Doing A Dry-Out January? Five Tips For Giving Up Alcohol

During dry-out January, you give up all alcohol!
The first few days of dry-out January, the month when some people choose to abstain from alcohol entirely, were probably a breeze. You were just coming off the holiday season, when you may have been drinking more than usual. A break felt like just what your body needed.
But now that it’s the first full week in January, and arguably the first week back to normalcy, you might find yourself at the intersection of wanting to master the challenge but also wanting to pour a glass of your favourite alcoholic beverage.
Keep your eyes on the prize!
Making it through dry-out January alcohol-free is a worthy goal. The month will not only improve your physical and mental outlook in unforeseen ways, it will also be psychologically rewarding, emotionally fulfilling, and fun. There is no downside to doing dry-out January. As the month progresses, many people realize how much they were drinking and how bad it was making them feel.
Giving up alcohol may deliver numerous health benefits, including better sleep, possible weight loss, and improved energy levels. People who embark on dry-out January reported greater increases in their sense of well-being, improvements in energy, health and sleep, especially if they successfully completed it. (But slipping up isn’t a failure; just start again tomorrow.) Completing the challenge will also boost their self-confidence.
Like anything, though, it can be tough to keep up an alcohol-free month. Follow these tips for sticking it out:
- Tell friends and family you are not drinking for the month
Announcing your intentions to friends, family members, and even random people at an event squashes the peer pressure to drink and holds you accountable. Extra credit for posting your intentions on social media where others can cheer you on.
- Switch the first alcoholic drink of the day to a non-alcoholic option
The first drink of the evening is usually the hardest, that’s the one you want to pour when making dinner or the one you want to order when you’re out for dinner with friends. Focus on a non-alcoholic first drink and you will set yourself up for an entire night of success
- Make your non-alcoholic drink special
Part of the enjoyment of alcohol is the sense that it’s special, a helpful tip is to pour seltzer in a wine glass for the same sensation of a sophisticated adult drink, but without the booze.
- Shake up Your meet ups
It can be a challenge when you’re going to meet one person for a drink, which you may still be asked to do this month, despite your resolution. You may almost feel bad for not ordering anything. Go ahead and let them know that you’re not drinking this month. If you feel comfortable enough, tell them ahead of time that you’re still happy to meet up at the restaurant or bar and give them the go-ahead to have that glass of wine. Or suggest an alternate activity, like meeting for coffee or tea.
- Practice the power of no, and don’t go
Sometimes you know that if you attend such-and-such event, you’re probably going to cave and have a drink. If you find yourself in that situation, say no and staying home. Come February 1, you can go back to your regularly scheduled social calendar — but likely with a better perspective on your drinking and a handle on your habits. You’ve got this.
This tool does not provide medical advice, it is intended for information purposed only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the Colleen The Coach website. If you suspect you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
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