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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
