Dry January is an ideal opportunity for a little health reset, and this year, I decided to take it after a particularly boozy Christmas period.
First, it was my birthday, then my partner’s, then Christmas, New Year’s Eve – so by the time January first came, I was ready to cut out alcohol completely for 31 days.
And, unsurprisingly, I did feel really good because of it. No hangovers or hangxiety, no days wasted and unnecessary calories consumed on the greasiest foods you can get your hands on. It was stunning.
I think there’s an assumption that if you don’t have that glass of wine when you’re out with your friends, or you refrain while having a meal, people will assume you’re boring or pressure you.
And yes, sometimes that does happen. But the power of ‘no’ is a wonderful thing – and if people can’t take no for an answer, that’s an issue with them.
I’ve seen a few times on social media that Gen Z are snubbing alcohol-fuelled nights out for more wholesome activities, and I really don’t blame them. Is there anything else that makes you feel more accomplished than going for a weekend walk and stopping off for a lime and soda en route? Let me tell you, no.
It’s so much better than wallowing in bed because you couldn’t resist that extra cocktail that you definitely didn’t need because you were already tipsy.
And just think of all the money you’ll be able to save in the process. With many places costing upwards of £10 for a cocktail and close for wine or Prosecco, you’ll be smugly giggling into your bottled water.
This is definitely a huge benefit of cutting out alcohol – think of the trips away you could potentially go on with the money saved from just two nights out. Not only are you saving on the alcohol, but you’re saving on the expensive taxi journey home. It’s a win-win.
Now, don’t get me wrong – despite the fact that I have chosen to be teetotal for 18 months in the past, I don’t plan on taking up this lifestyle long-term at the moment.
Right now, I personally love a little Prosecco with my friends, but I now know when to stop. But there’s nothing like a month-long break to help you feel healthier, and so you can reassess the fact that, actually, every time you go out to dinner, you don’t need to have alcohol. You’re fun enough without it!
What does the NHS say about doing Dry January?
They say that Dry January is a great way to try to get any overindulgence back under control. It gives your body (and mind) a chance to have a rest from alcohol without committing to being a tee-total long term and helps build a pattern of more healthy habits.
The benefits of a month of being alcohol-free
- Better sleep – this improves energy levels and improves your mood.
- Better diet – make better choices when you are not under the influence of alcohol, more likely to chose healthier foods when you are not feeling tired.
- Weight loss – not having the calories associated with most alcoholic drinks, better diet choices, more energy to exercise.
- Physical health – no hangovers, improved blood pressure, gives your liver a break.
- Finance – a few more pounds in your pocket at a tricky time of year.
Thinking long term
It may be that you want to use this opportunity to have a re-think about the part alcohol plays in your home and social life.
You might like to try:
- Reducing the number of days you drink each week.
- Make the weekend really the weekend – not starting Thursday evening.
- Reducing the amount and/or strength of alcohol you drink on each occasion.
- Stretching Dry January to Dry February, too.
If you’re struggling with your alcohol consumption or you’re looking to adopt a healthier lifestyle, make an appointment to speak to your GP.
Would you consider cutting down on or cutting out alcohol? Let us know in the comments…