For many the New Year can be seen as an opportunity for new beginnings, to try things that may better our lifestyle and to even challenge ourselves. These all could be things that may be hoped to be permanent changes or even just short term. For example,
someone may set a goal of ‘Less social media time’ or even just setting a steady sleep schedule and no longer going to be at 2am.
However, the focus of this blog post shall be on one particular challenge that many people across the country are attempting for the month of January. This is Dry January.
What is Dry January?
This is a month where people dedicate themselves to taking on the challenge of not drinking any alcohol throughout the entire month.
Why might someone do this?
There are many health benefits that can come with cutting out regular alcohol consumption such as…
Improved sleep! When you go to sleep without alcohol in your system, you may find that it leads to better, deeper sleep where you’ll wake up feeling much brighter and refreshed.
Less likely to suffer from dehydration! Alcohol removes liquid from your system and can lead to you experiencing dehydration which can be very unhealthy for you.
There are other benefits that you may experience too…
Alcohol can be very expensive whether you are drinking at home or going out to the pub so if you cut this out of your diet, you may find yourself having more money saved up!
Alcohol consumption can also have many effects on your mental health.
If someone was to drink alcohol regularly it can be used as a bit of a crutch and be depended on to get through difficult times instead of seeking proper healthy support. And whilst in the moment it may feel like it has helped, in the long term it will only make things worse. It can lead to negative consequences for your health, both physical and mental, as well as also creating difficulties in your social life. You may find yourself stressed and anxious about things that occurred whilst you were drinking.
Taking part in a challenge such as this can be great for building a sense of community too. Perhaps if a friend or family member is also taking part in Dry January, you could support one another.
Dry January is an opportunity for us all to reflect on our consumption of alcohol, and maybe even debate internally about our own dependence on it. Whilst at the end of the month you may decide to continue drinking, maybe you’ll start having one less drink on a night out, or deciding to only drink on special occasions.
However, if you are someone who is clinically dependent on alcohol having such a break from it could be dangerous. So in that circumstance it is best to seek professional support who will guide you the next few steps.
For more information on alcohol consumption, and the support available for it. Check out this link here -> The Dry January® challenge | Alcohol Change UK
If you are interested in seeking support for your mental health, we are here for you. Please get in touch today -> https://www.burtonmind.co.uk/contact-us
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