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Week 1 of Dry January completed and Im already reaping the health benefits
We’re a week into the new year and, for me, that means one week of Dry January down. I’m taking part for the first time in 2024 and already feel better than ever.
The challenge is taken on by millions across the globe every year who aim to abstain from alcohol for the entire month – and there are loads of health and lifestyle benefits.
The benefits of Dry January
It was launched in 2013 by a British charity called Alcohol Change UK, who urge people to take on 31 days alcohol-free “for a total body and mind reset”.
“From better sleep and a mental health boost, to saving money and time – there’s a whole lot to gain this Dry January,” the description says.
Research by the Royal Free Hospital published in the British Medical Journal in 2018 found that a month off alcohol has some incredible health benefits.
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This includes lowering blood pressure, reducing diabetes risk, lowering cholesterol and reducing levels of cancer-related proteins in the blood.
As well as that, your skin gets brighter, days feel more productive, your mind becomes a lot calmer and it saves you loads of money, too.
Why I’m taking on the challenge
For me, those benefits sounded far too good to miss out on and, after a few too many cocktails over Christmas, I was ready to take on the challenge.
I dont drink that much anyway, but I am partial to a few glasses of wine at the weekend, pubs trips with friends and the odd crazy night out.
Youll never catch me drinking on a weekday, but even having a few too many on a Saturday night negatively impacts me for the rest of the week.
As I get older, those hangovers have turned into two days of feeling unwell and tiredness that seems to last the whole week.
I feel unproductive, lethargic and bloated and get miserable as I feel like I’m not making the most of the weekend.
So, I hope to combat all of that with Dry January and have the most motivated and productive start to the new year.
Plus, as a keen gym-goer Im taking on the challenge to help with my goal of going to the gym four times a week, shedding a few pounds and gaining muscle.
Did you know, a 175ml glass of wine contains up to 160 calories, a single rum and Coca-Cola is around 185 calories and a pint of lager is even higher at 235!
Week 1 completed and I feel amazing
We’re a quarter of the way in and I’m already reaping the benefits. I decided to stay in on Friday and Saturday night and use my time wisely.
It’s a great time to read that book you’ve had in the cupboard for months, write down your 2024 goals or get some jobs done around the house.
Mocktails and alcohol-free drink options are rubbish and almost just as expensive anyway. Plus, you have the temptation and peer pressure to drink from friends.
I don’t think I’ll bother going to the pub for the rest of the month either. Catch-ups with mates are strictly coffee dates this January.
After my two nights in resting, writing down my 2024 goals and cleaning the house for the new year, I woke up early on Sunday morning with a spring in my step.
I walked my dog, went to a local coffee shop and had a rummage around the shops all before 11am – which would have been unheard of after a Saturday night out.
The benefits didn’t stop on Sunday either. Throughout the entire week I felt lighter, more awake and super motivated for work every morning.
I also went to the gym four times, a walk every lunchtime, stuck to a healthy diet and have noticed my skin already looks brighter. Week 1 completed, Week 2 here I come.
