Credits: Social Media
How I honestly feel after completing Dry January for the first time
My New Year’s Resolution was to become the best version of myself and Dry January has helped me achieve that in just 31 days. I’ve completed the challenge after taking it on for the first time, and here’s how I honestly feel.
I’d heard about all the benefits, but I was certainly sceptical. That whole ‘new me’ thing all felt a bit clich� and I didn’t believe that one month without alcohol could actually change you as a person – but boy was I wrong.
Benefits of a month without alcohol
As explained by Alcohol UK, who created the challenge, abstaining from alcohol for an entire month can have a huge impact on your overall health.
Firstly, they say your skin will feel softer, plumper and more peachy as alcohol reduces the production of anti-diuretic hormone, so you lose water and sodium more quickly. The size of your facial pores diminishes too.
Your blood pressure and heart rate can significantly reduce too, decreasing your type 2 diabetes risk, and your cholesterol levels will start to lower. Plus, your liver will be far healthier without having to process all that alcohol.
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On top of that, your immune system will be stronger, and your risk of developing certain diseases is far lower including breast and colorectal cancer, strokes, heart disease and hypertensive disease – increasing your life expectancy.
How I felt before the challenge
After a few too many alcoholic drinks over the festive period, I felt sluggish, tired and flat as we headed into January. Every morning was a struggle to get out of bed and I lacked motivation for the day, feeling unproductive and lethargic.
I was fed up with waking up feeling rough after a night out drinking on Saturday, wasting the day and getting nothing done.
However, the worst part for me is that I’d completely lost my love for the gym and any of my other regular health and fitness routines. A quick look at my app shows I only went four times in the whole of December. As someone who previously went four times a week religiously, that was a huge contrast and it made a big difference in my mood and energy levels.
Working out not only keeps me fit and healthy, it’s also my escape and a lifesaver for my mental health. Without it, I was struggling big time.
After Dry January I’m a ‘new me’
After Dry January, I feel like a whole new person. I wake up every day full of energy, ready for the day and raring to go. Without those late nights out, I’ve got myself into the perfect sleep routine, going to bed at 11pm every single night and waking up at 7am.
Getting eight hours of sleep has boosted my mood exponentially, giving me the motivation I needed to make the most of every day. I no longer feel lethargic at work, and I’ve been to the gym four times a week. Plus, I’ve been doing a daily Hot Girl Walk.
My skin is looking brighter and my hair is feeling shinier, and after a month alcohol-free, I already know it’s going to continue. I’m not saying I’ll never drink again, but I’ll certainly abstain from alcohol far more often, because who really NEEDS it anyway?
Yeah, having a drink might seem fun at the time, but it’s just not worth feeling so rubbish for days afterwards. Social occasions really aren’t that bad without drinking anyway, and great friends will support you every step of the way.
If you’re thinking of trying a month alcohol-free – DO IT! And you don’t have to wait until next January either. Try it any time and feel the benefits for yourself. I’m going to make Dry January a new tradition and kickstart every year happily, healthily and positively.
