Dry January has a reputation. Grey days, early nights, and a month of feeling sorry for yourself with a herbal tea.
It doesn't have to be like that. Here's how to do it without being miserable. You might even enjoy it. Steady on.
Plan for the danger zones
Nobody craves a pint at 10am on a Tuesday. Well, nobody I'd trust with a car. We crave it at certain times. Friday night. After a rubbish day. When the match is on and your team is losing again.
Work out your danger zones and plan something for each one. A film. A curry. A long bath. Something good and cold in your favourite glass.
Keep the ritual
It's rarely the alcohol you miss. It's the moment. The crack of a can, the clink of a glass, the sigh as you sit down.
So keep the moment. Change the drink. A cold Athletic Upside Dawn after work. A glass of Noughty's organic red with a stew. Same sigh, better morning.
Get out of the house
January is dark, but it's not all bad. Walks, gigs, the cinema. Just don't go too far. People who start with a January walk have a habit of ending up doing five-hour runs by March. They swapped hangovers for hamstrings. You'll never see them at Sunday lunch again. Still out the game.
Tell people (or don't)
Some people find it helps to tell their mates. Others just order an alcohol-free beer and say nothing. Both are fine. You don't owe anyone a TED Talk about your liver.
A word from your host
I tell people to “be like Kev, not Gwyneth” with a completely straight face. By which I mean: look after yourself, have a laugh, and don't spend a fortune on wellness gadgets you'll use twice. That's the whole philosophy. Dry January is a great place to start.
The deal bit
Mix any 6 drinks and get 5% off, up to 15% for 24. Stock up on the 1st and future you will be grateful on the 17th. Head to our Dry January guide for everything else.
The serious bit
Dry January is run by the charity Alcohol Change UK, who have free tools to help. Their research found even people who don't manage the full month still report benefits, like feeling more in control. And if you drink heavily every day, speak to your GP before you stop.
