With another year over, we're heading straight into 2025. While Christmas is a time for over-indulgence, a new year is the time for a fresh start.
it'll be time for New Year's Resolutions soon and improving your fitness and health could be yours. Cutting out alcohol for 31 days is one of the best things you can do for not only your physical health but your mental health as well. Here we have just some of the benefits to going alcohol free in January - and beyond!
Week 1
Only seven days without a drink you will notice...
- Better quality sleep
- Your body being more hydrated
- Improved energy levels
Week 2
Almost halfway there...
- Reduced stomach pain
- Reduced nausea
- Better digestion
Week 3
You're doing great!
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After three alcohol-free weeks, your blood pressure will start to reduce.
This is a pretty major deal, as high blood pressure – also known as hypertension – is a key cause of stroke and heart attack.
Heavy drinking is linked to hypertension in all genders, so reducing your intake or quitting entirely can do a world of good.
Week 4
- Better skin,
- Improved liver function
- Weight loss - by the end of Dry January, you are likely to have reduced your calorie intake by 3,840 for the month if you used to drink six glasses of 175ml wine a week, or 4,320 calories over the month if you used to drink six pints of lager a week.
Seek out support beforehand
Knowing what support is out there for you beforehand is great preparation. Sometimes just talking to someone who understands what you're going through can make all the difference. Think about what type of support helps you when you need it most.
Research some local groups and what days they are meeting this month, find some supportive online forums with people like you, have some trusted contacts you can call any time you need and search for some recovery apps that give you a boost. Remember, help is always there for you.
Be confident in saying "No"
The word 'no', although short, can be hard to say to people. However, it's important to practice and get comfortable saying it. If somebody outside your support circle offers you a drink, all you need to do is tell them no. No need to explain or give an excuse, the answer is no and that's it. The great thing is, the more you say no, the more confident you will be and people will soon learn that you don't drink. However, here are some clever ways of saying no you can start with if it's easier.
Thanks, but I already have a drink - bring your own soft drink or mocktail and perhaps enough to share!
Thanks, but I'm good for now - you're grateful for the offer but don't want to drink.
I would love a (non alcoholic drink) - take control and tell them a drink you actually want.
I'm driving home, but thank you - a great way to stop people asking you all night.