Dry January: Kick off the New Year with a fresh start
The festive season is like no other. It’s a wonderful time of year when friends and family from near and far gather around a table to celebrate being together. We eat, we drink, we party and then we drink some more. That’s where Dry January comes in –– thirty-one days sans booze.
Giving up alcohol after a December of debauchery is really easier than you may think. It’s not about going cold turkey or punishing yourself, it's about providing your body and mind with a mini break to kick off the New Year. Dry January-ers say that by the end of the month, they’re sleeping better, feel more energized and are more productive (to name just a few benefits).
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DRY JANUARY
- Make it a group challenge
Imagine attempting the “Ghost Pepper Challenge” or the “Chubby Bunny Challenge” all alone in your basement. Zero excitement. That’s why we recommend drafting a group of buddies you know will inject a ton of fun into Dry January. Grab your uncle, your sister, a neighbour or a colleague and brainstorm a few fun activities that don’t involve opening a bottle of booze.
If you can’t seem to scrounge up a good group, turn to your phone. Search for a Dry Jan Facebook group or Reddit community and, who knows, you might come out of it with a new friendship or two.
- Explore more alcohol-free beverages
Natural Food Pantry is filled with a plethora of mouthwatering booze-free picks. From non-alcohol beer and mocktails to specialty sodas and kombucha – you’ll likely need at least thirty-one days to try them all.
- Use technology to your advantage
Choose a preferred messaging platform and get your buddies on a group chat. Share newly-discovered sober drinks, drop some tips, upload pics, egg each other on –– whatever pumps you up. When it comes to sobriety, communication is everything.
If you’re into podcasts, do a quick search for Dry January/sober podcasts. Our favourites include That Sober Guy Podcast, A Sober Girls Guide and Sober Curious. You’ll be surprised at the sheer number of resources out there, and most of them are free too.
- Keep your body moving
We love January for its outdoor adventure potential. Get those Dry Jan buddies together for a day of downhill or a morning lap around the cross-country trail. If your group is big enough, maybe you want to plan a scrimmage at the local outdoor rink or rent ice indoors. Now that you’re drinking less, your body will have more energy to expend.
- Celebrate the end of Dry January
Whether you were sober for all thirty-one days, half the days or just a few, it’s time to party with your crew. Raise a glass of your favourite non-alcoholic drink and celebrate your successes.
Most of all, remember that Dry January isn’t necessarily about making a big life change. It’s about trying something new and different for one month.
Blog post adapted from: Sober Carpenter Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer
