Embarking on Dry January? Whether you're considering a sober lifestyle or simply reducing your alcohol intake, The Lifey Brand has curated a collection of tips and tools to support your journey towards wellness and self-discovery.
What is Dry January?
Dry January was introduced in 2012 by Alcohol Change UK, as a health-focused movement that millions have embraced to start their new year afresh. While older studies hinted at potential health benefits from moderate alcohol consumption, recent research challenges this notion, especially considering the risks associated with heavy or long-term drinking. These risks include heart and liver damage, increased cancer risk, a compromised immune system, memory problems, and mood disorders. but there's good news: even a month without alcohol can bring significant health improvements. Studies show that regular drinkers who take a 30-day break from alcohol experience better sleep, increased energy, weight loss, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and a decrease in cancer-related proteins.
Your Guide to Success
Identify Your Go-to Beverage Alternatives: Identifying go-to beverage alternatives for Dry January helps satisfy your cravings without alcohol, making it easier to stick to your goals and enjoy a variety of flavorful, healthier choices.
Consider these Popular Non-Alcoholic Drink Options:Â Whether it's a mocktail (non-alcoholic cocktail), a non-alcoholic beer or wine, a soda, or even just sparkling water, choosing a go-to beverage alternative is the Lifey Brand's first tip to set you up for a successful Dry January.
Eliminate Temptations Before They Begin: Another way to set yourself up for a successful Dry January, is to eliminate any pre-existing temptations from your environment. One way to do this may be to not store alcohol at your home, and when visiting others, bring your go-to alternative beverage.
Find a Dry January Partner: Having someone to do the challenge with can be motivating, and help you stay accountable to your Dry January goal. Whether it's a partner, a close friend, or a support group, you'll want to share your goal with them to be successful with your Dry January, so you can gain their support and encouragement throughout the process.
Track Your Success: Remember, your choice to do a Dry January is not only a healthy choice, but it's on that can be motivating to track as you become aware of the empty calories your avoiding, and the money you're saving along the way! One popular tool is an app from Alcohol Change UK called "Try Dry- The Dry January App."
Reflect on Your Observations: Use this time to note down anything new you become aware of, as you reflect on this period of being alcohol-free and evaluate your relationship with alcohol. Remember, this is just a challenge, and if you slip, just start back-up again, leaving any guilt or shame behind from any missteps you make in your journey.
Learn More About the Effects of Drinking: Dry January can be a great time to learn more about alcohol's effects on our health, and one way to learn more is to review the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's most updated research-based information on drinking and its impact.
Professional Resources: If at anypoint the Dry January challenge causes you to experience severe withdrawal symptoms, seek immediate medical help. There is no shame in contacting a medical professional to gain professional insight on what is going on with you and your health.
Embarking on a Dry January is just one step you can take towards a healthier, more mindful lifestyle. Whether you're seeking a temporary change or a longer-term shift, these tips and tools are here to support your journey towards wellness and self-discovery in the New Year!
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