What is a Dry January?

Dry January is an initiative where people choose not to drink alcohol for the entire month of January. This phenomenon has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in Western countries, and is often used as a means of making a healthy start after the holidays. The goal is not only to give your body a break, but also to become more aware of your alcohol consumption and experience the benefits of a month without alcohol. This blog gives you 5 tips to help you get through Dry January.

Origin of Dry January

Dry January originated in the UK in 2013 and was initiated by the organisation Alcohol Change UK. The idea is simple: abstain from alcohol for a month after the holidays, when many people drink more than normal, to promote good health. The campaign quickly became popular and spread to other countries, including the United States, the Netherlands and Australia. Today, millions of people around the world take part in Dry January. In the UK only 15.5 million Brits!

Benefits of a Month Without Alcohol

Not drinking alcohol for a month can have several health benefits. Some reasons why Dry January is worth it include better health, better sleep, losing weight, and being able to concentrate better. You may also notice it in your skin. We've put them together for you:

1. Improved health : By abstaining from alcohol, you give your liver, kidneys and other organs a chance to recover from the stress of alcohol. You will notice that you have more energy and feel better.

   
   

2. Better sleep : Alcohol disrupts your sleep cycle and causes you to sleep less deeply. Without alcohol, you will notice that your sleep quality improves, resulting in a fresh and energized start to your day.

   
   

3. Lose weight : Alcohol contains a lot of empty calories. By abstaining from alcohol, you avoid these calories, which leads to weight loss, especially if you often drink alcohol with snacks or unhealthy meals.

   
   

4. Think more clearly : Alcohol can impair your concentration and memory. After a month without alcohol, you will find that you are mentally sharper and better able to make decisions.

   
   

5. Improved skin : Alcohol can dry out your skin and lead to a dull complexion. Avoiding alcohol will help your skin heal and give you healthier and more radiant skin.

   
   

Why a dry January can be difficult

While the benefits of Dry January are clear, it can also be challenging, especially for people who are used to drinking alcohol regularly. Social pressure, habits and the temptation to drink after a long day at work make it difficult to stick to it. In addition, it is not always easy to find non-alcoholic alternatives that offer the taste and enjoyment of a regular drink.

5 tips to stay dry in January

1. Set goals : Decide in advance why you're participating in Dry January. Whether it's to improve your health, get your finances in order, or just take a break from alcohol, knowing why it works will help you stay motivated.

   
   

2. Replace alcohol with non-alcoholic alternatives : Instead of giving up your favorite drink, opt for non-alcoholic beer or mocktails. Non-alcoholic beer is a great option to maintain the taste and experience of a beer without the negative effects of alcohol. At ONP5 you will find a wide range of non-alcoholic beers so you can maintain the feeling of a pleasant drink without harming your health.

   
   

3. Social support : It can be helpful to spend Dry January together with friends or family. This way you can motivate each other and take on challenges together. If you have a social event where alcohol is the norm, bring a non-alcoholic beverage in advance or talk to the host about your participation in Dry January.

   
   

4. Focus on the benefits : Regularly remind yourself of the benefits a month without alcohol will bring you. From better sleep to healthier skin, whenever temptation strikes, focus on the positive changes you're making.

   
   

5. Focus your attention: I use this tip regularly. If you feel like drinking something after a long day or week, remember that this feeling will go away on its own. Do something else, like a walk or exercise. Or have a non-alcoholic alternative, like a nice non-alcoholic beer. You will notice that the urge for alcohol will go away on its own.

And for advanced learners

If you know the positive effect of not drinking alcohol for a month, try not drinking alcohol for longer. Performance coach Andy Ramage made a motivational video about this on Instagram .

Be sure to take part in Dry January and discover how good you can feel after a month without alcohol!

PS: Check out the website of Alcohol Change UK. It gives some tips and experiences of others. Definitely recommended.