It’s the start of a new year, so why not give something new a go during this month of resolutions. Dry January is a popular campaign, driven by Alcohol Change UK which began in 2012. Their Slogan was “ditch the hangover, reduce the waistline and save some serious money by giving up alcohol for 31 days", briefly highlighting just some of the effects of this lifestyle.
Potential benefits of giving up alcohol for one month:
- Save a lot of money! You’d be surprised at how much money you may spend on bottles of alcohol each week.
- Sleep better.
- Lose weight.
- Become healthier: Reducing alcohol intake can improve heart and liver health and reduce lack of memory.
- You may lose your cravings for alcohol altogether, or just prove to yourself that you don’t need it all the time to have fun.
Alcohol Change UK noted that 70% of participants have better sleep and 66% have more energy.
Binge drinking is becoming increasingly popular amongst university students. Dry January is a great way to reduce the harmful effects of it. In my own experience of attempting Dry January, I felt that I gained more time in my day. This may sound odd, but it was because without waking up from a hangover every few days, I was able to wake up and start my day earlier, with more energy and productivity!
I did however find it hard, as January is a month full of many birthday celebrations. I found it best to not be too harsh on myself and allow a drink for a special occasion, yet still practise self-control and take it in moderation. It can be hard at university if you and your friends are used to going out, but don’t let it stop you going out and having fun! Try and persuade your friends to join in too, or try and find new activities that don’t involve drinking.
Top tips to succeed:
- Get the Try Dry app to track your progress and your wellbeing.
- Find a substitute alcoholic drink to have at dinner if that is what you’re used to. Sparkling or fizzy drinks work well to imitate alcoholic drinks.
- Don’t feel guilty if you drink. Try again the following day and don’t give up.
- Keep alcohol out of your house if you can, and maybe try and get the people you live with involved so you’re in it together! This makes it more fun too, like a communal challenge.
Why should you do it?
Dry January doesn’t ask you to give up alcohol forever, only for one month. Just see how you feel not drinking as much, as often, and maybe it will have long-lasting effects. It will certainly temporarily change how you feel, and you may find new hobbies that don’t involve drinking to put your time into. Remember, there is no pressure, just give it a go! What have you got to lose?
