Dry January – Yea or Nay??
Is a Dry January worth the Hype?
By: Megan Barefoot
Dry January is a movement that encourages people to abstain from drinking alcohol for the month of January. It is often seen as a way to reset one's relationship with alcohol after the excesses of the holiday season and to improve one's health and well-being. Some people choose to participate in Dry January as a way to challenge themselves and see if they can go without alcohol while others do it as a way to support a friend or a loved one who's trying to cut back on their alcohol consumption. Regardless of the reason Dry January is a popular and increasingly mainstream way for people to take a break from alcohol and to focus on their health and well-being.
If you want to participate in dry January here are a few steps that you can follow:
Set a goal: Decide why you wanna participate in Dry January and what you hope to achieve. This can help you stay motivated and focused throughout the month.
Plan ahead: Think about how you will cope with social situations that involve alcohol. You might want to come up with some non alcoholic drink options (see below) or plan to meet friends in a different setting where alcohol isn't the main focus.
Be honest with your friends and family: Let the people in your life know that you are participating in Dry January. This can help them support you and understand if you need to turn down an invitation to go out for drinks.
Find ways to stay motivated: Consider joining a Dry January group or finding a buddy to participate with you. You can also keep track of your progress and the benefits you experience as a result of not drinking alcohol.
Don't be too hard on yourself: If you do slip up and have a drink during Dry January don't beat yourself up. Remember that the goal is to improve your health and well-being not to be perfect. Just try to get back on track as soon as possible.
There are many potential benefits to participating in a Dry January but the biggest is the improvement you will feel is with regards to your overall health. Abstaining from alcohol can have a range of health benefits including weight loss, improved sleep, and reduced risk of developing certain health conditions. There's also the benefit of increased energy! Alcohol can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling tired and sluggish. By not drinking for a month you may find that you have more energy and feel more alert. Better sleep is very important for dealing with stress. Alcohol can interfere with your sleep patterns which can lead to poor sleep quality. By not drinking you may find that you sleep better and wake up feeling more rested which gives you more energy for doing more activities.
Weight loss is also a happy side effect. Alcohol is high in calories and cutting it out can help you lose weight. Alcohol can have detrimental effects on your mood and can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Abstaining from alcohol can improve your mental health and help you feel more balanced and positive. Alcohol also impairs your judgment and ability to concentrate so by not drinking you may find that you have greater clarity and focus which can be beneficial for work and other responsibilities. Taking a break from alcohol can give you the time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol and assess whether it's a healthy relationship. It can also help you learn more about your yourself and your coping mechanisms for stress.
So you may be thinking what am I going to drink at parties and gatherings for the month of January? Well, there are many non-alcoholic options that you can enjoy!
Water - I know it's not “sexy” but water is a great choice to help you stay hydrated in the dry winter months. You can try sparkling water as it can be just as refreshing and can be flavored with lemon or cranberry juices or a little sprig of mint.
Teas and Coffee - These can be enjoyed hot and cold and come in a wide range of flavors. Just beef mindful of your caffeine intake if you're sensitive to it.
Non-Alcoholic Cocktails - There are also non-alcoholic cocktails, which many bars and restaurants now offer. Non-alcoholic cocktails which are made with a variety of non-alcoholic mixes and ingredients are fantastic and there is even non-alcoholic gin which is delicious.
Smoothies - If you like smoothies these can be a healthy and tasty option and you can customize them with your favorite fruits and vegetables.
Non-Alcoholic Beers and Wines - There are non-alcoholic beers and wines that are just as great as the originals.
Kombucha - My personal favorite is kombucha! Kombucha is a fermented tea that is slightly tart and fizzy. This is my personal favorite as a cocktail alternative as it comes in a variety of different flavors and when poured into a cocktail glass it’s feels just as fancy!
Are you going to try a Dry January? Let us know in the comments below! No Shoes Nutrition can help you start and stick with it! We offer a variety of nutrition consulting programs and packages that can help you stay accountable and on track! Let’s set up a chat! Schedule an initial complimentary consultation with us today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about! Visit www.noshoesnutrition.com and sign up for a FREE consultation. We work with people from all over the world individually or in groups so don’t let anything hold you back!
