Who says drinking water in winter has to be as cold as the outside temperatures? Encourage warm options:

• Herbal teas (caffeine-free for best hydration)
• Warm water with lemon and honey
• Low-sodium broths for a savory option

Educate with Flair

Make learning about hydration fun and memorable:

• Post quirky “Did You Know?” hydration facts around the office.
• Share a “Hydration Tip of the Week” in team meetings or emails.
• Create funny memes about drinking water in winter and share them on your office communication channels.

Hydration Reminders

Go beyond the usual “drink more water” reminders:

• Set up “hydration breaks” during long meetings.
• Create a hydration-themed playlist (think “Water Me” by Lizzo or “Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga).
• Designate a “Hydration Hero” each week to inspire others.

Invest in Fun Drinkware

Make drinking water a joy with some office swag:

• Provide branded water bottles (great for team spirit and marketing!)
• Offer a variety of fun cups, mugs, and glasses.
• Consider “smart” water bottles that track intake and glow to remind you to drink.

The Role of Food in Winter Hydration

Don’t forget that drinking water in winter is not the only way (although it is the best way!) to get and stay hydrated in colder months. Many foods can contribute to your daily fluid intake:

• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and clementines are not only hydrating but also packed with immune-boosting vitamin C.
• Soups: A warm cup or bowl of soup can be incredibly hydrating and comforting in winter.
• Cucumbers and Celery: These veggies have high water content and make for great, crunchy snacks.
• Yogurt: Rich in water and probiotics, yogurt is a hydrating and gut-friendly option.
• Apples: With high water content and fiber, apples are a perfect winter snack.

Making It Easy: Clearly Colorado’s Hydration Solutions

At Clearly Colorado, we’re passionate about keeping Southern Colorado businesses hydrated with great-tasting drinking water in winter and year-round. Our range of office water delivery and break room supply services are designed to make hydration effortless for you and your team.

Our Winter Hydration Offerings:

• State-of-the-Art Water Coolers: Easy to use and maintain, our coolers provide fresh, clean water at the perfect temperature.
• Custom Beverage Plans: We’ll work with you to create a hydration plan that suits your office’s unique needs.
• Regular Deliveries: Never run out of water or supplies with our reliable delivery service.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Our solutions are designed with our beautiful state in mind, helping you make sustainable choices that reduce your carbon footprint.

Learn More: How Bulk Water Delivery From Clearly Colorado Saves You Time and Money

Wrapping Up: Your Winter Hydration Action Plan

As we’ve seen, drinking water in winter is crucial for maintaining a healthy, productive workplace. Here’s a quick action plan to get you started:

• Assess Your Current Setup: Take a look at your office’s current hydration options. Are they easily accessible and appealing?
• Educate Your Team: Share the importance of winter hydration in your next team meeting.
• Implement Fun Initiatives: Choose one or two ideas from our list to start with, like setting up a hydration station or launching a friendly challenge.
• Lead by Example: As a business owner or manager, your habits set the tone. Make visible efforts to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Partner with Clearly Colorado: Let us help you create the perfect hydration solution for your office.

Remember, a well-hydrated team is a happier, healthier, and more productive team. By making hydration a priority this winter, you’re not just looking after your employees’ well-being; you’re investing in the success of your business.

Schedule your free consultation with Clearly Colorado’s hydration experts. Together, we can keep your team refreshed, focused, and thriving all winter long!

Stay warm, stay hydrated, and here’s to a productive winter season!