Every year, Dry January becomes more common and since I now have some *experience* being sober I’d love to share some tips for anyone who is trying it out. Below are 5 tips to a successful Dry January, links for more sobriety reads and information on some sober groups I recommend!
Set an intention
Your intention can be literally anything. It can be for your health, because your friends are doing it, an excuse to not go out in the freezing cold weather that is January. Big or small, have something you can go back to in your head when you’re tempted to drink. This way, you can fully commit to it in a meaningful way.
Find a community
Johann Hari is credited with the phrase “the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety, it’s connection.” So much of what you gain from not drinking is connection and community. If you start Dry January with friends, you will strengthen those relationships while you figure out what to do on Friday nights and when you FaceTime for hours to distract yourself from wanting to drink a bottle of wine on a random Wednesday. I was shocked how much closer I felt to my life-long friends within the first month of not drinking.
If none of your friends are trying Dry January, have people you can talk about your experience even if they’re not participating. Tell your friends and family your plan, and talk to them about it throughout the month! If you want to take it a step further, join a sober or sober-curious group. There are so many alternatives to AA and typical addiction programs and I’ve found they are super welcoming and inspiring. I randomly found the group I’m in on Instagram (details below) and they have turned into real-life friends!
Learn about sobriety
My favorite thing to do when I first stopped drinking was reading about the benefits of taking a break from alcohol. I talk more about this in older posts linked below so I won’t go on forever, but it is so helpful to read about and again, community (!!!). Opening yourself up to people who have committed their lives to sobriety helps to remind you your Dry January or sobriety is important, especially during a real cultural moment where people are truly taking a step back and practicing mindfulness around alcohol.
Try something new
You’ll probably be surprised at how much time you suddenly have when you first stop drinking. You will gain literal hours of your life when you’re not nursing a hangover or out drinking. It’s a perfect time to try a hobby you’ve always wanted to do. Maybe it’s a workout class, painting, journaling, training for a 5K. I literally tried so many random things in the early months of my sobriety. Lean into it – trying new things is FUN!
Be observant!!
One thing I can promise you is that by the end of the month, you will feel better. Whether you want to admit it or not – you will be refreshed and rested. Your body and mind will love you!! Take note of what feels better. It’s hard to not drink for a month, take these improvements as little victories. It can be your encouragement throughout the month. Plus, once you do dry January you can literally brag about it for the rest of the year.
Read More:
Groups + People to Follow:
Laura McKowen, The Luckiest Club
Stephanie Still, Young and Sober (this is the group I’m in hehe)