You’ve likely heard about “Dry January” and how this challenge can help people take steps to form a new habit of sobriety. For those who question their relationship with alcohol or want to improve their health for the start of a new year, this can prove a beneficial step in learning how drinking affects day-to-life and how abstaining from alcoholic drinks can make marked positive health changes.
According to Harvard Medical School, just 30 days of abstinence can improve sleep, help shed unwanted pounds, increase energy, and reduce cancer-related inflammation.
Whether you started your Dry January journey on the 1st or late for the challenge, there’s no better time than now to experience the benefits of going AF. In this article, we’ll cover some tips that can help you make it 30 days and beyond.
5 Ways You Can Win the Dry January Challenge
30 days may seem like a hurdle, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s really a short time and worth the extra mile. James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, shares how the work and effort toward creating good habits is more important than the number of days, so keep charging ahead or get started today with these helpful tips.
Remove temptations
Avoid temptation and remove all alcoholic beverages from the home. Although you may think your will cannot be tampered, the sight alone can set you up for failure.
We can say a lot for “Out of sight. Out of mind”. Make a run through the house and remove alcohol from the fridge, wine storage areas, or cabinets.
Discover mocktails
Do a quick google search, and you can find a vast number of dressed up alcohol-free libation recipes. Many establishments cater to the AF crowd and supply an extensive list of alcohol-free options during Dry January and year-round.
Today’s supermarkets provide a plethora of still and sparking tonic water and come in a variety of flavors. Grab yours and mix with favorite herbs, teas, or and seasonal fruits and create your new signature mocktail.
Enjoy new activities
When we’re used to doing the same thing night after night, it can feel difficult to know what to do with the extra time on your hands. You can help ease restlessness or the doldrums when you replace an unhealthy activity for one or more things you enjoy that promote a healthy lifestyle.
Think about that household project you’ve been wanting to tackle or work on, enroll in a cooking class, or practice some self-care with a soothing herbal bath or skincare regime. There is no right or wrong way to fill your time (AF, of course). Above all, choose something you enjoy.
Commit with a buddy
Dry January doesn’t mean you lock yourself away for 30 days. Keep company with like-minded people and not only gain support, but can enjoy time well spent with others.
Continue socializing and find new, creative ways to hang out with friends or new acquaintances. Some things you might try include staying in and watching a movie or hike one of Santa Rosa’s amazing trails. You’ll likely find these events more meaningful and memorable without the use of alcohol.
Check-in with yourself
Take this time and reflect on your drinking habits and feelings. Some may find they no longer need alcohol in their lives and others may struggle, or possibly give up. Rethinking Drinking offers tools that can help look at how patterns of alcohol may show up in your life.
For some, Dry January brings on uncomfortable symptoms that can mean problems with alcohol misuse. Issues like increased anxiety, shaky hands, and headache can indicate mild withdrawal symptoms. More severe symptoms include symptoms such as a racing heart rate, fever, hallucinations, and delirium. People experiencing these serious symptoms should seek medical care right away.
Achieve Health with Pura Vida
Create the year that is made for you with help from Pura Vida Recovery. We are a drug and alcohol rehab in Santa Rosa, CA and help individuals struggling with drug and alcohol dependency.
Our evidence-based addiction program emphasizes individual success in a supportive group setting led by expertly trained licensed professionals.
Contact Pura Vida for a confidential conversation and screening.
