29 Dec 5 Great Reasons To Do Dry January
Since it’s launch a decade ago, Dry January has become increasingly popular. Are you thinking about taking some time off drinking? Here are five reasons why Dry January is a really good idea.
WHAT IS DRY JANUARY?
Dry January is a campaign by Alcohol Change UK that involves abstaining from alcohol for the month of January. It has gained popularity as a New Year choice to help to reset both body and mind after the excesses of the holiday season. The campaign is aimed at promoting self-awareness about drinking habits and encouraging behaviour changes around alcohol consumption.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DRY JANUARY?
Many people who participate in Dry January report benefits that include improved sleep, increased energy levels, and saving money. Let’s take a look at the benefits in more detail.
5 REASONS TO DO DRY JANUARY
BETTER ENERGY LEVELS
One of the biggest impacts alcohol has on us is to deplete our energy levels. From hangover exhaustion to the general lethargy common after just a couple of glasses. Many people report significant improvements in their energy levels when they give up drinking. Give your body a break from drinking and you’ll be surprised at just how much more energy you have.
WEIGHT LOSS
If you’re trying to lose weight, drinking alcohol won’t do you any favours. Here’s an article on the truth about alcohol and your weight which explains how alcohol can promote weight gain and prevent weight loss. According to Alcohol Change UK’s website, 58% of people who did Dry January lost weight.
IMPROVED SLEEP
Alcohol may help to knock you out initially, but the reality is your sleep is seriously compromised by drinking. Many regular drinkers who take a break from drinking notice significant improvements in how well they sleep.
BRIGHTER, CLEARER SKIN
Alcohol is not your skin’s friend. It promotes oxidation, inflammation, dehydration and a number of other processes that compromise skin health and speed up ageing processes. People who give up drinking commonly find that their skin becomes clearer and more hydrated.
RESET YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ALCOHOL
Alcohol is so ingrained in our society and often in our day to day lives too. It’s rare that we really take time out to consider whether our relationship with alcohol is healthy. When you give yourself a break, notice what triggers you to want a drink. Do certain people, places or emotions dive a desire for a glass of wine, a beer or a G&T? One of the best questions you can ask yourself is whether drinking alcohol is giving you more than it’s taking. Here’s how to reduce your alcohol intake.
While the five reasons listed here are all health related, Dry January can also save you money.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
If you’re thinking of giving Dry January a go, Alcohol Change UK’s website has lots of useful resources to help keep you motivated. We can also highly recommend reading (or listening to) Craig Beck’s book, Alcohol Lied To Me. It gives a fascinating insight into our relationships with drinking and prompts you to look at alcohol with fresh eyes. It makes for a very enlightening read.
If you’re taking a break from drinking and are interested in exploring the ever-expanding range of alcohol free alternatives, check out out post: What To Drink When You’re Not Drinking.
WORK WITH US
If you’re looking to improve your health, establish a healthier lifestyle and lose weight this New Year, we can help. We are a team of nutritionists who specialise in weight loss.
Book yourself in for a complimentary 25 mintue call or contact us and a member of our team will be in touch soon. We can talk through your challenges and explore whether one of our Intelligent Weight Loss programmes is right for you.
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