It’s New Year’s Day, you are hungover and you think to yourself…why did I drink so much !!??
The answer is pretty simple. Alcohol is social. It brings people together. People drink it to celebrate. People drink it to loosen up. Unfortunately people drink it to excess and end up with a nasty hangover.
So, now what? What can you do instead so you don’t end up hungover every time your want to drink?
Try non alcoholic beer. One of the most popular method is ‘The Switch’. A phase I coined when I was hanging out with my brother this summer. He loves drinking beer but he gets ‘hangxiety’. Hangxiety is a nasty combination of hangover and anxiety all wrapped up into one lovely feeling throughout the next day from drinking.
He realized that if he had a couple of regular beers then mixed in a non-alcoholic beer and repeat that throughout the day he would stay hydrated, catch the buzz he was looking for but not get to point that he couldn’t function the next day. “The Switch” try it next time you feel like having a good drinking session. You mind and body will thank you the next morning!!
To help you along, Designated Drinks has put together a list of 10 strategies to get you through Dry January:
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Set a clear goal: Have a clear understanding of what you hope to achieve by participating in Dry January. Whether it's to reset your relationship with alcohol, improve your health, or save money, having a clear goal in mind will help you stay motivated.
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Find alternative activities: Find activities that you enjoy that don't involve alcohol. This could include exercise, socializing with friends, or trying new hobbies.
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Reward yourself: Set small rewards for yourself as you progress through the month. This could be something as simple as a movie night or a spa day.
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Get support: Tell your friends and family about your goal and ask for their support. This can help you stay accountable and motivated.
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Plan ahead: Have a plan in place for social situations where alcohol is present. Think about what you will say when someone offers you a drink and have a non-alcoholic drink ready to go.
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Keep track of your progress: Keep a diary or journal to document your progress and reflect on your experience.
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Don't be too hard on yourself: Remember that it's okay to slip up and have a drink. Just don't let it discourage you from continuing to work towards your goal.
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Try new things: Experiment with new non-alcoholic drinks and find new favorites.
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Remind yourself of the benefits: Remind yourself of the benefits you are gaining from participating in Dry January, such as improved health and saving money.
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Celebrate your success: Once the month is over, celebrate your accomplishment and reward yourself for a job well done.
Overall, participating in Dry January can bring a host of benefits for both physical and mental well-being. By taking a break from alcohol, individuals can improve their sleep, increase their energy levels, and see a decrease in their risk for certain health issues.
Additionally, not drinking can also lead to an improvement in mental health, such as a reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms. Furthermore, Dry January can also help individuals develop a healthier relationship with alcohol, as they may be able to better control their consumption and make healthier choices. Overall,
Dry January can be a great way to start the new year on a healthy note, both physically and mentally.
Cheers,
Mike