If you've decided to take part in Cancer Research UK's Dryathlon or Alcohol Concern’s Dry January but you can feel your motivation is on the wane, we've put together 15 tips to help keep you on track throughout your alcohol abstinence!
1. If you haven’t already done so, clean out those cupboards! We all like to have a clear out in the New Year anyway, so make sure you also throw or give away your left over bottles of alcohol. Out of sight, out of mind.
2. Re-arrange your social calendar and make sure that you make plans on weekdays rather than weekends. Knowing you have to be up early the next day for work means that you'll feel less tempted to drink, plus seeing your colleagues with sore heads the next day will let you know that you made the right choice.
3. Stock up on soft drinks that you like, it isn't meant to be a punishment!
4. Offer to be the designated driver on nights out. This is a double win as it will stop you from drinking and you'll win brownie points with your mates.
5. Change your habits! If you know that you always have a glass of wine when Corrie's on then change your routine. You can play a game with the family, hit the gym, or finish that book you've been reading on and off for 5 years.
6. Make a list of things that you always want to do over the next couple of weekends, but that you are usually too hungover or tired to get up and do, and actually do them.
7. It must be really nice to not wake up with that dreaded morning after fear. No more waking up and scrolling through your phone to check that you haven't drunk dialled or text your manager. Phew!
8. Keep an eye on the bank account. Have you noticed the balance is looking a bit healthier than normal? You should be on the way to saving money now that you aren't buying alcohol that is unless you hit the January Sales hard!!
9. Have you noticed you are enjoying a better night's sleep? Most alcohol contains a lot of sugar which makes it harder to snooze so don’t spoil your beauty sleep now!
10. Find out where your money goes. The main part of doing this is to raise money for your chosen charity, so why not feel inspired by visiting their site and finding out how your contribution will help.
11. Grab a non-drinking buddy. Strength in numbers!
12. If you're like us then you'll have had many, many, many mince pies (plus lots of other delicious things) over the festive period. Cutting out the alcohol will be reducing your calorie intake and help your body to recover.
13. Keep the romance alive. 42% of women said that seeing their partner drunk was a turn off, so use January as a chance to remind your other half of just how charming you are when sober.
14. It’s not too late to set yourself a January target. Take your mind off it by setting yourself a goal that you should complete by the end of the month. This could be running a certain distance, finally painting the bathroom walls, or mastering a new skill.
15. Recognise your success! You may already have had moments when you want to give up, but realise how far you've come and reward yourself.