A month without booze.
31 days wine free.
Over the past few years Dry January really has become ‘a thing’.
After the excess of Christmas parties, long lunches and over due catch-ups with family and friends, January is a time to recover and dry out.
Jump on board and it can be a clear run of no horrible hangovers.
You could have more money in your bank account.
There are less nasty arguments.
You often end up with a leaner waistline.
Better health.
Clearer skin.
You can also steer clear of G&Ts in the name of charity and saving lives if you get sponsored for your sobriety.
The thing is, whilst giving up the hard stuff for a month can be liberating, but for some it is daunting and is often put off for another time or another year.
This year we are going dry in January and have come up with a few ideas to make it easier for us all.
Don’t hide away for the first month of the year as this can make things even worse and create make January a totally miserable experience.
Do it with friends. It is much easier to keep off the booze if those around you are doing the same. If you can get your partner, work colleagues and bestie onboard, it will be easier for all of you.
If you are raising money for a charity, set up an online page, get friends and family involved and really throw yourself into making a change for others.
Plan to replace nights in the pub with something, less, well alcoholic. Maybe make Wednesday a cinema night, spin on a Thursday after work and book a mini-break in the Lakes for one dry weekend. This is a time to do the things you don’t usually get time for, you never know you might actually like them more than propping up the bar.
Use this as a time to maybe join the gym, go for a swim, take that writing course you have meaning to do or even volunteer for a cause that is close to your heart.
Don’t swap the alcohol for sugary drinks as this can lead to weight increase and lethargy, not the aim of the experience really. Go for lots of water with ice and lemon, herbal teas and if you miss something cool, try a mocktail. Mix coconut water, fresh lime, raspberries with ice and sparkling water and you will feel bright eyed and bushy tailed the morning after rather than hanging and full of regrets.
With more time at home, how about brushing up on your cooking skills? Maybe you fancy yourself as a Mary Berry baker, want to get ‘Lean in 15’ or would like to discover your inner Delia? Get some new recipes, invest in decent pots and pans and invite friends over for a delicious dinner.
Keep a jar in your kitchen and during the month and add the cash you would have spent in the pub. At the end of January you can either give it to charity or you could treat yourself to a facial, new coat of put it towards at Valentine’s treat for the one you love.
When 1st February arrives, don’t grab your coat and go running to you local for happy hour, instead, stand back and look at just what you have achieved and maybe, just maybe, you’ll like a life free of hangovers, bad breath and bleary eyes?
However you do it, we wish you luck and think you are great for giving this a go.
Team Pure Beauty
Last updated on 03/01/2017.