Student Engagement Ambassador, Adeorite, discusses the benefits of Dry January and offers some suggestions of how you can participate in Dry January.
Europe and the United States both participate in Dry January, a public health initiative that encourages people to abstain from alcoholic beverages for the entire month of January.
It’s common for people to drink as a means to unwind or have fun. But this can prevent us from finding new methods to have fun and spend meaningful time with our loved ones. Therefore, Dry January is an excellent time to discover new pastimes and interests that don’t require the consumption of alcoholic beverages to be enjoyable.There are numerous advantages to abstaining from alcohol for a long length of time. Some of the benefits of quitting drinking include improved mental health, more restful sleep, stronger immunity, and a greater understanding of the effects alcohol has on your body and mind. This month, there are a plethora of alternatives to heading out for a night of drinking.
The following are some examples: –
- The first step is to take a risk. Any activity, from skydiving to attending an event by yourself, could be considered, because when we’re uncomfortable, we grow.
- Join a fitness club or gym near you. This is a way to start new behaviours in January that could endure throughout the year (or possible a lifetime).
- Discovering a new interest or pastime. Join as many student organisations as possible. Even more so now that we are returning to face-to-face classes at the University. This is a great opportunity for you to learn new skills and meet new people while you’re still on campus.
- Make a list of what you want to accomplish this year and steps you want to take this year to accomplish them.
- Start drawing or go to painting classes or workshops.
Tips on how to get through Dry January:
- Tell your friends and family that you are partaking in the challenge. This way, not only will they be supportive of you, but there would be no pressure or invitations to events where drinking is the main prerogative.
- Make a list of what you want to achieve in the month of January, so you have goals to meet, which you can tick off as you accomplish them.
- Avoid being hit by a trigger. It is possible that there are certain places or people that make you want to drink. Avoid these triggers whenever feasible if you can.
By Adeorite Adele-Adewole