“Genuine pleasure needs no excuses” – Allen Carr
Dry January has been around for a number of years now. First introduced by Alcohol Change UK, the idea is to not drink alcohol for the month of January.
When I worked in The City of London, people used to laugh and joke about it (including me!), posting status updates with a glass of wine in hand with comments like “new year, same me!”. Some (big drinker) colleagues would have a go and raise money for charity, much to the disbelief of many! They rarely finished the month.
This is my second “Dry January” as I have not drunk alcohol in 20 months. I now think very differently about this campaign, and would urge anyone who is sick and tired of hangovers to at least give it a try and see how it feels. Even if it’s just for the next few weeks left of January.
Here are 5 Small Ways to Handle Dry January (or any time of the year). It doesn’t have to be a January:
- Plan different forms of entertainment e.g. cinema, coffee shops, that Yoga Nidra or Shake & Release class you’ve been meaning to try 😉 If you do go out, take the car, enjoy the dessert menu with dinner, always have an alcohol-free drink idea in your mind, focus on the conversation, and take yourself out of buying rounds of drinks.
- Keep busy. When boredom strikes this can be when the craving for alcohol shouts loudest.
- Be prepared to talk about it. People have enquiring minds and will always be interested or just plain nosey!
- Go with the sugar cravings, eat that chocolate bar. They can be strong.
- Enjoy the benefits e.g. better sleep, glowing skin, a few kg’s lost. There are so many!
If you are taking a break from alcohol and would like some support and guidance please do contact me to arrange a free consultation.