Thank God It's Friday: Navigating the First Dry Weekend of January with Ease and Fun
Welcome to the first Friday of January, often marked by the popular wellness trend: Dry January. This initiative involves abstaining from alcohol for the entire month, offering a refreshing start to the new year and a break for your body after the festive indulgences. But what do you do on a weekend, especially a Friday, when you’re used to unwinding with a drink in hand? Fear not, as there are countless enjoyable ways to spend your dry weekends.
First, I feel the need to back up a minute, to explain...what is dry January, and why you might want to try dry January....
What is Dry January?
Originating as a public health campaign, Dry January encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the first month of the year. This period of abstinence can offer a multitude of health benefits and provide insights into the role alcohol plays in your life.
Why Participate in Dry January?
The motivations for participating in Dry January vary. For some, it's a way to start the new year on a healthier note, while for others, it's about examining their alcohol consumption patterns. It also serves as a challenge to break free from any dependency on alcohol for socializing or stress relief.
The Effects of Alcohol on Your Body and Daily Life:
Short-Term Effects:
Immediate impacts include impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and mood changes. Excessive drinking can lead to hangovers, which affect productivity and mental clarity.
Chronic alcohol use can lead to serious health issues like liver disease, heart problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers. It also affects mental health, contributing to conditions like depression and anxiety.
Regular alcohol consumption can affect your daily life, impacting your work, relationships, and social interactions. It can also lead to dependency, where alcohol becomes a central part of your routine.
Benefits of Not Drinking:
Participating in Dry January and reducing alcohol intake can offer numerous benefits:
Improved Physical Health:
Noticeable improvements include better hydration, healthier liver function, and a lower risk of alcohol-related health issues.
Abstaining from alcohol can lead to clearer thinking, improved mood, and better sleep patterns. It also helps in managing stress and anxiety more effectively.
Alcohol is high in calories. Cutting it out can aid in weight loss or prevent weight gain.
Reducing alcohol consumption can lead to significant financial savings.
The challenge helps participants understand their relationship with alcohol and can lead to healthier drinking habits in the long term.
Dry January presents an opportunity to reset both physically and mentally. It's not just about cutting out alcohol for a month but about gaining insights into its effects on your health and daily life. Whether it's to improve health, save money, or challenge yourself, participating in Dry January can be a rewarding and eye-opening experience.
Now for the tips!
Here are 10 tips for a fulfilling and fun Dry January Friday and weekend.
1. Host a Mocktail Evening:
Just because you're skipping alcohol doesn't mean you can't enjoy a fancy drink. Experiment with mocktail recipes and invite friends over for a sober mixology night.
2. Plan a Movie Marathon or Game Night:
Organize a cozy movie night or a competitive game night with friends or family. It's a great way to have fun and bond without the need for alcohol.
3. Explore the Great Outdoors:
Take advantage of the weekend to reconnect with nature. Go for a hike, a bike ride, or a stroll in the park. The fresh air and physical activity are excellent for your wellbeing.
4. Dive into a New Book or Podcast:
Use the quiet time to start reading a new book or binge-listen to a podcast series. It's a wonderful way to relax and expand your knowledge or entertainment horizons.
5. Try Out a New Recipe or Restaurant:
Food can be incredibly exciting on its own. Test out a new recipe at home or visit a restaurant you've been meaning to try. Focus on the flavors and the experience of dining without alcohol.
6. Attend a Workshop or Class:
Use your free time to learn something new. Whether it's a cooking class, a dance lesson, or a pottery workshop, engaging in a new activity can be incredibly fulfilling. Not able to physically go somewhere for a class? There are so many online!! The things you can learn for free or minimal dollars online these days is amazing!! Check out Try Future Learn (click here for link!). I have not personally had a chance to try this platform yet but they have everything! From Baking, to cooking, to fashion design, to productivity, writing, and professional skills, you will not be bored with the endless offerings!
7. Indulge in Self-Care:
Treat yourself to some self-care activities. Have a spa day at home, do some yoga, meditate, or simply take a long bath. It's all about rejuvenating and taking care of yourself. Try our Neo Restore Mask for a quick self care that goes a long way!
8. Try a New Hobby:
Always wanted to try pottery? Maybe professional photography? Or maybe you secretly want to learn to ballroom dance, sing, speak a new language, train for a marathon, learn to blog, or hike, or maybe even play an instrument.
You will have more time (because lets face it when you drink you wake up later, you stay out later- but not doing anything productive, you spend more time in bed or lounging after drinking)
You will have more money (See below!)
Did you know!!
If you have three drinks a day (those glasses of wine after work quickly add up!!), five days a week, at an average of $10 a pop, you're spending about $150 a week, $650 a month or $7,800 a year just on alcohol.
Maybe you only drink on the weekend (Friday and Saturday). You go out for drinks- each are $14 dollars (+/- tip) a drink you have 3 on Friday, 3 on Saturday, and and two glasses of wine on Sunday ($7 each), that is roughly $100 a week, $400 a month, and $4800 a year.
9. Plan a Day Trip:
Embark on a short day trip to a nearby town or attraction. Exploring new places can be a thrilling way to spend your weekend.
If you live in Virginia try:
Visited all of these places before? You probably had a drink....try these trips sober!!
10. Start a DIY Project:
Engage in a creative DIY project at home. Whether it’s redecorating a room, crafting, or gardening, working with your hands can be a great way to pass the time productively.
Personally speaking, I love a good home project, like no project is too small or too big in my opinion. Give me a skid steer, an excavator, a tractor, a saw, hammer, wood, paint, nails, drywall, electrical work, landscaping, staining, a trip to lowes... I am in heaven. I LOVE IT ALL.
My plug for DIY Home projects (I have a LOT of experience in home project- so speaking from experience!!!) BE CAREFUL. You don't know what you don't know. Tools can be very dangerous if not used correctly or put away/stored properly. Do projects with a friend that wont be distracting but can be helpful if you get in a pinch.
If you have small children, dogs etc. be mindful of project "sites", tools lying around, small nails, shards of material, and other considerations that might make this DIY project turn into a DIY Disaster! Ask for help, do your research, and be smart!!
Overall Dry January
Dry January doesn't have to be dull. In fact, it can open up a world of activities and hobbies you might not have considered before. The key is to shift your focus from what you're missing out on to what new experiences you can gain. This first dry Friday of January is the perfect opportunity to start exploring these avenues and enjoying your weekends in a fresh, sober way.
Final Thought:
Remember, Dry January is not just about abstaining from alcohol; it’s about resetting and discovering new ways to enjoy life. Embrace this challenge with an open mind, and you might just find some activities that will stick with you long after January has ended.
As we progress through January, consider the positive changes that come with reduced alcohol consumption. This period of abstinence can be the start of a healthier, more mindful approach to alcohol, leading to lasting benefits well beyond the month.
Here’s to a fun, fulfilling, and dry weekend!