An alcohol-free month in January is the challenge for “dry January”, a challenge followed by millions of people each year.
What is “dry January”?
To theorigin, dry January (= dry january in French), is a British initiative launched in 2013 by the association Alcohol Change UK. The goal is simple: every year, do not drink a drop of alcohol in January. A way to detoxify your body after excess of the holiday season.
But it is also and above all about thinking about his alcohol consumption: Can I do without it? What are the effects on my health? On my daily life?
Given its success, the concept was exported. Now people around the world are passing a month without alcohol in January.
What are the benefits of dry January?
Without any surprise, when our body is alcohol free for one month, there’s a lot going on. So the benefits of dry January are many.
Indeed, a study by the University of Sussex in England in 2019 focused on 800 dry January participants and here are his results:
- a improved sleepbecause if alcohol is asleep, it also destroys a substance in our brain that allows us to fall asleep. In addition, participants woke up with more energy.
- a weightloss. Again, no major surprises. Indeed, alcohol is a sugar and it is full of “empty” calories, that is to say that does not bring energy to our body. Stop drinking alcohol for a month, it’s definitely losing a few pounds.
- a increased concentration : stopping alcohol for a month improves memory, learning and efficiency.
- savings. Money is the sinews of war and the Dry January attendees saved a lot of money. At the same time, when you know the price of a pint of beer, you can’t be surprised.
Dry January: how to participate?
In fact, participate in dry january is super simple: on December 31, when the 12 stroke of midnight strikes (and suddenly it is January 1 at 12:01 am), go to soft drinks !
Right after wishing your best wishes to those you love and embracing your love for those who have one, PAF! Let’s go for 31 days without alcohol.
Still, for some, it may seem daunting, if not downright impossible. But don’t worry, there are solutions to help you get to the end of your challenge :
- follow the hashtags #dryjanuary and # ledéfidejanvier on social media to connect with other participants and support each other.
- Download thedry january app : Try dry. Currently only in English, it provides tips, of the motivation and allows to track savings and theimproved health individually.
- Finally, sign up for the newsletter of dry January France for daily tips and encouragement during your dry January 2020.
So, do you want to participate? Are you up for the dry January challenge?
–
