🎉 Kick-Start 2026 with Dry January – But Here’s a Catch! 🥂
Thousands are diving into Dry January, picking a month off from alcohol to recharge after the holiday frenzy. It’s a fantastic way to feel more energetic and sharpen your health for the year ahead. But wait, don’t treat it like a crash diet! 🚫🥤
Dr Alasdair Scott warns that a one-month pause isn’t enough if you go back to old habits in February. Sure, you’ll feel fresher, but to truly benefit, think long-term. 💪
Rather than quitting cold turkey, why not gradually reduce your intake each week? Dr Scott points out that someone sticking to the max recommended 14 units (about 7 drinks) weekly could down 728 units in a year. If you cut down to just 10 units weekly, you’ll hit only 520 units over the year – a significant win! 🏆📉
How about trying the ’20-minute rule’ during social gatherings too? After finishing a drink, wait 20 minutes before reaching for the next. This pause might reveal that you’ve already had enough, helping you drink less effortlessly. 🍸⏳
Dr Richard Piper from Alcohol Change UK joins in, saying Dry January is a smart way to reset your alcohol habits rather than a quick detox. This isn’t about forever swearing off alcohol; it’s about making lasting changes, whether that’s drinking less or staying dry a bit longer. 🕊️🥂
With over 15.5 million Brits planning an alcohol-free start of the year, this trend is gaining steam. Many who join via Alcohol Change UK’s challenge tools like the Try Dry app find they’re twice as likely to complete their dry month and carry the benefits forward. 📱🏆
So, join in, take a break, and see if a little reset can ignite healthier habits for 2026! 🥳✨