After the holidays and the nasty New Year’s Day hangover that makes some of us question every life decision we’ve ever made, a month-long detox from alcohol might be exactly what our bodies need.
Dry January isn’t for the weak—especially at Queen’s. For participants, the goal is clear: abstaining from all forms of alcohol for the full 31 days of January.
Staying sober for the entire month is much easier said than done. For many young adults— and university students in particular—many social activities are centred around the presence of alcohol. Beyond nights out on the weekend, every weekday in Kingston seems inundated with an alcohol-infused event—whether that’s Dollar Beers at Trinity Social, Ritual at Clark Hall Pub, or good ol’ Tumble Tuesday at Ale.
Though you don’t have to be intoxicated to have a good time, it’s easy to feel pressure to have a drink in hand. This cocktail of compulsion and temptation is what discourages many of us from partaking in a sober month. However, if you feel like ditching the booze this month, here’s a brief guide to thriving this Dry January.
Start by finding a substitute drink. Wellness culture has birthed a fantastic array of non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails that have secured a place in the market beyond the month of January. These substitutes not only cater to your taste buds but provide a socially inclusive experience.
Whether you’re at a party or simply winding down after a long day, the growing selection of non-alcoholic drinks ensure you can enjoy the ritual of raising a glass without the need for alcohol. Believe me when I say your future self will thank you.
It can also be beneficial to establish a team and encourage your friends and family to actively participate in your sober journey. Share your goals and aspirations with them and enlist their assistance in keeping you able and booze-free. You may even consider going a step further and finding a companion who is willing to take on the challenge alongside you. By having a shared experience, you can create a sense of camaraderie providing mutual encouragement and motivation.
After establishing a partner for the month, try incorporating sober activities in your social calendar. Whether it’s organizing a game night with friends, attending a fitness class at the ARC, or enjoying the skating rink downtown, ensure your calendar is full of strategic events that don’t revolve around alcohol. This intentional approach not only helps fill the social void left in the absence of alcohol, but also creates opportunities to discover new interests and meaningful connections.
While I know it sounds cliché, don’t give up if things get more challenging than anticipated. Embrace resilience and understand setbacks are not indicative of failure. If, by chance, you find yourself slipping up and indulging in a drink, don’t let it deter your progress. Each day is an opportunity for a fresh start, and making mistakes is part of the process.
The benefits of Dry January extend beyond any initial motivations. Countless studies have proven the benefits of this month-long sober marathon, ranging from saving money, losing weight, to even lowering the risk of cancer. Many regular drinkers see improvements in their sleep and energy levels while participating, and may incentivize participants to reach for a mocktail, even after the month’s end.
The month of January is named after the Roman god Janus —the god of beginnings, transitions, time, and doorways. As the light returns after the winter solstice, it’s a perfect time to introduce a new change or challenge into our lives. Dry January is a good way to start this new year with a shift in habits and is sure to set you up for success through the rest of the academic year.
Cheers to those participating!
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