Dry January

So , you have decided to do Dry January ! This is a popular decision that many people take after the over indulgence that is Christmas. 

Christmas can be so difficult for any one with issues with food , family , money or booze.

Booze is everywhere !  People drink at earlier times in the day and the term " its acceptable , its Christmas " seems to excuse all normal boundaries .But what happens when the party is over and normality returns. 

Well, people tend to go on diets, have breaks from family , reign in spending and do Dry January .

I am all for dry January , it gives bodies time to recover from a wash of red wine . It allows us to sleep better, eat better , put water into our bodies and rest .Any period of time without alcohol can only be a good thing. For some its the start of things to come, a flirtation with sobriety can become something to seriously consider in the longer term . At the very least your body gets to rest . 

Dry January can be hard and we know that those who make new Year Resolutions often do not stick to them . Indeed , according to YouGov  31% of Brits who made New year resolutions at the end of Dec 2021 , stuck to them . That's quite a high % who didn't !! I do wander if the beginning of the year , when we face the January blues is the time to make resolutions or would we have a better chance of succeeding at a different time of year . 

If you are attempting Dry January here are some top tips to help you along the way .

1/ Really obvious but do not have booze in the house 

2/ Distract 

Again it sounds obvious , but distract yourself from the noise of the wine witch or beer monster . Play a card game, go for a walk, knit ! 

3/ Move the wine glasses 

or whisky tumbler ,or whatever nice glass accompanies your alcoholic drink ,  wrap them in newspaper, put them in the cellar . If you are tempted , a glass of wine is not as nice from a coffee mug . 

4/ Drink loads of water 

Lots and lots. Your body will be dehydrated and will be desperate for you to help in its recovery . So give it all the help it needs . Drink loads of water. 

5/ Do not go on nights out if it will tempt you. 

It is one month . It does not matter. Say no . It is ok to hibernate for a month should you wish to . 

6/ Embrace each day you do not have alcohol. 

Celebrate each and every day you do not drink . Every single day is a wine. So if you manage 20/31 and you normally drink 31/31 , then acknowledge  the brilliance of this. Do NOT focus on the days you drank , focus on the wins. 

Wishing you all the very best and sending much love on my first blog of 2023. 

Jo xxxx