Waking up on 1 January 2020, I felt miserable, overindulged and above all hungover! With two children, and a demanding job, life was always busy. Alcohol was always my emotional crutch to get me through. A close friend had completed Dry January in 2019. At the time, I thought ‘why make a depressing month even more depressing?’ As the month went on and I saw their progress I was so envious, particularly when they completed it. The following year, I was ready to give it a shot - much to the amusement of my friends and family who had little faith in me. As the days passed, I became obsessed with tracking the changes that were being made to my body via the Try Dry app. As the wine fog lifted, I found I was sleeping better and felt healthier.
This was my fourth year of Dry January. Each year I see it as a reset. A break from the Christmas binge and a healthy kickstart to the new year. Previously, I’d survive the month by hibernating, avoiding any social settings where alcohol would be too tempting to resist. However, this year has been totally different. I’ve still lived my life, gone out, had fun, and most importantly stayed sober!
During January, I planned a 50th birthday party for a close family friend but received lots of negative comments from family keen for me to have a drink, with statements like: ‘it’s nearly the end of the month’, or ‘have an extra sober day in February, or my favourite, ‘don’t be boring!’ As the night went on, I laughed, socialised, and even danced. One of my friends approached me on the dance floor at the end of the night to say, “you had a drink then”. Oh, my pride (and slightly smug face) when I said ‘no’. It was brilliant, nearly as good as being able to get in my car at the end of the night and drive home - no waiting in the cold for a taxi for me!
This year, I’ve found there’s more availability of alcohol-free drinks (can’t recommend 0% pink gin enough) and this has helped satisfy the weekend cravings and fear of missing out. I’m feeling healthier, happier and ready for the year ahead. My decision-making at work is sharper. I’m more productive and now embrace the weekends rather than binge watching Netflix in my hungover sorry state.
As sad as it sounds, I love looking at my Try Dry calendar filled with teacups, scrolling back to the previous years and reminding myself it is possible and I can do it. Normally, I’m willing 00:01 to arrive on 1st February. But this year, I’m not even sure when I’ll next have a drink. I can’t ever see myself becoming completely teetotal, as I do enjoy a glass of wine. But who knows. Hopefully, 2023 will be the year I learn the art of moderation! Whatever the year brings, I know I’ll be part of Dry January 2024, ready to embrace my 5th year!
