It started as a running-race-inspired experience.
Story by Judy Spaar
Well, we made it through the holidays! The champagne toasts, the wine, women, and song nights and Uncle Ed’s homemade boozy eggnog… not to mention the late nights, sugary treats, and parties, parties, parties!
There is nothing wrong with all this, it is just a good idea to sometimes take stock in our habits as the New Year begins. The Dry January mantra being mentioned this month was started by an ambitious woman, Emily Robinson, in the UK who was training for a half-marathon in 2011. Many of us can relate to her idea, as a good bottle of water during or after a run serves us better than a beer or glass of wine.
She joined the Alcohol Concern group, that was first delivered in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK, after giving up alcohol for that marathon and realized the benefits of doing so. She noticed other people were interested in her experience, and while some have taken the month of January off from alcohol, she was the first to turn it into the campaign, Dry January.
This seems like a tall task as the cold, dreary post-holiday blue can set in and hit us. A good mindset will help you stay strong if you find yourself in a social setting where friends are drinking. Try planning activities unrelated to alcohol in general, like joining a gym, seeing a movie, taking walks, and cooking.
Rule number one: Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up! This is not a test or a way to make you feel bad. Also, this is not a go-cold-turkey challenge. Just a hmmmm idea. Maybe I can try something new.
While this month seems endless, let’s discuss some tips to help if you want to slow down a bit or quit alcohol. First, find substitute non-alcoholic drinks for social situations, or when you crave that cocktail after a long day, reach for alcohol-free tasty liquids such as sparkling water, natural juice, or even a mocktail.
Many stores are stocking non-alcoholic beer and wine front and center so they can remind customers of this healthy Dry January idea. Remember, some brands still contain up to 0.5 percent alcohol by volume, so check those labels. Sugar is also sometimes added to these beverages, so try to choose ones low in sugar.
Don’t tempt yourself! Skip the liquor section of the grocery store and stay near the Ice sparkling water flavors and non-alcoholic beverages. And, when you are invited to someone’s house, they won’t mind if you byo non-alcoholic beverages. It often helps to combat loneliness by letting friends and family know about your intentions and encourage them to keep you accountable. You never know, some friends may join you in your endeavor. The Try Dry app helps you track your drinking, set personal goals and offers motivational information including calories and money saved from not drinking. It helps you either cut back or cut out alcohol, depending on your choices.
And as I said, don’t feel guilty if you slip up. Just begin again the next day. Use this month as a time to reflect on your drinking habits. Often, people lose their alcohol cravings and realize drinking does not occupy so much space in their lives. The choice is yours entirely. No pressure.
Take this a step further and offer to be the designated driver when your girlfriends are heading out to a bar. They will appreciate it and you won’t miss out on the fun and socialization.
Stay positive, embrace change, and remember who you are! For more information, use the try dry app.
Missing Thorn Bordeaux Blend
Deep ruby fading to a garnet rim, this red has a nose that is a captivating blend of dark fruits and subtle spice. Full-bodied and structured with ripe tannins.
MissingThorn.com
Athletic Brewing Co Upside Dawn
Classic craft Golden style. Refreshing, clean, balanced, and light-bodied. Subtle earthy and spicy notes are balanced with citrusy aromas. Brewed with premium malts and American hops.
AthleticBrewing.com
Almave Ámbar
Its deep amber hue, along with its sweetness and body from natural agave, results in a non-alcoholic Blue Agave spirit worthy of sipping, or mixed in spirit-forward cocktails.
Almave.com
ZERONIMO Leonis Blend Wine
Fruity finesse, refreshing aromatics with a polished elegance, tart flavors, and noble oak spice. With <0.5% ABV, it was rated Best Non-Alcoholic Red Wine by Wine Enthusiast, October 2024.
