What is Dry January?
Dry January, also known as “Sober January” or “Drynuary,” is an event that happens every year where people decide to stop drinking alcohol for the whole month of January. It’s become a popular thing to do in recent years as more and more people are looking to improve their health and wellness.
The History of Dry January
The idea of Dry January goes way back to the early 1900s, when the Temperance Movement in the US encouraged people to stop drinking alcohol for a month to improve their health. But it wasn’t until the 2010s that Dry January really took off, with the first official campaign being launched in 2013 by the UK charity Alcohol Concern (now called Alcohol Change UK).
Since then, Dry January has become popular all around the world, with people from lots of different countries taking part. It’s a great way for people to reset their relationship with alcohol, think about their drinking habits, and make positive changes for their health and well-being.
The Benefits of Dry January
There are loads of benefits to doing Dry January, both in the short term and the long term. Here are just a few:
- Better sleep: Alcohol can mess up your sleep patterns and lead to poor quality sleep. By not drinking alcohol, you might find that you sleep better and feel more rested.
- Weight loss: Alcohol has empty calories that can contribute to weight gain. By taking a break from alcohol, you might see a drop in your weight.
- More energy: Alcohol can drain your energy levels, leading to fatigue and a lack of motivation. By not drinking alcohol, you might find that you have more energy and feel more productive.
- Better skin: Alcohol can dehydrate your skin and make it look dull and lifeless. By not drinking alcohol, you might notice an improvement in the appearance of your skin.
- Improved mental health: Alcohol can impact your mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression. By taking a break from alcohol, you might find that your mood improves and you feel more positive.
How to Participate in Dry January
If you’re interested in doing Dry January, there are a few simple steps you can follow to make the most of it:
- Set a goal: If you think an entire month is too long, decide how long you want to do Dry January and make a plan to achieve that goal. Baby steps are better than none and a week of not drinking can be a great start for some.
- Tell your friends and family: Let your loved ones know about your goal so they can support you and hold you accountable.
- Find alternative activities: Instead of reaching for a alcoholic drink, see if any of the many available alcohol free options work for you, from simple sparkling water to alcohol free beers to our own botanical tonics brewed with functional mushrooms instead of booze.
- Seek support: If you’re finding it hard to stick to your goal, reach out to friends and family for support or consider joining a support group.
By following these simple steps, you can make the most of your Dry January experience and set yourself up for success in the year ahead.
