The new year is upon us, with many people looking to jumpstart their health and well-being. Depending on the person, this may look like signing up for a gym membership, trying a new diet, or giving up bad habits that are holding them back from being as healthy as they could be. A recent trend around the country is to give up drinking alcohol for the month of January, also known better as “Dry January”. Pausing alcohol consumption brings many benefits to those participating, such as improved health metrics, financial savings, and the ability to recognize triggers behind drinking habits.
Participating in Dry January can be a great way for people to jumpstart their well-being in the new year. So what are some tips for succeeding at Dry January? Keep reading to learn more!
Dry January: Know Your Why
For anyone participating in Dry January, it is critical to understand why pausing their alcohol consumption is important. The answers can vary depending on the individual and may include desires to improve their sleep, save money, lose weight, or prevent unwanted health problems. Writing down what you want to achieve by taking on this challenge can help you succeed and keep the bigger picture in mind as temptations arise.
Finding Substitutes for Alcohol
When participating in Dry January, it is important to plan for substitutes and replacements for alcoholic beverages. Doing so can make it easier to stay on track and avoid giving in when alcohol is present in the environment. Thankfully, there are lots of great non-alcoholic options available these days, even in bars and restaurants. With so many people reducing their alcohol intake, it is easier than ever to find mocktails and other tasty drinks that are made to be non-alcoholic.
If you find your lifestyle has become one in which social gatherings revolve around alcohol, you may also want to substitute the activities in which you participate. Try alcohol-free outings such as participating in a hiking group, meeting friends for coffee, or going out to a fancy dinner with friends who either aren’t drinking or are supportive of your goals.
Remind Yourself of the Rewards
When temptations arise, it can be helpful for participants of Dry January to remember the benefits of giving up alcohol. Doing so can bring a wide range of benefits to an individual’s physical and mental health. For example, abstaining from alcohol gives the liver a break, making it easier for it to recover and function with greater efficiency.
Participants can also look forward to deeper, more restorative sleep when alcohol is not around to disrupt sleep patterns. Alcohol is also calorie-dense and often blended with high-calorie mixers. Removing these drinks can help people lose weight or prevent unwanted weight gain. Some mental health benefits include lower levels of stress and anxiety, enhanced mental clarity, and a feeling of accomplishment from completing the challenge.
Track Progress & Reward Yourself
Throughout January, it can be helpful and motivating to track each day you go without alcohol. Use an app, calendar, or journal to see your progress and commitment to the challenge. You can also reward yourself for staying on track to make the month more enjoyable. For example, people could go for a relaxing massage, a small trip, or a special dinner with loved ones. These positive reinforcements can boost motivation and make it easier to complete the challenge.
Additionally, for days that you do give in and have an alcoholic drink, don’t let it derail your entire month. Look back on what led up to the drinking and recommit yourself to continuing the challenge. Making progress is the key here, even if it isn’t perfect.
Looking Beyond January
As Dry January comes to an end, it can be helpful to look back on how it impacted your relationship with alcohol. Are you interested in using this month to spur more alcohol-free days in the new year? What positive things happened this month thanks to giving up drinking? When reviewing the month, it can be helpful to journal your feelings and experiences. Doing so can help you decide what to do next. In fact, many people use Dry January to help them moderate their drinking habits moving forward and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great reasons to participate in Dry January. People can dive deeper into why they drink and reap many physical, mental, social, and financial benefits. This month can also make it easier for people to break out of their current lifestyles and find healthier alternatives to participate in. Doing so can help set a strong and healthy foundation for the new year, leading to many positive health outcomes.
