Why I Never Do Dry January
3…2…1…Happy New Year!
As the clock strikes midnight, and a new year begins, people all over the world are filled with renewed hope and excitement - and a sudden urge to make drastic changes.
Each year, millions of people in the UK (and many more around the world) embark on a Dry January journey, pledging to cut off booze completely for a whole month.
WHY IT’S A GOOD IDEA
Old news: alcohol is not that great for your health
Alcohol gives most people a delightful buzz, everything seems more fun, nobody’s thinking of stressful things. But one of the biggest effects of alcohol is dehydration, which in term can lead to nausea, headache, and dizziness.
Other effects like impulsiveness, loss of coordination, and changes in mood can affect your judgment and behaviour and contribute to more far-reaching effects, including accidents, injuries, and decisions you may later regret.
Long-term alcohol consumption can wreak havoc on your organs:
Digestive and endocrine glands
Inflammatory damage
Sugar levels
Central nervous system
Digestive system
Circulatory system
Sexual and reproductive health
Skeletal and muscle systems
Immune system
Read this article for details on the above.
Doing it for charity
Dry January is a campaign run by Alcohol Change UK, in which participants give up alcohol for the month. Other charities run similar events, such as Dryathlon, organised by Cancer Research UK.
Participating in these charity events is of course an excellent way to start a new year!
WHY PEOPLE FALL OFF THE WAGON
Hint: it’s not about self-discipline
In January 2021, I remember hearing from so many people around me that their dry January lasted approximately 2 days. It’s the ‘lockdown mentality’, they said. ‘What’s the point?’ they said.
While this pandemic has certainly led to a lot of stress, anxiety and instability, it’s not the only reason people fall off the dry wagon, either right as February starts, or even before January has ended.
Fingers then naturally start pointing towards the lack of self-discipline, lack of willpower. Here’s a good time to remind everyone that self-discipline and willpower are both limited in everyone. The deciding factor for successful, long-lasting change, is in your motivation.
True motivation trumps everything
Most people like to ‘start fresh’ in January because everything quietens down in the run up to Christmas, normal routines are altered, there’s more time and space to ponder, to reflect. But what makes these changes last throughout the year, is true motivation.
Imagine that urge to change as a spark of flame. Self-discipline and willpower are the burning flames in a fire - all of will eventually burn out.
True motivation is like having someone continuously stoke the fire.
So if you’re on your Dry January journey, think about why you’re doing it. Chances are if you’re just tagging along someone else’s plan, your grip on the wagon isn’t going to be very strong.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Disassociate with the Booze/Party Culture
This may take some time to achieve, but the most effective thing is to disassociate drinking alcohol with having fun. You don’t have to completely cut out alcohol if you actually enjoy a few drinks, but there’s a big difference between ‘want’ and ‘need’.
If you ‘need’ alcohol to have fun, maybe you weren’t having fun to begin with, and perhaps there’s a little more work that needs to be done on the inside, especially if you prefer yourself drunk. Alcohol dependence, on the other hand, where you physically feel unwell unless you’ve had some alcohol, is a serious issue and you should consult a medical professional as soon as possible.
Stay hydrated and nourished
Ok a small rant - I really don’t understand how some people can go out for an evening and only drink alcohol without eating anything…
Alcohol has plenty of calories, yes, but please don’t be fooled into thinking that all calories are made equal. (You can check out my podcast episode on calories here.)
Please, please, pretty please stay hydrated (with WATER) and eat foods that will nourish your body if you know you will be drinking. It will actually help reduce that annoying hangover.
