How To Successfull Complete Dry January!

After a busy festive and celebration event, the next thing on many people’s minds is whether or not they will be signing up for an alcohol-free January – commonly known as ‘Dry January’! For some, it is a starting point for the rest of their lives when they already know they have a problematic relationship. In contrast, for others, it is a good time to take a break from drinking and look into their relationship with alcohol.

There are many potential reasons people take advantage of this time of year. Maybe it’s part of their New Year’s resolution, plus incorporating healthier behaviours into their routine. Anyway, for whatever reason you are stepping away or just taking a little break from alcohol for an entire 31 days, it provides a great opportunity to assess a pattern of behaviour regarding alcohol, i.e. turning to alcohol for relaxing, when socialising with friends or get you through stressful situations.

Benefits Of Dry January

Tips to start reducing alcohol in your daily life

Going alcohol-free for the entire month of January can provide you with a healthier lifestyle, that will save you money. So here are a few tips on how reducing alcohol can be

• Share your social challenge: Talking to friends and family about your decision to drink less can help you stay accountable for your goal. Set up a group with family or friends or join a social media group to get built-in support.
• Be prepared for triggers: Do you always have a drink with friends? Have a book club and sip wine? Think how you’re going to handle being offered alcohol, how are you going to refuse it? Plan to enjoy an alternative drink i.e. soda. Treat it as your night-out drink if you do not usually drink!
• Eat well and exercise: Drinking alcohol can increase fatigue and decrease energy, whereas if you eliminate the consumption of alcohol, your body can use the increased energy to enjoy more healthy activities. The benefits include muscle strength and endurance, self-esteem, mood and memory, and overall well-being.
• Remember to have fun: You may think that you can’t enjoy yourself anymore, just because are drinking alcohol well that isn’t true! Sober maybe even more fun as you can form rewarding relationships with friends which you can look back on and remember the whole night.
• Be a supportive friend: If someone you know chooses not to drink, don’t pressure them into explaining the reasons behind why they aren’t drinking or if you are the person opting not to drink, then don’t ever feel pressured into explaining yourself.

Are you doing the ‘Dry January Challenge’? How do you make it easier to complete?