Dry January, also known as Drynuary, is a popular trend in which people abstain from alcohol for the month of January. This practice has gained widespread popularity in recent years as a way for people to reset their relationship with alcohol and improve their overall health. In this article we’ll take a closer look at Dry January benefits as well as how to get started.

Dry January benefits

Participating in Dry January can have a number of benefits including:

Improved sleep and energy levels

Abstaining from alcohol can lead to improved sleep, increased energy levels, and weight loss. Recent research from The University of Sussex showed that taking part in Dry January sees people regaining control of their drinking, having more energy, better skin and losing weight. They also report drinking less months later. 

Weight loss

Alcohol consumption causes increased levels of the hormone cortisol, which has been linked to weight gain. In addition, it can stop your body from burning fat, it’s high in calories, it can make you feel hungry, and it can lead to cravings for salty and greasy foods. All of this means that if you’re hoping to lose a few pounds after the Christmas excess, than cutting out the alcohol for a month can only be a good thing.

Overall health benefits

It can also give your liver a much-needed break from processing alcohol and can reduce the risk of developing alcohol-related diseases like liver cirrhosis and pancreatitis.

Mental health benefits

Additionally, taking a break from alcohol can also have mental health benefits. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. By abstaining from alcohol, you may find that your mood improves and that you feel more focused and clear-headed.

Bank balance friendly

In January, we are all feeling the financial pinch, and alcohol is another expense we can all do without. Cutting out alcohol for a month is another way to save money during a time when finances are stretched. You can calculate how much you would save from cutting alcohol for a month based on your usual consumption levels here.

How to do Dry January

If you’re thinking of participating in Dry January, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success.

Let your tribe know

First, it’s important to plan ahead. Let your friends and family know that you’ll be participating in Dry January so they can support you and help you stay on track.

Plan alcohol-free activities

You may also want to plan alcohol-free activities for the month, such as movie nights or game nights, to keep yourself entertained and avoid situations where you may be tempted to drink.

Get your support system in place

It’s also a good idea to have a support system in place. This could be a friend or family member who is also participating in Dry January, a support group, or even an online community of people who are also taking a break from alcohol. Having a support system can help you stay motivated and accountable, and can make the experience more enjoyable.

Be realistic

Another tip for success is to be realistic about your goals. It’s okay to start small – for example, you might aim to cut back on alcohol rather than completely abstaining. And remember, it’s okay to slip up – the important thing is to get back on track and continue working towards your goal.

Overall, Dry January can be a great way to reset your relationship with alcohol and improve your overall health. By planning ahead, having a support system in place, and being realistic about your goals, you can set yourself up for success and enjoy the many benefits of taking a break from alcohol.

Giveaway

We’ve teamed up with award-winning alcohol-free cocktail brand, the official cocktails of Dry January – Mocktails – for a chance to win one of their mixed cases of 12 mocktails worth £29.99 this Dry January! If you’re thinking of skipping on the alcohol this Dry January then why not enter our giveaway…

Enter on our giveaways page here

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