Giving Dry January a try? Here’s how to stay on track
Feel like the wheels are starting to wobble on your Dry January? Reignite your commitment to clarity and health with the help of these tips.
The physical and mental health benefits of taking a break from alcohol are well recognised.
From improved sleep, feeling more energised, stronger immunity – not to mention the savings in your wallet – it’s easy to see why many people pledge to start their year on the right foot by committing to Dry January.
Benefits of an alcohol-free month
Dry January began as an Alcohol Change UK initiative in 2013 and aims to inspire people to discover the positive lifestyle rewards that can come from ditching booze for a month.
“Taking a break from drinking alcohol gives your immune system a boost and gives you more energy, better sleep, brighter skin and stronger hair and nails,” Alcohol Change UK chief executive Dr Richard Piper says.
Going alcohol-free for a month has also been found to have a durable positive impact on drinking habits.
And, according to Alcohol and Drug Foundation chief executive Dr Erin Lalor, it helps people adopt healthier skills for socialising while drinking less or not at all.
“A month without alcohol can also lead to long-term changes, such as reduced alcohol consumption, lower rates of binge drinking, and drinking on less days throughout the week,” Dr Lalor says.
How harmful is alcohol?
Excess alcohol consumption can have both short and long-term consequences on health.
Heavy drinking is a risk factor for conditions including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease and neuropsychiatric diseases, while the World Health Organization attributes 3 million deaths each year worldwide to the harmful use of alcohol.
Easy tips to make Dry January a success
While there are some great reasons to give up grog, it doesn’t always mean it’s easy to stick to the task.
Keep these ideas in mind to help stay on track:
Know your alcohol triggers
Identifying what motivates you to drink can help you find better ways to address those issues rather than turning to alcohol.
Reduce the temptation
Organise alcohol-free events with people you date and friends, such as coffee catch-ups, the movies or hiking.
Find handy resources
Download the Try Dry app – track your alcohol-free days and earn badges to keep you motivated.
Be mindful
Dr Piper also suggests mindfulness as a way of remaining on track to achieving your goal.
“As you progress through the month, you may feel your enthusiasm starting to wane,” he says.
“This is natural, as your attention begins to move on to other things.
“Mindfulness can be a useful way to keep your attention focused on your goal.”
More ways to reassess your relationship with alcohol:
- Why wine o’clock is becoming a problem for midlife women
- How to stay connected to friends when they quit drinking
- Are alcohol-free drinks the answer to quitting booze?
- How many calories are in your alcoholic drinks?
Written by Tia Clarkson-Pascoe.
