How to successfully dry January?

An alcohol-free January

Are you thinking of taking part in "Dry January" by giving up alcohol for a month? If so, here are a few tips to help you stay on track and make it a success:

Dry January is an annual event during which people commit to not drinking alcohol for the month of January. The aim of the initiative is to give yourself the chance to reset to a healthier relationship with alcohol, improve your health and save money.

Some people take part in Dry January to cut down on their drinking after the end-of-year festivities, while others see it as an opportunity to break unhealthy drinking habits.

The benefits for the body are many: better sleep, better digestion and more energy.

Taking a break from alcohol during January can be a good opportunity to focus on your health and overall well-being.

Why not use this time to focus on your diet, or try new healthy habits such as meditation or yoga?

Here are a few tips for the hedonist in you:

1. Set yourself a goal: Work out why you want to do it and what you hope to get out of it. This can help you stay motivated and focused.

2. Plan ahead: Think about how you'll handle social situations involving alcohol, and suggest non-alcoholic drinks you can enjoy. If your best friend texts you at 5pm on a Friday in the middle of a meeting to ask if you fancy going out partying, it might be the perfect opportunity to suggest something else.

3. Watch out for triggers: Be aware of the situations or emotions that can trigger the urge to drink, and plan how you'll deal with them.

4. Get support: Tell your friends and family about your goal and ask for their support. You can also join online communities or support groups to connect with other people taking part. And why not suggest to your close friends that you all do it together?

5. Don't beat yourself up: it's no big deal if you slip up or have a drink during Dry January; if anything, treat it as a reward. Don't let a setback discourage you from continuing to work towards your goal. Instead, use it as a chance to reflect on what happened and make a plan to avoid similar situations in the future.

If you're ever on the verge of giving in, don't hesitate to call us, we have alcohol-free cocktail recipes to share with you!

Where does Dry January come from?

Dry January was born in the United Kingdom in 2013, launched by the charity Alcohol Change UK. The idea is to go without alcohol for the whole month of January, right after the end-of-year festivities.

The idea has since spread to several countries. In France, it arrived in 2020 under the name "Défi de janvier", led by a group of associations.

Why take on the challenge?

Dry January is not compulsory: it is a chance to take a break and step back from your drinking. Participants often mention:

• more regular sleep;
• a lighter budget;
• a better idea of the place alcohol has in their habits.

These feelings vary from person to person: set yourself a realistic goal and go at your own pace.