Dry January – all cheers, no booze?

Having a dry January doesn’t seem to be something anyone can do quietly. Thinking about this recently, I think that the hardy souls taking on Dry January need to actually tell people as their first step to committing … and hopefully succeeding. So be nice to them!

So why bother?

We might lament that “everything we enjoy is bad for us” but the truth is that avoiding alcohol, even just for a few weeks offers tons of quick wins and probably some long-term ones as well. What might happen in just four and a bit weeks is astonishing … of course, this all depends on how much alcohol you were drinking before starting dry January but for many people the benefits might include;

• Week one – enjoy more energy, better concentration, better-quality sleep – all after just a few days;
• Week two – things get even better. Clearer thinking and more energy, fewer heartburn symptoms, being better hydrated and performing better physically;
• Week three – by now your waistline should benefit from skipping the 200 calories or so in every pint of beer and large glass of wine;
• Week four-and-a-bit – well done, you are already beginning to reduce your risk of developing several cancers, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and hypertensive disease. You might well weigh less AND look better as your skin will be improving – and of course your liver will already be in better condition and functioning better – which can help reduce daytime feelings of tiredness, amongst other benefits.

Just reading all that back means I’m totally feeling better already.

Not for you? How about a dry-ish January instead?

Maybe a whole month off isn’t for you – a big family event or night out during the month maybe? Fear not, just drinking less for a while still offers lots of benefits. You could maybe limit drinking to social events or during weekends only? For some, this approach might be more palatable longer term than just January as well? Or you have a dry February instead, it’s three days shorter for a start!

For more info about Dry January, check out some of the eye-opening blogs on the subject on the Alcohol Change website or listen in to some of the latest podcasts, online or on Spotify.

If it’s a bigger issue for you

If alcohol is an issue for you or someone close to you, remember that there absolutely is help for you out there that Treacle.me can easily help you find, all year round.

Treacle.me includes links to more than 30 organisations supporting those with drink / addiction issues, many of which you simply won’t be aware of. Treacle is free to use, has no annoying ads and never asks for your data or anything about you.

Take care out there – and all the very best for the New Year to you and your loved ones.

Helen

Treacle.me