The Benefits of a Dry January
Committing to a Dry January means abstaining from alcohol for the entire month. Alcohol Change UK, a charity working to reduce the harm caused by alcohol, has been campaigning to encourage “Dry January” since 2013.
Participating in the initiative is a great way to kick off a healthier lifestyle in 2024. The following are some benefits of a month of alcohol abstinence:
- Better sleep—According to Alcohol Change UK, 71% of people had better sleep by cutting out alcohol for a month, and 67% said they had more energy.
- Weight loss—Alcohol is high in empty calories, and many Dry January participants lose a few pounds when they abstain.
- A sense of accomplishment – Simply achieving something you found difficult can help boost confidence and well-being.
Drinking less alcohol can have great benefits for your health, including a stronger immune system, reduced stress and a healthy, functioning liver. Alcohol also impacts blood pressure.
Tips to Stay on Track
The following tips may be helpful for participants undertaking a sober journey:
- Tell people you trust about your Dry January goals. Not only could this inspire others to join the challenge, but they can check in and keep you accountable.
- Find alternative activities. Dry January offers a chance to discover healthy substitutes for drinking. Pick up a sport, go to the gym, take a class or attend events where alcohol is not the focus.
- Use a sobriety app to track your non-drinking days. TryDry is the official Dry January app and offers unique features, such as a planned drinking component and custom goals.
- Check in with yourself regularly. Keep a journal and write down a few sentences every night about how the day went. Acknowledge any triggers that may have made you want to drink and describe what you did instead.
Challenging yourself to a Dry January can help provide insight into your drinking habits. If abstinence ends up being a struggle, you may need to reassess your relationship with alcohol. Speak to your doctor if your alcohol consumption is impacting your health.
Prioritise Self-Care in 2024
Modern life is hectic and demanding, and practising self-care is essential for your physical and mental health. Self-care can help you manage stress, lower the risk of illness, and increase energy so you can be well, do your job and take care of others.
Here are some ways you can make sure you prioritise self-care in the upcoming year:
- Schedule time for yourself just as you would a meeting or appointment.
- Turn off your mobile and give yourself a technology break each day.
- Improve sleep hygiene by establishing a bedtime routine and sticking to it seven days a week.
- Get outside and enjoy the fresh air as often as you can.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients
300g dried spaghetti (but any pasta shape is fine)
4 slices lean back-bacon rashers, cut into pieces
5 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped
150g lower-fat soft cheese with garlic and herbs
1 egg
150ml semi-skimmed milk
40g reduced-fat hard cheese, finely grated
1 tsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 pinch ground black pepper
Method
- Bring a large saucepan of water to boil. Add the pasta and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, according to packet instructions.
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the bacon and spring onions, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat.
- Beat the soft cheese and egg together in a mixing bowl, then stir in the cooked bacon and spring onions. Add the milk, half the hard cheese and the parsley. Season with pepper.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the saucepan. Add the egg mixture and heat gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Serve sprinkled with the remaining hard cheese.
Nutritional Information
(per serving)
Kcal 409
Saturated fat 4g
Protein 26.5g
Salt 01.7g
Carbohydrate 61g
Dietary fibre 2.6g
Source: NHS
