Wellness

Dry January

It’s three weeks into Dry January… Congratulations! Or possibly you’re needing some extra encouragement after you’ve caved sometime between now and the 1st. There is no judgment either way. Whether you are participating or not, it is always good to examine your relationship with alcohol and your health as a whole for that matter. Dry January began in the United Kingdom in 2013 when the nonprofit Alcohol Change UK started a campaign to raise money for alcohol abuse and treatment. Since then it has grown into a global phenomenon.

Dry January has been said by experts to produce an abundance of health benefits, including better sleep, concentration, and digestion, lessening anxiety, lowering blood pressure, helping clear skin, and leading to weight loss. Abstaining from alcohol for a month has also been linked to lower drinking in the following six months. If you’re wondering what are some ways to set yourself up for success keep reading…

Dry January Tips

For many, social drinking can be a routine, and breaking that pattern is what is most difficult when choosing to cut alcohol out this month. If going out to dinner will tempt you to drink, don’t feel guilty about skipping it. If there are people you tend to drink with, maybe take a break from them. If you’re going to be tempted by having alcohol in your house, open or not, get rid of it. Another great option is to substitute the behavior such as swapping out the alcohol for a nonalcoholic version of the drink or planning activities that do not involve drinking (such as meeting for coffee or going to a yoga class).

Whether you are doing Dry January or even a “Damp” January where you limit the alcohol you drink, nonalcoholic alternatives can help you carry you till the end. With so many non-alcoholic options now on the market, going sober for the month (or just for tonight, until next week, or even for good) is no longer a struggle through deprivation—but rather an opportunity for discovery.

What I’m drinking this Dry January

As I write this post I’m currently taking sips of a non-alcoholic beer and find that I have the energy and concentration after an already long work day needed to string these words together since my mind is alert and clear sans alcohol. For me, alcohol has hindered me from growing my styling business and producing more blog posts in all honesty. Often I have prioritized a happy hour with friends over a self-imposed deadline for a creative project. I am writing this for motivation for myself just as much as I am for you…

Drinking in our culture has such sophistication and an air of glamour surrounding it. To help me showcase how non-alcoholic drinks can be just as charming I’ve partnered with photographer and food stylist Lauren Lear to highlight my favorite non-alcoholic drink options. The way I see it is if you’re used to the pleasure and ritual of having a drink—the experience of making it, sitting down, and enjoying it—then you should put just as much care into planning and consuming your non-alcoholic drinks.

Spritz

A spritz is synonymous with bubbles. There is the traditional and extremely popular Italian spritz made from two parts bitter aperitif, three parts sparkling white wine, and one part sparkling water. And while you can make a non-alcoholic version using a non-alcoholic aperitif, mixed with sparkling non-alcoholic wine and seltzer water, you can just as easily reach for a canned version as well. I personally like the Kin Spritz which is infused with adaptogens, nootropics, and botanics like Rhodiola Rosea, 5-HTP, and Gaba to elevate your mood, smooth out stress, and offer a boost of energy.

Kombucha

Get your bubby fix on with kombucha, either on its own or in a mocktail. The gut-healthy fermented tea comes in a wide variety of flavors and is appropriate to drink before 5 PM. My favorite is the Portland-based Root Wild Kombucha. For those who enjoy a tasting room experience, I highly recommend you check out their Washington Street location where you can sample their many flavors while enjoying time in a great space.

Seltzer

Seltzer is a refreshing bubbly drink on its own or can be used intentionally as armor in social situations when holding a seltzer with lime. My favorite is Spindrift which is sparkling water made with only real squeezed fruit. I often drink it on its own or I pour a splash over a non-alcoholic aperitif.

Non-Alcoholic Beer

Thankfully there has been a rise in non-alcoholic beers over the last decade and both non-drinkers and drinkers alike are reaching for it now. Due to beer’s relatively low alcohol content compared to wine and liquor, removing the booze or crafting them without it makes for quite a realistic tasting experience. My favorite is Busty Lush Golden Blonde Ale. This brewery is women-owned and the cans are designed by female artists.