Going Dry this January? Stay Spirited with this Survival Guide

by Art Mukhari | Jan 2, 2024 | Food & Nutrition

Every year, millions of people participate in a dry January, following the overindulgence of the festive season, with personal resolutions to encourage healthy habits.

Whatever the reason, participating in Dry January can promote longer-term lifestyle changes that are remarkably good for your health and well-being.

There are some remarkable benefits to giving up booze for a month including better sleep and mood, weight loss, brighter skin and an improved immune system.

What is Dry January?

‘Dry January’ is a time when you voluntarily stop drinking alcohol for an entire month–usually as part of a dry month challenge, for charity campaigns, or as a personal resolution to stay off the giggle juice for a while.

A dry January can be sensationally good for your health, with many short and long-term health benefits gained by participating.

Should you participate?

If you’re wondering if you should face the world without booze, there are many compelling health reasons to give it a go. Plus, it’s a great way to moderate consumption without feeling overwhelmed by the thought of skipping alcohol forever.

Participating in a dry January or a dry month challenge is a self-diagnosis–perhaps you feel like you’re drinking a little too much lately or have started developing an unhealthy routine – but you should speak with your health professional if you’re highly dependent on alcohol.

Tips for surviving Dry January

Make goals (and tell your friends about them):

Setting realistic expectations and goals is a no-brainer and it’s often easier said than done. Try writing them down in a journal or using post-it notes to remind yourself of your intentions. If you’re facing a challenging moment, a journal with all your goals can be a wonderful reminder of how you felt a few days or weeks ago, how your health has changed since ditching alcohol, and what you really want when you have no urge to drink. Document everything; your skin, mood, energy, and sleep, and tick off each goal you achieve.

Make your goals known to friends and family for an invaluable support system that’ll help keep you on track.

Shake up your routine and find a substitute:

Substitute your favourite drink with a low or no-alcohol alternative. The Lyre’s range of premium non-alcoholic spirits are low in sugar, low in calories, vegan friendly and alcohol-free, so you can sip all your favourite tipples in style at home or out and about every day of the week.

Drinking alcohol is often set off by environmental triggers, routines, and habits, and shaking up your way–even if it’s just a small change like a substitute can help you get through the month a little easier. You might even find you prefer your replacement! The Lyre’s range of non-alcoholic spirits is impossibly crafted to perfection, and by making it a Lyre’s you can recreate over 90% of the world’s most cherished cocktails alcohol-free.

Ensure your drink stays dry but your life doesn’t with these delicious cocktails or find a local bar or restaurant serving up the world’s most awarded Lyre’s non-alcoholic cocktails with this nifty booze free city guide.

Here are a few recipes to try this Dry January:

Lyre’s Penicillin

A modern classic with warm, soothing flavours of honey, citrus, ginger, and Lyre’s American Malt. Best served in an old-fashioned glass with fresh cubed ice and ginger to garnish.

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