Did you know that over 100,000 people take part in Dry January each year? Ok, but what is Dry January you ask? It is a popular annual event in which people give up drinking alcohol for the entire month. This is an opportunity to offer your body and mind a chance to reset and reflect after the seasonal bloat.
If you're considering giving it a shot, congratulations! Taking a break from alcohol can have numerous benefits for your physical and mental health, as well as your wallet.
And beyond just January, there is a growing sober movement in general, especially within Gen Z. Google research found that 41% of Gen Z tends to link drinking and alcohol with “vulnerability,” “anxiety” and “abuse,” from their findings on the subject in 2019.
This shift is particularly relevant to us at Shimmer because we witnessed many times a gap in the market for the growing demographic of folks who don't want to drink alcohol, and might not be that into smoking/ingesting weed either. Sobriety is often stigmatized amongst peers, or can be difficult in social situations, and this is what inspired us to create a delicious middle ground option. Enter: Full Spectrum CBD Seltzer that utilizes the whole range of hemp cannabinoids and terpenes. 🥂
So, on that note, if you're interested in sobriety or just want to give it a go and see how you feel, here are five Dry January tips to help you make the most of your experience:
1. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is key to successfully participating in Dry January 2023. One important aspect of this is having non-alcoholic drink options readily available. This might include:
- Flavored sparkling water
- Juice
- Herbal tea, or coffee
- Hemp seltzer or Hemp infused seltzer
- Mocktail recipes
- Hemp Beverages
By keeping these options on hand, you'll be less likely to reach for an alcoholic beverage when you're feeling thirsty or in social situations where alcohol is often consumed.
It can also be helpful to plan out specific situations or events where you know you'll be tempted to drink and come up with strategies for how to navigate them. For example, if you often have a drink while watching TV at night, consider finding a new bedtime routine or finding a non-alcoholic drink to enjoy instead, such as a hemp beverage. (fun fact: Co-Founder Josh’s favorite Shimmer flavor is Razz Lime).
2. Set a Goal
Setting a goal for your Dry January experience can help you stay motivated and focused on what you're trying to achieve. Some people choose to participate in Dry January to improve their health, such as by reducing their risk of developing alcohol-related diseases, improving their sleep quality, or reaching a fitness goal. Or you may have been hit with a lot of published research last year on the topic that has scared you sh*tless, such as this article in Science Daily, where “research reveals cardiovascular risk of consuming small quantities of alcohol.” What? Even my one glass of wine per day is hurting me? 😭
Others may be motivated by financial considerations, such as wanting to save money or reduce their overall spending on alcohol. It's important to identify your own personal reason for participating in Dry January and make it your main focus. This will help you stay motivated when you're faced with challenges or temptations to drink (and as we all know, you will be).
In addition to setting the main goal, it can also be helpful to set smaller, achievable goals along the way. For example, you might set a goal to make it through the first week without any alcohol or to try at least three CBD cocktail drink recipes during the month. These smaller goals can help keep you on track and give you a sense of accomplishment as you progress through the month. Agile Coach Linda OBrien published an article on Linkedin a few years back about the power of setting small goals to reach larger aspirations and has some awesome advice and tool recommendations if you’re interested.
3. Find Support
Finding support is a crucial aspect of successfully participating in Dry January. Telling your friends and family about your plans and asking for their support can be a big help. They can offer encouragement and accountability and may be able to provide alternative activities or suggestions for non-alcoholic drinks.
In addition to seeking support from people you know (or as an alternative), there are also many online resources and communities available for those participating in Dry January. You might consider joining a Dry January challenge or finding a support group online. These can be great sources of motivation and encouragement, and can also provide a sense of community and belonging.
Remember, you don't have to go through Dry January alone. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can make a big difference in your success. Better yet, find ways you can support each other with activities like making mocktails together. Shimmerwood has a Mixology Box that gives you everything you need to make truly unique CBD-infused mocktails, more info down below.
4. Get Creative
One way to make participating in Dry January more enjoyable is to get creative and try out some full-spectrum CBD-infused beverages.
Dry January doesn’t mean you have to hide away and can’t socialize with your friends like you normally do. There are many non-alcoholic drink options available, and experimenting with different flavors and ingredients can be a fun way to mix things up. You might try making your own flavored sparkling water, creating mocktails with fruit juices and sparkling water, or brewing different types of herbal teas. There are also many non-alcoholic beers, wines, and cocktails available that can be a good alternative to their alcoholic counterparts.
In addition to trying new drinks, you might also consider finding a new hobby or activity to do instead of drinking. This could be something physical, like going for a walk or taking a yoga class, or something more relaxing, like reading a book or taking a bubble bath. The key is to find something that you enjoy and that helps you feel good about yourself.
5. Be Kind to Yourself:
It's okay if you slip up or have a tough day. Remember that Dry January is about making positive changes and improving your overall well-being, not about being perfect. If you do have a drink, don't let it derail your entire month.
Just get back on track and keep working towards your goal. It's important to be kind to yourself when participating in Dry January. Remember that this is a journey and it's okay if you have a tough day or if you slip up and have a drink.
Don't let one setback derail your entire month. Just get back on track and keep working towards your goal. It's also important to remember that Dry January is about making positive changes and improving your overall well-being, not about being perfect.
Don't put too much pressure on yourself or expect to see dramatic changes overnight. It's okay to take things one day at a time and focus on small, achievable goals. It's also important to be mindful of your self-care during Dry January.
Be sure to get enough sleep, eat well, and make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Taking care of yourself can help you feel better overall and make it easier to stick to your Dry January commitment.
Dry January Benefits
There are numerous potential benefits to participating in Dry January. Here are a few examples:
Improved Health
Abstaining from alcohol for a month can have numerous positive impacts on your health. It can help reduce your risk of developing alcohol-related diseases such as liver cirrhosis and certain types of cancer. It can also improve your sleep quality and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Increased Energy
Alcohol is a depressant that can make you feel tired and sluggish. Taking a break from it can lead to increased energy levels and improved productivity.
Better Mental Health
Alcohol can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression and can interfere with your ability to cope with stress. Taking a break from alcohol can help improve your mental health and overall well-being.
Increased Savings
Alcohol can be expensive, especially if you're drinking it often. Taking a break from it can save you money and allow you to redirect those funds toward other goals or activities.
Take our Dry January Advice
If you're looking for a non-alcoholic drink option to help you stay on track, consider trying CBD drinks. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis that has a number of potential health benefits. CBD drinks are a convenient way to consume CBD and are a great alternative to alcohol.
You can find CBD drinks at Shimmerwood Beverages. We have a variety of flavors to choose from, using premium ingredients like cocktail bitters and real fruit, think of it as a mocktail in a can!. You can easily purchase them online here. Give CBD drinks a try and see how they can help support your Dry January goals. In honor of Dry January, Shimmerwood is offering 20% off our Mixology Box along with free shipping, where you can make mocktails right out of the box. Simply add the Mixology Box to your cart and use promo code DRYJAN20 at checkout.
We’d love to hear from you about your experience! Contact us via this form or DM us on Instagram at @shimmerbevs.