Are you planning to dry in January? Here's how to increase your chances of success

A little preparation goes very far.


Depending on where you live, January can be snowy, rainy or sweet. But "Dry January" has nothing to do with time. It is rather a challenge started by the change of alcohol in the United Kingdom in 2013 which recognizes the Many dangers for health to drink alcohol and has an opportunity for people to Stop drinking for a month .

"There are many reasons why it may be advantageous to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption," advises Taylor Remington , founder and CEO of Impact recovery center . Remington notes that drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis can have serious health repercussions. Even a small amount of alcohol can increase your risk of heart disease and different Types of cancer , among other diseases.

You can also just try to leave alcohol after all foods, alcohol consumption and the rejoicing for the holiday season. Whatever your motivation, January dry can change the situation. Read the rest to know how to make yours a success.

Read this then: If this happens when you drink alcohol, it may be time to stop .

Set goals and write about them.

Person writing in a journal.
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Remington recommends not only to set a goal during the dry, but to be realistic on this subject. "Some people may want to dry in January for a full month, while others can only target two weeks or a few days," he said. "Choose a realistic lens and don't fight if you don't." AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

You can also move your concentration and look into the Health benefits Dry January by making a list of all the things that can be accomplished by reducing the alcohol of your life - and by marking on this subject, which has its own advantages. Holding a newspaper is a great way to help reduce your stress levels and can also lead to An improved mood , lower blood pressure and greater well-being, explains Healthline. Studies have also shown that journalization when you stop drinking can help you with the process.

"Make a list of reasons for Make alcohol consumption - As feeling healthier, sleeping better or improving your relationships - can motivate you, "notes Harvard Health.

Strategies and plan in advance.

A group of friends meeting in the park.
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Planning in advance is a great way to get ahead of potentially difficult situations. Remington recommends having a strategy for scenarios that could give you the impression of drinking. "For example, if you usually socialize in bars or restaurants where alcohol is present, plan an alternative activity like going to the cinema or meet friends In a park to chat instead of drinking. ""

Another way to plan in advance is to proactively incorporate new hobbies and habits into your life. "Find activities that can help you take care of and distract yourself," said Remington. "Many people find that join a new fitness lesson or picking up a hobby They like them to stay focused and motivated in January dry January. ""

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Ask for support.

Two men talking outside while exercising.
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It is more than correct to ask for help when you try to cut alcohol in your life, but keep in mind that support is in many forms. "This does not mean that you have to go to Anonymous alcoholics , " George KOOB , PHD, director of the National Institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism ( Niaaa ), says Healthline. "You can find this kind of social affirmation in many different ways . "The simple fact of sharing your participation in the dry January, as well as your hopes to succeed in the challenge, can be useful.

"By making your objectives public to friends and family You also open a communication and support channel that is invaluable, "explains Healthline, who suggests asking your support network if they want to try to do dry January with you. Some of them can also be inspired for Accept the challenge.

Choose your replacement drinks carefully.

Woman drinking glass of water.
Elenaleonova / Istock

Abandoning alcohol does not give you a pass to give you other potentially unhealthy habits. Do not replace carbonated drinks with cocktails, for example, because soda can have its own negative effects - studies show that it can risk liver disease.

In fact, drinking soda can cancel some of the dry January's advantages. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that sugary drinks (This includes soda and "fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweet waters and coffee and tea drinks with added sugars", warns the site) can lead to conditions such as weight gain, Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, gout, and kidney disease.

Do you plan to replace soda with dietary soda? Discuss again: Diet Soda was Linked to dementia . Instead, try some nourishing alternatives This will not cause the problems you are looking to solve when leaving alcohol.


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