Keep A Successful Dry January Going All Year Long in 2023
Kicking off each year with resolutions is a commendable act, and there’s an annual trend that guarantees positive results —
Jen Avison Smith
Kicking off each year with resolutions is a commendable act, and there’s an annual trend that guarantees positive results — and it only takes a month. But what happens when February rolls around?
What is Dry January?
In short, Dry January is a month without alcohol. Benefits can include better sleep, clear skin, less bloating and even weight loss. Drinking less is also a monetary win, with less money being spent on drinks at home and out at the bars.
For anyone that completed Dry January and wants to continue the trend, take on these tips and tricks to crush the coming weeks.
Replace beer with other fizzy drinks
If nothing sounds better than a cold beer at the end of a long day, reevaluate what that craving really is. If cracking open an ice-cold can satisfies a craving, get a
Try any Liquid Death variety for a crisp, clean refreshment from a can. For popular picks, La Criox or Fresca provide flavor and satiation to help push through the month
Fill up on water
On the other side of too much alcohol lives another reality: chronic dehydration. Tracking daily water intake is a beneficial habit. Consider investing in a large water bottle — the more liters, the better — and carrying it around during the day.
Still need something with a good mouthfeel? Pellegrino and Perrier are excellent contenders, both straight and flavored.
Opt for nonalcoholic beverages
Drinking culture is open to those abstaining. Liquor brands, breweries and wineries are crafting more and more alcohol-free varieties for the designated drivers and non-drinkers alike.
Note: Make sure that the drink of choice has the complete 0.0% on the label, instead of just 0% for the serious partakers. Wines will contain 0.5% or fewer.
Non alcoholic beers, wine and cocktails on the market include:
- Heineken 0.0: A classic taste in a booze-free beer.
- Guinness 0.0 Draught: Enjoy the weight and flavor of a hearty pint of Guinness without guilt.
- Hand on Heart Cabernet Sauvignon: Coming in at less than 0.5% ABV, this is a treat for Dry January participants that need a special occasion beverage.
- Desperados Virgin 0.0%: A subsidiary of Heineken, this is their flagship no-ABV drink.
- Canned cocktails: Most cocktails come ready-made in a can or bottle.
Try out some mocktail recipes
At-home mixologists can glean the same enjoyment from mixing liquor-free treats as they can from using the hard stuff.
Mojitos: Keep muddling berries and garnishing the ice without the alcohol, and opt for soda water instead
Piña colada: Simply leave out the liquor and enjoy the coconut milk and pineapple juice on its own.
Moscow mule: Swap out vodka for more ginger beer — and an extra pinch of sugar — while enjoying the pick-me-up in the same copper mug.
Pick up new nighttime hobbies
Weeknight happy hours are hard to resist, but there are many substitutions for activities. Instead of hitting the bars after work, pack a bag and head to a rock climbing gym or dance studio. Home activities like cooking, crafting or even binging Netflix marathons with an adult coloring book will keep your mind and hands occupied.
See: THINGS TO KEEP — AND LEAVE BEHIND — IN 2023
Use an accountability buddy
The year after Dry January doesn’t have to be a solo venture. Find a partner, spouse or friend to make the journey easier. That way, celebrations and encouragement can be shared in like-minded company.
Need more help? Use an accountability app to track your progress. TRY DRY and Dry Days offer everything from calendar services to mood trackers to keep progress on point. To continue the quest come February, trackers like MyFitnessPal are a long-term tool for incorporating alcohol calories into a healthy lifestyle.
Seek out help
If quitting drinking is for a more serious reason, consider getting professional help to work through any issues that may cause excessive alcohol consumption. Seek out traditional talk therapy during the month, or opt for support groups and consistent meetings to check in on progress if needed.