In this week’s least surprising news, a survey by Volvic Touch of Fruit has revealed that around half of those attempting Dry January will throw in the towel this week. So, if you are beginning to wobble, here are three easy ways to stay on the wagon this month.
Simple switches
There’s never been a better time to be teetotal with the NoLo (no and low alcohol) drinks market exploding in the last few years. Supermarket shelves are positively heaving with alcohol-free alternatives. But, if you are keen to kick the habit of popping a cork or cracking a beer at “wine o’clock” you need a new ritual. Step up the healthy infusion.
Replacing your usual tipple with an aromatic blend of fruits and spices steeped in boiling water is exactly the kind of positive change that will harden your resolve to stay dry. Here are a few to try:
- Lemon, ginger and star anise. Place a 5cm piece of sliced ginger, two slices of lemon and one star anise in a mug of boiling water. Leave to infuse for five minutes.
- Mint and lemongrass. Bruise two stalks of lemongrass with a rolling pin and place in a mug. Add a small handful of picked mint leaves and one tsp of honey. Top with boiling water and allow to steep for five minutes
- Camomile and cinnamon. Make up a mug of camomile tea from a teabag, pop in a stick of cinnamon and add honey to taste.
Conquer the cravings
Apparently, food (or in this case drink) cravings only last for 10 minutes. Forewarned is forearmed so when temptation hits be ready to distract yourself with another activity, preferably one that involves using your hands so you don’t instinctively reach for the wine bottle.
It might sound dull but it’s an ideal opportunity to get on with a few household chores. Laundry folding, ironing, changing the beds or putting out the bins should tide you over until the urge to imbibe passes. If you can’t face doing jobs then rolling out a yoga mat, going for a walk in the fresh air, phoning a friend or reading a book are all great ways to ride it out. Just try and resist the urge to scroll on your phone as this rarely induces feelings of wellbeing.
Buddy up
Chances are that you are not the only person you know attempting Dry January and there is definitely strength in numbers when it comes to habit-breaking. Set up a group chat where you can share tips or tricks that you’ve found helpful, perhaps there’s a special offer on alcohol-free Prosecco at the supermarket or you’ve found a meditation app that is a great option for distraction at the witching hour. Just knowing someone else is persevering might just give you the resolve to make it through to the end, and who knows, perhaps even beyond.
