Does winter make you feel dry? You are not alone. Winter is actually one of the most common seasons for dehydration — without the heat as a constant reminder to drink, it's easy to fall short. As humans, we need relatively the same amount of water intake year-round to keep our internal functions in tip-top shape, and our external environment plays a big role in our outward appearance as well. If you are tired of feeling parched, here are the best ways to stay hydrated through the coldest time of the year.

Skin Care

Your skin takes a beating during the winter months, and dry, scaly patches can start to appear. Consider refreshing your skincare routine to fight back. Good old Vaseline has risen in popularity lately — the viral "slugging" technique showcases its powerful sealing ability. Vaseline creates a barrier between your skin and the environment, so when winds are high and temps are low, a thin layer can help keep windburn to a minimum. Sunscreen is also a vital and often forgotten tool during winter — UV exposure can dry out your skin regardless of the season, so don't skip it.

Joints and Muscles

Cold weather creates a stiff body, and that stiffness can easily lead to achy joints and progressive injuries over time. The key to preventing your winter body from locking up is to keep muscles warm and synovial fluid flowing in the joints. You can increase synovial fluid by eating a healthy diet high in anti-inflammatory foods, and keep muscles and joints strong through regular moderate exercise. Movement is medicine — staying consistent will keep your joints hydrated and your muscles resilient.

Water Intake

One of the most basic needs is water. The Mayo Clinic suggests that healthy adults need about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids per day for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) per day for women. Keep in mind that diuretics like coffee and soda don't count toward this goal — they actually have the opposite effect on your body. Keeping your organs well-hydrated also helps prevent falling ill during flu season.

Eat Your Fluids

A great way to meet your daily hydration intake is to eat foods with high water content. Some year-round standouts include:

• Lettuce and cucumber
• Celery
• Skim milk
• Broths and soups — especially great for cold weather!

Staying hydrated from the inside out may feel harder in winter's harsh conditions, but warmer temps are always on their way. Stay healthy for spring by following these easy tips, and keep checking back to the Kratos Gas & Power blog for lifestyle guidance.