Dry January [1] is going to be a breeze. You know why? Because we have these top tips for making it simple and straightforward. Whether you're cutting back on the Bellinis to lose weight [2] or simply want to feel the health benefits of reducing your alcohol intake, staying focussed on your goal is crucial! We have some ways you can refocus, even when the going gets tough.
In just a handful of weeks, you're going to be seeing amazing results from going booze-free [3] — you might even want to keep going! — so pour yourself a La Croix or kombucha in a wineglass, grab a pen and paper, and let's get to intention setting.
Write It Down
Whether it's your Facebook status, your Instagram story, a line in your goal-setting journal [5], a group text, or all of the above: put your intention out there. Make it loud and clear. Tell the universe this is your plan for January. Make a clear-cut statement that you're going alcohol-free this month, and nothing's gonna stop you.
Assemble Your A-Team
Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial for a dry January, particularly if you're lacking in the willpower department [6]. Tell your friends what your plans are so they know ahead of time not to pressure you, but also tell the people who are going to hold you accountable. Friends who will gently remind you that a Moscow mule doesn't sound good right now, but a muddled berry mocktail does.
Align yourself with people who won't pressure you or make you feel uncomfortable. Attend social events with the same kind of people. Chat with friends who are living sober or aren't into boozy activities as much. It takes a village!
Purge Your House
Just like when you're starting a diet [7], you're going to want to eliminate any possibility of backsliding at home by eradicating everything that's off-limits. Get the booze out of your house. Give it to a friend for safekeeping, throw it away, donate it — you do you. Just get it outta sight. Yes, even the Baileys.
Fill Your Calendar
If your schedule is typically packed with happy hours, find an accountability buddy and schedule workouts in place of post-work cocktails. If you're usually attending back-to-back champagne dinners with clients or colleagues or dates during any given week (first off, good for you), then perhaps January is your month for restorative yoga to help with sleep [8], or some cosy nights in by the fire to recuperate and recharge.
Stack your January calendar with sober activities so that you won't even have to think about the fact that you're missing out. Instead of focusing on what you can't have, just try something else, or give yourself something better to do!
Go to the movies with friends, try a walking or running challenge, pick up a new hobby, sign up for a painting or cooking class [9]. Volunteer, plan a baking night for your friends, or challenge your significant other to try a new sport with you.
Find a Substitute
Mocktails are all the rage right now [10], but if your goal is to lose weight, you may want to consider something like a heavily limed club soda, or even a tea. It depends on the situation. For example:
- Social pressure: If you're at a restaurant and everyone's getting margaritas, ask the bartender for a fresh grapefruit-lime juice with a salted rim. It looks exactly the same, trust. Out at a bar and feeling anxious about people pressuring you? CLUB. WITH. LIME.
- Home habits: If one part wine, one part Netflix is your standard recipe for a weekday evening, swap in a tea [11]. It can be similarly relaxing and antioxidant packed [12], and may help fill the void while you kick the habit.
Remind Yourself of Your Goal
Always come back to your why. Are you trying to kick a bad habit [13]? Lose weight? Feel healthier overall? Reduce the percentage of hungover mornings [14]? Make sure your own "why" is a strong one, then each time you want to cave and grab a beer from the fridge or pour another glass of wine with dinner, remind yourself: why am I not doing this? Why am I deliberately choosing to skip it? How will I feel when I achieve my goal? What emotions will I experience having completed this challenge?