Not consuming alcohol for one month has endless benefits! This 31 day window helps your body detox from the holidays, improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, sleep better, improved concentration, and save money (just to name a few).
Here are a few tips to keep you on track for Dry- January.
- Plan a replacement – have a replacement activity planned during the time frame you normally drink (happy hour after work, wine after dinner, etc). For example, instead of happy hour from 5:00-6:00, have a friend join you for a walk around the park or grabbing a tea at a cute cafe. The goal is to switch up your scenery from where you are used to drinking so you aren’t tempted!
- Save for a bigger treat- Set aside the money you would normally spend on alcohol and put in towards a bigger treat for yourself at the end of the month. When you would usually grab a bottle of wine at the grocery store, or each time you’re at dinner and would normally order a $10 cocktail, set that money aside and watch how much you have by the 31st! Use that money for something special you wouldn’t normally buy for yourself, you earned it!!
- Recruit a friend – the more accountability you have, the easier it is to achieve your goal. Talk to a friend or coworker about doing it alongside you! Make plans throughout the month that don’t include drinking such as going to the movies, trying a new workout class, or a trip to the dog park.
- Do the math – when tempted, it can be helpful to remind yourself of the health benefits! A mixed drink can average hundred of calories per glass (not to mention sugar) so keep track of how many calories you’re saving each week to help motivate you to stay on track!
- Mocktails – make it and fake it! If you’re craving a cocktail, try making a similar version sans alcohol! There are tons of recipes on Pinterest to get you started (Spindrift is my personal favorite brand) and this post has some great infused water recipes. I’ve found that in social settings as long as I have a soda water with a pretty fruit garnish I don’t even miss the alcohol! Once you have a glass in your hand, you’ll forget all about the alcohol when you start talking & socializing.
I hope these tips keep you on track for Dry- January! What other suggestions do you have? Let me know in the comments below or on Instagram @Lo_Chandler . GOOD LUCK!
XoXo – Lo
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash
